Contracts Specialist

 

The Office of the Vice President for Research at the University of Connecticut is seeking an energetic career-minded contract administration professional to join our Contracts administration team.

Under the direction of the Director of Research Administration and Faculty Services in the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), Sponsored Program Services (SPS), the Grants & Contracts Specialist is responsible for reviewing, negotiating and processing contracts and subcontracts in support of the University’s sponsored program activity.

Characteristic duties and responsibilities include:

1. Maintains knowledge of and interprets applicable policies, statutes, regulations and procedures formulated by the University, state and federal government, granting agencies, and various private foundations and industries; maintains up-to-date reference file.
2. Reviews proposed agreements for compliance with applicable University policy, state and federal regulations including but not limited to federal acquisition regulations (FAR) clauses, export controls, intellectual property, governing law and fiscal reporting requirements in support of sponsored projects and other related agreements supporting research activities.
3. Negotiates or assists in the negotiation of agreements with corporate, non-profit and federal sponsors and drafts technical contact language covering such issues as intellectual property rights, cost-sharing, fiscal and procedural constraints and other similar matters.
4. Participates in policy and procedure discussions.
5. Prepares or assists in preparing a written award summary, when necessary, providing complete and detailed information to setup, administer, and maintain an awarded contract in compliance with University policies and contracted statutes, regulations, and procedures.
6. Performs related duties as required.

 

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and four years relevant experience OR Eight years relevant experience in a business organization or government agency; thorough knowledge of University, federal, state and private industry rules and regulations governing technical aspects of grants and contracts; ability to work well flexibly, independently and as a contributing member of a team; demonstrated superior customer service orientation; thorough knowledge of PC-based tools including Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications: Ability to write and interpret technical contract language and understand its implications; ability to effectively communicate with and serve as liaison between granting agencies, University administration and the principal investigators; J.D. or other advanced degree; direct experience negotiating contracts and agreements for sponsored projects in an institution of higher education; familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs); thorough knowledge of federal laws and regulations pertaining to grant and contract administration.

The University of Connecticut offers a comprehensive package of salary and benefits. For a full list of duties and responsibilities please refer to the position description located at https://ovpr.uconn.edu/careers/.

Applications should be submitted through the UConn Jobs website at: http://hr.uconn.edu/jobs/, and should include a cover letter and resume demonstrating how the qualifications and requirements of the position are met, and contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

For confidential inquiries or additional information please contact:

Laurie Pudlo, MPS HRM
Administrative Manager
Office of the Vice President for Research
University of Connecticut
laurie.pudlo@uconn.edu
860.486.4247

 

The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer.
The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a Land Grant and Sea Grant college and member of the Space Grant Consortium, and is ranked among the top 19 public universities in the nation according to the 2016 U.S. News and World Report.   In support of an ambitious state investment in economic development, higher education, and research, the Office of the Vice President for Research seeks highly motivated, skilled, and engaged individuals to work within an increasingly diverse and complex research environment.  

Job Description
Grants & Contracts Specialist I (UCP VI)
Contracts Specialist

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Research Administration and Faculty Services in the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), Sponsored Program Services (SPS), the Grants & Contracts Specialist is responsible for reviewing, negotiating and processing contracts and subcontracts in support of the University’s sponsored program activity.

Responsibilities

1. Maintains knowledge of and interprets applicable policies, statutes, regulations and procedures formulated by the University, state and federal government, granting agencies, and various private foundations and industries; maintains up-to-date reference file.
2. Reviews proposed agreements for compliance with applicable University policy, state and federal regulations including but not limited to federal acquisition regulations (FAR) clauses, export controls, intellectual property, governing law and fiscal reporting requirements in support of sponsored projects and other related agreements supporting research activities.
3. Negotiates or assists in the negotiation of agreements with corporate, non-profit and federal sponsors and drafts technical contact language covering such issues as intellectual property rights, cost-sharing, fiscal and procedural constraints and other similar matters.
4. Participates in policy and procedure discussions.
5. Prepares or assists in preparing a written award summary, when necessary, providing complete and detailed information to setup, administer, and maintain an awarded contract in compliance with University policies and contracted statutes, regulations, and procedures.
6. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree and four years relevant experience OR Eight years relevant experience in a business organization or government agency.
2. Thorough knowledge of University, federal, state and private industry rules and regulations governing technical aspects of grants and contracts.
3. Ability to work well flexibly, independently and as a contributing member of a team.
4. Demonstrated superior customer service orientation.
5. Thorough knowledge of PC-based tools including Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Ability to write and interpret technical contract language and understand its implications.
2. Ability to effectively communicate with and serve as liaison between granting agencies, University administration and the principal investigators.
3. J.D. or other advanced degree.
4. Direct experience negotiating contracts and agreements for sponsored projects in an institution of higher education.
5. Familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs).
6. Thorough knowledge of federal laws and regulations pertaining to grant and contract administration.