Senior Contracts Administration Specialist

Salary/Position Classification

• $64,800-$70,800+ Annual, Dependent on Experience, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: Yes
• Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): Yes

Purpose of Position

This position provides contract administration for sponsored research, federal contracts, service, and instructional programs in accordance with federal, state, commercial and University contractual requirements, policies and regulations. This work includes agreement drafting and negotiating of all non-financial research related agreements and coordinating for the review, negotiation, and acceptance of all research agreements with industry that contain complex or atypical intellectual property (IP) or data/materials ownership issues, terms, and conditions. This position reviews and analyzes contracts to ensure UND can meet the required specifications and that appropriate approvals and conditions are adequately addressed.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Contract Negotiation and Administration
  • Manage the review, drafting, negotiation, execution, and administration of research-related agreements and sponsored project contracts
  • Negotiates and prepares contracts for investigator-initiated studies and other sponsored projects agreements involving complex or atypical terms and conditions while ensuring compliance with Federal, State, NDUS, and institutional requirements, as well as adherence to terms and conditions of existing agreements relating to the same IP and data/materials.
  • Participates in discussions and attends meetings with Principal Investigator (PI) and internal stakeholders to help determine the relationship between the PI, the commercial entity, and UND.
• Compliance and Risk Management
  • Ensure agreements align with federal, state, institutional, and sponsor requirements, including review of intellectual property, data ownership, and regulatory considerations
  • Ensures compliance with institutional policies and federal regulations while providing guidance and support to faculty and researchers throughout the contracting process.
  • Participates in internal discussions and attends meetings with Principal Investigator (PI) to help determine the relationship between the PI, the commercial entity and UND.
  • Serves as subject matter expert for the RSPD and GCA teams in review and evaluation of grants and contracts to ensure appropriate terms and conditions are included in each document and are congruent across all documents, assists in revising language as needed.
  • Stay informed about changes in federal regulations and funding agency policies to ensure the institution's compliance and enhance its research capabilities.
• Stakeholder Consultation and Training
  • Advising faculty, administrators, and internal partners on contract requirements, participating in meetings, and providing trainings or guidance as needed
  • Provides guidance and consultation to Principal Investigators (PIs) and internal stakeholders regarding contractual relationships between the PI, commercial entities, and UND.
  • Serves as subject matter resource and consultative support for the RSPD and GCA teams by advising on grants and contract terms, regulatory conditions, and consistency of contractual language across related agreements.
  • Works with schools/departments, UND AAG, UIT, PPS/VPFO, VPAA, and VPRED to resolve problems and negotiate issues related to research related agreements.
  • Lead and participate in on-campus trainings and forums to disseminate information and guidance on contractual regulations, research administration practices, and policies to faculty and departmental administrators.
• Process Improvement and Records Management
  • Maintaining contract documentation, supporting audits, refining procedures, and improving systems related to grant administration
  • Ensure timely and efficient flow of information and file management in connection with proposals, award and other types of agreements, and grant accounts.
  • Participate in developing and refining procedures and systems in the research administration areas.
  • Maintain accurate records of all contracts and agreements to ensure proper documentation and facilitate audits and reviews
  • Monitor and analyze changes in federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and funding agency policies to identify potential impacts on institutional processes, compliance practices, and research administration operations.

Required Competencies

• Must have significant experience with MS Office applications and robust computer skills.
• Must be detail oriented and accurate.
• Must have strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and organizational skills and have demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Must be self-motivated.
• Must be able to function independently as well as part of a team.
• Must be flexible in an environment of continually changing priorities.
• Must possess propriety to handle confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Must demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills and critical analyses abilities.
Must have ability to make sound business decisions.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Legal Studies, Public Administration, Finance, or related field.
• Experience in contract preparation, negotiation, drafting or interpretation.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies and procedures.
• Submit cover letter detailing how you meet each minimum requirement, competency, and any preferred qualifications.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Legal assistant or law degree
• 2-4 years of progressively responsible experience in contract administration, research compliance, or sponsored programs; experience negotiating complex agreements involving legal, financial, or regulatory considerations.
• Knowledge of the OMB Uniform Guidance.
• Experience in a university setting.
• Knowledge of research grant and contract administration processes and practices and use of related software applications.

To Apply

Submit resume and cover letter detailing how you meet each minimum requirement, competency, and any preferred qualifications.

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