Contracts Specialist II

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants must attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application in a PDF format. Please note that the applicant tracking system does not convert attachments in Word format successfully.

Position Summary:

The Office of Sponsored Projects is responsible for assisting faculty and other researchers in the preparation and submission of research proposals and the administration of grants and contracts which are awarded to the University. The primary responsibilities of the contracts specialist within the office will be to negotiate subcontracts, professional service agreements, grant agreements, etc. with other institutions and other sources of federal funding, as well as contracts with nonprofit foundations, associations, stated and local government, and other non-industrial entities. This position provides limited delegated signing authority to endorse proposals, and execute select contracts on behalf of the university.

The responsibilities of this position will also include non-financial post award activities such as processing modifications, amendments, and extension for contracts and grants and preparing applicable close-out documents.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The contracts specialist is expected to have sophisticated knowledge of NIH and/or NSF funding mechanisms.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree

• In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted

• 2 years of research administration experience

Skills

• Knowledge of contract programs and processes

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and negotiation skills to negotiate grant and contracts, demonstrated sound decision-making ability

• Excellent interpersonal skills such as works autonomously, detailed oriented, flexible, able to work under pressure, good judgement and strong analytical skills

• Ability to organize and manage multiple proposals

• Proficient on a PC or Mac including familiarity with MS Word, MS Excel, Adobe Acrobat and email systems

Preferences:

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Pre-Award (CPRA) certification, or Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) certification.

• Five years of experience working with contracts and grants

• Experience in reviewing and negotiating agreements and contracts

• Experience in proposal submission, grant and contract negotiation, sub-award agreements, and/or research compliance (IRB, IACUC and Export Control)

• Experience working in a university environment

• Ability to navigate electronic research administration systems

• Ability to manage competing work priorities

• Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and DFARS clauses

• Working knowledge of contract language

Essential Functions:

• Review sponsored project agreements for completion, accuracy, and compliance with internal policy and external regulations

• Conduct formal solicitation of contracts by government sponsors ensuring compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Federal Acquisitions Regulations, Office of Management & Budget guidance, and other government regulations

• Accept standard contract awards on behalf of the university

• Acts on behalf of the university and serves as liaison between the faculty, sponsors, and Rice General Counsel during contract negotiation and by providing justification, documentation, and policy/guideline interpretation to stakeholders

• Prepare and negotiate select agreements for management approval

• Check contracts for special provisions

• Collect, obtain, and ensure completion of required sub recipient documentation

• Provide regular status updates to Principal Investigators, Managers and Project Administrators

• Coordinate account setup with the post-award team

• Partner with others to serve as a resource to educate units regarding institutional processes

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

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Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.