Senior Contract Manager

Overview

This position performs pre- and post-award sponsored program functions associated with the review and submission of proposals, the review and analysis of complex contractual issues including the preparation, drafting, review and negotiation of contracts and other sponsored programs agreements that require advanced knowledge of University, sponsor, and Federal regulations and policy and the post-award non-financial administration of awards. The Senior Contract Manager is responsible for quality control for their team, have signature authority on behalf of the University, and are empowered to submit proposals. Serve as lead/primary contact for selected Colleges and Units in all pre-award and and post-award matters. Assist faculty, administrators and staff in interpretation and clarification of sponsor guidelines; proposal budget review; review of required sponsor forms, assurances and certifications; collection of necessary or pertinent data, as appropriate; compilation of and review of proposal components for accuracy, consistency and compliance with sponsor guidelines. Ensure completion of appropriate internal approvals of proposals, prior to submission of proposals. Review and submits completed proposals on behalf of the University, ensuring that proposals are current, accurate and complete and in full compliance with sponsor and University policies, procedures and other requirements. Review and negotiate terms and conditions of research agreements with private, federal and state agencies. Drafts and/or reviews contracts and subawards on behalf of the university. Maintain contact with sponsors to facilitate follow through of proposals and awards, and changes/corrections to award documents, as appropriate. Fiduciary responsibility through signature authority on behalf of the University of Central Florida. Responsible for quality control for junior team members (contract managers, coordinators and specialists). Submit proposals for grants and contracts on behalf of the institution. Conduct award negotiations with sponsoring agencies and serves as primary liaison for the University with sponsoring agencies; coordinate revisions with investigators, collaborators, and agency contacts; propose alternative terms and conditions consistent with University policies and sound business practices. Coordinate General Counsel review of draft contracts and agreements and incorporate University requirements in contract negotiations; secure legal approval as required for contractual documents; sign award documents consistent with delegated authority. Ensure contract, grant, and other agreement terms are appropriate for University’s status as a public institution of higher education; ensure award terms and conditions align with University policies, statutory requirements, and federal and state regulations, as applicable; coordinate acceptance of awards containing nonstandard terms. Draft agreements and related documents, as required, to facilitate award process and respond to investigator and sponsoring agency requests. Manage post-award administration of sponsored projects, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements, University policies and procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. Oversee the establishment of new grant and contract accounts; ensure appropriate set-up and management of cost share requirements; ensure records accurately document compliance requirements and any special award terms and conditions; ensure cost share/match requirements are captured accurately. Oversee subaward process, ensuring consistency with prime award terms and conditions and university requirements; ensure that subawardees are qualified to receive University flow-through funds and that appropriate subaward monitoring measures are established for compliance with federal and University requirements; ensure that financial, cost share, technical, invention statements, close-out and other reporting requirements are met. Consult with the following UCF offices and staff regarding compliance approvals: Institutional Review Board; Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee; Environmental Health & Safety; Export Compliance; and Facility Security, as needed. Coordinate contract negotiations and new account authorizations with UCF Research Foundation, as needed. Consult with Technology Transfer on intellectual property issues, as needed. Review and approve rebudgeting requests and selected financial transactions related to contract and grant accounts; prepare and coordinate financial and other reports as required. Draft and negotiate non-funded agreements for material transfers; non-disclosures; data use; affiliation agreements; master agreements; memoranda of understanding, and other, non-standard agreements. Advise investigators and college and department research administrators on University and Sponsor requirements; interpret and communicate procedural and policy changes affecting awards; coordinate training and demonstrations to investigators and their staff on pre- and post-award issues. Responsibilities may include supervision and training of A&P, USPS, or OPS and student personnel. Other duties and special projects as assigned. Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience. Preferences: Performs related duties as required, or deemed appropriate, to the accomplishment and functions of the Office of Research & Commercialization. Strong interpersonal, written and verbal skills and should have the ability to work with diverse populations. Demonstrates excellent problem-solving skills and critical analyses abilities. Prefer knowledge and experience with UCF policies and procedures. Please apply at http://www.jobswithucf.com/postings/51498 to be considered for the position.