Contracts & Grants Specialist IV

Overview

This position is responsible for drafting, review and negotiation of contracts and other research-related agreements that require advanced knowledge of university policy and procedures, and state and federal regulations and law. 

Serves as primary contact for investigators and college and department research administrators in assigned Colleges and Units in all matters related to the drafting, review, interpretation, analysis, negotiation and execution of research contracts and other agreements in support of Office of Research sponsored program activities.

Advises faculty, administrators and staff in interpretation and clarification of contract terms, appropriate business unit, sponsor requirements, and applicable regulations and laws, including  restrictions and other pertinent information.

Draft agreements, as needed, for external parties to use in contracting with the university, using agreement templates and contract terms from prior, approved agreements. For all research agreements, incorporate statements of work, budgeting information, payment terms, period of performance, deliverables, and other required components and terms consistent with university policies and principal investigator needs.   Develop creative solutions to complex contract issues.

Interpret and assess contractual language regarding issues such as intellectual property rights, confidentiality, liability, indemnification, risk, publishing rights, invoice and payment terms, governing law, and confirmation of sponsor's corporate registration, and negotiate terms compliant with university policies and state law.  

Research, review, analyze, and interpret statutory and policy language, federal regulations such as FARs, DFARs, and CFRs, to ensure the application of appropriate terms for public educational institutions. Determine appropriate flow-down provisions, as needed, from pass-through entities.

Draft or review research-related contracts, and other agreements, funded and unfunded, such as research and research services and consulting, memoranda of understanding, material transfer agreements, confidentiality agreements, master agreements, cooperative research and development agreements, data use, equipment loans, proprietary information, intergovernmental personnel assignments, and other agreements.

Coordinate agreement reviews by other Office of Research components, other University units, and the Office of General Counsel. Incorporate edits as required to comply with applicable policies, regulations, and law. Conduct award negotiations with sponsoring agencies and serve as primary liaison for the University with sponsoring agencies, investigators, and other University offices. Route revisions for additional approvals, as needed; route for  signatures to execute agreements.

Ensure associated University compliance units are notified, or have approved proposed contract activities, as required, for human subjects protections, animal welfare,  biosafety, environmental health and safety, export control, facility security, and conflict of interest. 

Escalate non-standard contract terms, as needed, in accordance with approved escalation procedures.

Provide notice to Research Office award management team for the establishment of new projects; ensure all documents and information are filed for new project establishment or modifications to existing projects.

Collaborate in subaward process in accordance with internal office procedures. 

Draft, or review contract modifications received from sponsors; route for internal reviews, approvals, and signature, as needed.

Maintain ability to work independently, efficiently, and accurately, and follow through on assignments with minimal direction. Exercises a greater degree of independent judgment and problem-solving than a Contract Specialist III.

Maintain high level of service to investigators and staff in assigned units to include exceptional communication (verbal and written), interpersonal skills and professional composure in challenging situations.

Remain current with developments in University sponsored contracting and research administration through participation in professional development activities such as attendance at professional meetings, and in-house webinars and other informational sessions.

Maintain proficiency interpreting and applying federal regulations governing sponsored programs including 2 CFR 200, Federal Acquisition Regulations, standard federal research terms and conditions, and agency-specific requirements.

Assist with special initiatives and projects to include large-scale and strategic initiatives.

Assist with training and support of new staff members, including student workers. Serve as resource to Contract Specialist III. Assist in quality reviews of other Contract Specialists’ agreements.

Assist in the development and presentation of information sessions to investigators and college and department research administrators.

Maintain ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 

Serve in the place of Manager, as needed. 

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's or Master's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience.

Preferences:

Previous experience in research or contract administration, and drafting and reviewing contracts is preferred.  

Juris Doctorate (JD) preferred.

Strong interpersonal, written and verbal skills and must have the ability to work with diverse populations. 

Demonstrates excellent problem-solving skills and critical analysis abilities. 

Prefer knowledge and experience with UCF policies and procedures.

Special Conditions:

All interested applicants must apply at http://jobs.ucf.edu/cw/en-us/job/498213?lApplicationSubSourceID= to be considered.  

If you are selected as the final candidate for an employment opportunity here at UCF, both your position and salary will be significantly based upon the information that you have provided in your application for employment. We urge you to please take the time to complete the application in its entirety.

UCF is seeking to hire two (2) Contracts and Grants Specialist IV positions.

Contact Information

Company
University of Central Florida
First Name
Jennifer
Last Name
McKay
Address
Phone
407-882-0003
Contact Email
jennifer.mckay@ucf.edu
Contact URL

Background Information

Education
4-Year Degree
Years of Experience
4
Industries
  • College/University
Categories
  • Administrator or Administrative
  • Grants and Contracts
  • Sponsored Projects/Programs
Work Authorization
Authorized to work in the US
Security Clearance
None

Target Job Information

Salary
Negotiable
Job Type
  • Full Time