Office of Sponsored Programs Director - Contracts

Overview

The Wake Forest School of Medicine and Atrium Health enterprise is a top 50 national academic medical center and world class health system with an extramurally funded research portfolio of over $300M annually. We bring together high-quality health care with innovative research as an academic learning health system with the goal of improving the health of our patients and communities we serve.

The department of Research Administration is a unified research entity comprised of over 300 teammates structured to provide outstanding research administration support in all research domains (e.g. basic, clinical, population) across the enterprise. The Research Administration department supports investigators and research teams through the provision of creative tools and services while maintaining the highest standards of customer service and promoting a safe, compliant and ethical research environment.

JOB SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), Associate Vice President & Assistant Dean, this position will oversee the administration and coordination of contracts administration for the research enterprise. This includes working with non-profit and for-profit sponsors to meet all university, local, federal and sponsor guidelines, rules, policies and laws.  The Director will lead an independent team of research administrators to facilitate the day-to-day operations of contracts administration including the facilitation Federal, State, & Foundation agreements. The Director must possess and demonstrate effective administration and technical skills and exercises a wide range of independent judgment and discretion in discharging duties and responsibilities outlined. The Director will need to be knowledgeable about current federal regulations and pending changes, OMB Circulars, FAR's, Cost Accounting Standards and industry standards.

The Director has autonomous signature authority on behalf of the Associate Vice President of OSP, and the Vice President and Associate Dean, Research Administration & Operations, to approve proposals, contracts and other documents submitted to the federal government and other external sponsors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Manages the day-to-day operations and supervision of staff involved in the review and negotiation of all research related contracts with external partners, (including sponsored research agreements, subawards, confidentiality agreements, letters of indemnification, material transfer agreements, and teaming agreements).
  2. Manages distribution of work assignments, personnel mentoring, and assists in performance review and disciplinary actions.
  3. Works with the Leader to develop processes and systems such as staff cross-training activities and makes recommendations that promote and facilitate efficiencies in processing industry and for-profit contracts.
  4. Makes consistent and independent judgments and decisions regarding compliance with institutional policy, as well as federal and state regulations governing sponsored research.
  5. Provides consultation and guidance to OSP staff, investigators, research personnel, and other individuals, both internal and external, regarding fiscal, regulatory, and legal requirements and policies governing research contracts entered into by the institution.
  6. Maintains strong working knowledge of external sponsor regulations and interprets and communicates policies and procedures for institutional implementation of those regulations.
  7. Acts as liaison between the institution, departments and external federal and private funding agencies.
  8. Assists in the development and presentation of materials for educational workshops related to research administration.
  9. Oversees the preparation of various institutional reports providing information on extramural funding and contracts related activity.
  10. Analyzes requests for information related to research and develop procedures to improve institutional reporting.
  11. Collaborates with other sections in Research Administration, as well as Financial Services, Office of Technology Asset Management and Legal Department regarding the terms and conditions of research contracts for compliance risks, management of intellectual property and protection of the institution and faculty researchers.

 

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: 

  1. Bachelor's degree in a finance or a related field with a minimum of four years of relevant leadership experience required. In some circumstances may consider equivalent years of direct research administration experience in a central office or certifications relevant to the profession in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
  2. Juris Doctor degree or graduate degree in a related field is preferred.
  3. Detailed knowledge and comprehension of pre- and post-award grant/contract administration required.
  4. Knowledgeable about current federal regulations and pending changes, OMB Circulars, FAR's, Cost Accounting Standards and industry standards is required.
  5. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) by Research Administrator Certification Council preferred.
  6. Demonstrated experience managing direct reports and completing performance management activities.
  7. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and process large amounts of information.
  8. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse clientele both verbally and in writing.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION and / or REGISTRATION:  Certified Research Administrator (CRA) by Research Administrator Certification Council preferred.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  2. Demonstrated knowledge and comprehension of electronic research administration systems and procedures.
  3. Demonstrated knowledge and comprehension of contract terms applicable to all types of funding agencies with a strong  emphasis in knowledge and comprehension of Federal, State, & Foundation agreements

Contact Information

Company
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
First Name
Kassie
Last Name
Walters
Address
Phone
336-306-3087
Contact Email
kaswalte@wakehealth.edu
Contact URL

Background Information

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

Target Job Information

Salary
Job Type
  • Full Time