Senior Grant and Contract Officer

Overview

Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) – Cornell University

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) oversees the administration of sponsored programs at Cornell University including sponsored research, instruction, and extension. OSP operates through delegation of authority from the University Board of Trustees as a unit of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI). Grant and Contract Officers (GCOs) in OSP are authorized to sign and submit proposals to sponsors

OSP has an opening for a Senior Grant and Contract Officer.

What you will do:

Serve as a Senior Grant and Contract Officer on the Industry Center of Expertise in the Office of Sponsored Programs. Support the advancement of research while adhering to external and institutional regulations and policies.  Provide pre- and post- financial and non-financial award administration for a portion of University’s 2,500 sponsored projects that support approximately $500 million in sponsored activity annually.  Reporting to the Industry Center Team Lead, provide senior leadership and expertise in the review, negotiation, and execution of highly complex sponsored research contracts, subcontracts, and other agreements.  Manage a high volume, deadline-driven workload with minimal supervision. Work closely with investigators, sponsors, and university research administrators and executives throughout the contracting process to provide timely and effective support and services to advance research and other sponsored programs and maintain positive sponsor relationships while adhering to regulations and University policies.  

Serve as back-up and support for team members. Provide mentoring and training to junior staff members. Model professional and customer service-oriented behavior and lead by example.

Participate, at the request of the Director or Team Lead in special projects, decision-making and internal policy development.

What you will need:

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five years of experience in contract negotiation in a highly complex research environment,
• Ability to understand, apply and communicate complicated contractual terms, sponsor regulations and University policies to individuals in and outside the University while maintaining high level of confidentiality. Proven effective negotiation skills of highly complicated terms and conditions in a high-volume environment. 
• Thorough understanding and working knowledge of the OMB Uniform Guidance, FAR, DFAR and other applicable US regulations. Knowledge of and proven ability to effectively interpret and apply contract law, intellectual property, insurance and indemnification and other external regulations and internal policies in advancing business needs while appropriately managing institutional risk.
• Ability to maintain and utilize current knowledge and understanding of external regulations, government agencies/responsibilities and decision-making processes, and internal business and research operations and initiatives.  Experience with complex enterprise IT systems and ability to effectively use technology.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including development and delivery of training, presentations to individuals and groups; developing written guidance, directions, and procedures that are end-user friendly and focused; and in engaging external and internal stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.  Proven effective analytical and problem-solving skills.  Ability to lead teams, work through formal and informal decision-making networks, and apply risk-based analyses and decision-making.

Preferred, but not required:

JD or other advanced degree in science, technology, engineering, or business administration. Experience working in or with industry.

Pay Range:

$78,719.00 - $96,212.00

Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position. 

Please apply online at https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs (posting # WDR-00034178).

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.