Senior Contracts Specialist (Contract Specialist 2)

University of Connecticut Storrs, CT Full-time Administration / Clerical

Posted on September 12, 2022

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of the Vice President for Research, Sponsored Program Services, invites applications for a Senior Contracts Specialist (Contracts Specialist 2) to provide advanced-level negotiation and drafting of complex sponsored research agreements, contracts, sub-awards, and related instruments.

The Senior Contracts Specialist will participate in the provision of unit services in an effort to maintain efficiency, with an emphasis on expediting and provision of negotiation and drafting of complex agreements and sponsored research contracts. The Senior Contracts Specialist will interact with constituents utilizing excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills, be collegial and respond in a professional and timely manner, serving as a resource to departmental research administrators, faculty, and others in such areas as interpreting policies, regulations and statutes, analyzing needs and resolving complex, rare, and unusual problems related to research contracts as they arise.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as Contracts Professional for sponsored program research and other sponsored project contracting matters, with the goal of actively and positively supporting the current and future sponsored research programs (fundamental through applied), scholarly activities, and creative endeavors of the faculty, staff, and others at the University of Connecticut.
Provide contracting services to include document drafting, preparation, guidance, resolution of issues, and negotiation of sponsored project and related agreements spanning intellectual property, material transfer, technology transfer, publications, etc. Negotiate and administer complex sub-contracts as needed.
Serve as the primary backup for the Director, Sponsored Services Contracts group as needed when unavailable. Will interact with the Contracts group to provide administrative tasks and reporting direction at the behest of the Director.
Conduct direct negotiations on behalf of the University with external sponsors with respect to terms and conditions including financial terms. Analyze agreements for conformity with University policies and procedures and state and federal laws. Review proposals as related to contractual documents to ensure a contract accurately captures the proposal scope and budget and that there are no embedded contractual terms in the proposal.
Perform initial screening of all agreements with foreign entities or partners. Work closely with the International Trade Compliance and Export Control staff of the University to ensure compliance with export control laws and regulations.
Coordinate with work teams across SPS and Technology Transfer Services across all campuses that impact a sponsored program agreement as the responsible party for both offices.
Provide advanced-level support services to investigators and staff including, but not limited to, the development and management of complex applications and contracts, including the drafting, negotiation, and acceptance of contract terms. Keep investigators and department administrators informed of contract negotiation progress in a timely manner.
Provide training, support, and guidance to University constituents regarding contracting processes, terms and conditions, intellectual property, indemnification, research compliance, and other related areas.
May participate in the development and use metrics in monitoring workflow within the office to ensure the timely processing of clinical trial, sponsored program, and other agreements handled by the office.
Ensure the consistency of adherence to guidelines, and participate in the ongoing efforts to streamline and enhance internal processes and practices, and turnaround times.
Investigate non-routine issues impacting an investigator’s ability to fulfill contract requirements, and secure approvals; provides historical information to administrators and faculty in the pursuit of support for non-routine funding issues; resolve major problems with sponsors in matters regarding a contract.
Partner with other University offices and Office of the Vice President of Research (OVPR) offices, such as Technology Commercialization Services, Compliance Services, Export Controls, Conflict of Interest, University Development, Deans’ offices, Procurement, Office of General Counsel, individual departments, and others in providing contracting support to investigators.
Keep abreast of laws, regulations, external and internal policies and procedures governing the administration of corporate contracts and other complex agreements and serve as a resource to other units, faculty, and staff.
Participate in professional development activities in order to maintain and expand areas of expertise.
This position will function as a professional staff member within the Office of the Vice President, Sponsored Program Services, and may collaborate on sponsored program contracting matters with the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and others; however, this position does not have a direct reporting relationship with the OGC and does not serve as a legal representative for the University.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

J.D.
One to three years of experience, which includes complex contract drafting and negotiation.
Significant experience with successful and timely contract negotiations.
Advanced knowledge of legal and contract matters.
Demonstrated ability to network and consensus-build with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to research and assist with the resolution of highly complex issues with legal, fiscal and ethical/compliance implications.
Superior oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and serve as a liaison between sponsors, all levels of University administration, and principal investigators.
Customer service orientation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced knowledge of legal and contract matters in a research setting, federal, state, and private industry management rules and regulations governing sponsored programs, including Uniform Guidance and the Federal Acquisition Regulations.
Experience working in research contracting.
Experience with material transfer agreements, non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, service agreements, and research agreements.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a 35-hour per week, full-time, 12-month, permanent position, with an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement, as well as employee and tuition reimbursement at the University of Connecticut (outlined here: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

https://jobs.hr.uconn.edu/en-us/job/496783/senior-contracts-specialist-contract-specialist-2

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #496783 to upload a cover letter demonstrating how the qualifications and requirements of the position are met, a detailed resume, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on September 20, 2022.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.