Principal Research Contract Officer

Close All Job Summary The University of Colorado Boulder encourages applications for a Principal Research Contract Officer. This position is responsible for protecting University interests relating to the business of University Research. Support of University Research is performed throughout the life of the contract and often starts prior to the contract being awarded. Below provides an example of contract life cycle support that may be provided by this position: Reviewing Requests for Proposals ("RFPs"), broad agency announcements ("BAAs"), and other announcements in support of proposal development, identifying issues related to the anticipated award prior to proposal submittal; Reviewing and analyzing proposals to ensure compliance with Federal and non-Federal rules and regulations, as well as compliance with University policies and procedures; Ensuring that University commitments are in accordance with legal, regulatory, and University requirements, and that standard processes are approved and properly documented; Reviewing and negotiating funded and non-funded contracts, agreements, and subagreements with outside sources (e.g. Federal agencies, industry, other universities, and foundations, collectively, "Sponsors"); Recognizing and addressing Federal and University compliance issues; Determining that a contract is ready for signature; and Providing input and guidance on contract interpretation and administration throughout the contract term. The expertise provided by this position includes a) a knowledge of Federal regulations, State statutes, University policy, standard processes and project requirements; b) an understanding of the administrative processes and procedures for the preparation and/or review of contract documents and templates, both internal and external to the University, including consistency of provisions and terms within the contract documents (i.e., statement of work, contract, attachments), c) a basic knowledge of cost accounting standards and specific requirements for Federal awards; d) an ability to identify and address potential risk and/or contractual issues; e) an ability to guide PIs, DRAs, and other University personnel through business decisions related to contracts; f) an ability to set priorities, manage time effectively, and meet multiple timelines; g) an ability to provide prompt and effective customer service to University partners; and h) an ability to represent the University to Sponsors and provide liaison with internal departments, (e.g. Office of Research Integrity, Research Financial Services, Technology Transfer, Export Control, academic departments, centers, and institutes). This position is charged with serving as an Authorized Organizational Representative facilitating the negotiation and execution of contract documents to support sponsored project proposals and awards, with a focus on Research Agreement, on behalf of the University, while protecting the legal and business interests of the University. This position will represent the University and work directly with Sponsors: Federal and non-Federal Sponsors, State agencies, businesses, foundations, and other universities. This position is responsible for a specific set of University clients including a variety of institutes, schools, and academic departments. This position works directly with PIs, DRAs, and students to ensure that contracts reflect the Sponsor and University requirements, and that they are processed and completed in a timely manner. This role collaborates with other campus departments and Sponsors to address issues and solve problems during proposal review and evaluation when requested, and during the contract negotiation and execution process, as well as throughout the contractual term. The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Who We Are The mission of the Office of Contracts and Grants ("OCG") is to, throughout the lifecycle of an award, partner with the University of Colorado Boulder ("University") faculty including Principal Investigators ("PIs"), staff including Department Research Administrators ("DRAs"), and students to obtain and manage external support for sponsored activities through our specialized regulatory and organizational expertise. OCG is committed to protecting the University's interests by reviewing and approving the submission of sponsored project proposals; negotiating contract and grant awards; monitoring the implementation and administration of sponsored projects; initiating and implementing policies and procedures; providing training to PIs and DRAs; and serving as the University's liaison with Sponsors and regulatory agencies. OCG commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from candidates whose knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be Understand OCG's business processes, from proposal development through submission, award, contract negotiation, execution, management, and closeout. Form and maintain strong working relationships with peers, supervisor, other OCG Teams, and other University partners including PIs, DRAs, Export Control Office, Information Technology Security Office, Project Management Office, Research Financial Services, Technology Transfer Office, and University Legal Counsel, as well as Sponsors, to support review and negotiation of contract terms and conditions, along with general contract administration. Develop and maintain proficiency with applicable electronic systems and related processes and requirements. Continuously build and maintain knowledge base of OCG business processes by attending training sessions, conferring with supervisor and peers, and reviewing written guidance documents. Contract Preparation, Review, Negotiation, and Implementation: Prepare, redline, negotiate, and manage research-related contracts (with and without funds) between University and Sponsors, including industry partners, Federal agencies, other Universities, foundations, and other nonprofits with legal entities and offices located domestically and abroad. Manage all aspects of the University's contracting process from contract terms and requirements review at proposal development and submission, as needed, through contract receipt, review, negotiation, and execution, lifecycle administration and management, and contract closeout. Prepare initial and modification drafts of contract agreements ensuring full compliance with Federal and State legal and regulatory requirements, University policies and procedures, unique requirements based on the Sponsor, and the scope of work being performed. Review and negotiate changes to each University or Sponsor drafted contract and its financial and in-kind commitments, ensuring that they are acceptable to the University, the PI, and the Sponsor. Work with University partners and Sponsors, incorporating and reviewing requested contract changes. Identify and understand terms and conditions options and carve-out approaches to resolve negotiation challenges while limiting University and PI's risk. While performing review and negotiation, ensure that the final contract is clear, comprehensive, and that it includes provisions protecting the interests of the University. Contract Support: Serve as a main point of contact and campus expert for a wide range of business and contracting topics being requested from University partners and Sponsors as they relate to Research Activities. Provide general contract administration support to both University partners and Sponsors on topics that may include explanation of contract interpretation, coordination, and communication to address funding issues, contract requirement issues and/or disputes, and contract modifications. Following OCG processes, uniformly enter, maintain, and track the contract documents, requirements, communication, and financials in infoEd, the University's electronic research administration system. Advise PIs and DRAs on policies and procedures for obtaining approval from offices outside of OCG when contract requirements deviate from acceptable contract language. Work with peers, supervisor, other OCG Teams, and other University partners to develop and continually refine standard contract language, ensuring consistency of contractual terms and conditions across contracts while maintaining the protection of University and PI interests. Professional Development, Collaboration, and Project Support: Contribute experiences and knowledge at team meetings by developing and presenting on agenda items and engaging with fellow peers to increase team and personal knowledge base. Develop and edit process documentation as it relates to the work of the Research Contracts Team. Provide support to team members in meeting this objective as needed. Involvement and participation in University internal, external, and research administration trainings and/or contract-related professional associations. Support as a Subject Matter Expert in areas of business need. Manage increased complexity and risk of agreement types, terms and conditions, and negotiations beyond that of more junior team members. Increased quantity of workload assignments beyond that of more junior team members. Demonstrate leadership proficiency, providing coverage for Contract Team management as needed. Distill and provide regulatory updates to OCG and the campus community. Represent OCG in a wide variety of situations as needed . click apply for full job details