Associate Director – Contracts
Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Houston • Texas • United States
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Job Level
About the role
- Provides senior-level technical leadership and strategic direction for the negotiation and administration of sponsored project agreements
- Independently solicits, negotiates, and executes a full range of complex research agreements on behalf of the University, including federal contracts, subcontracts, and high-risk or non-standard awards
- Serves as a subject matter expert in sponsored projects, supporting all phases of research administration, including pre-award and non-financial post-award activities
- Exercises delegated authority to interpret contractual terms, assess institutional risk, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations
- Leads the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and process improvements that enhance operational effectiveness and ensure regulatory compliance
- Provides guidance and mentorship to contracts and grant staff and partners with faculty, leadership, legal counsel, and external sponsors to facilitate successful research outcomes
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
- 5+ years of grant management experience
- Advanced expertise in negotiating, drafting, and interpreting complex sponsored research agreements, including federal contracts and subcontracts
- Comprehensive knowledge of the sponsored projects lifecycle, including pre-award, non-financial post-award, and regulatory compliance requirements
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage status and reporting requirements for multiple contracts
- Demonstrated experience with governmental regulations (e.g., FAR, DFARS, Uniform Guidance, FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR)
- Demonstrated professionalism and diplomacy skills
- Leadership skills
- Team management
- Customer service orientation
- In-depth knowledge of contracting
- Critical and analytical ability
Benefits
- Health insurance
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible work arrangements
- Professional development opportunities
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
grant managementnegotiatingdraftinginterpreting contractssponsored projects lifecycleregulatory compliancecontracting
Soft Skills
verbal communicationwritten communicationinterpersonal skillsstatus managementreportingprofessionalismdiplomacyleadershipteam managementcustomer service orientation
Certifications
Bachelor's degree