Contract Officer

Full job description

Posting Number

req19254

Department

Office of Research Contracts

Department Website Link

Location

Main Campus

Address

Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The University of Arizona's Office of Research Contracts (ORC) invites applications for the position of Contract Officer (Grant & Contract Admin IV). ORC is responsible for reviewing, negotiating, and approving over 3,000 grant, contract, and other agreements annually on behalf of the University of Arizona. The Contract Officer is responsible for the processing and negotiation of complex agreements related to funding from Federal, State and local governments, Industry, non-profits and academia. The Office of Research Contracts and Sponsored Projects Services (SPS) units within Research Innovation & Impact (RII) assist the University of Arizona research community in its efforts to secure external funding by providing high quality administrative and financial services to assist faculty and staff with proposals, provide guidance on the management of grants and contracts, and offer training on research administration topics. The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal and collaborative problem-solving skills, the ability to interact effectively with a diverse constituency and the ability to time manage and prioritize their work within tight and conflicting deadlines.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.

Duties & Responsibilities

Duties & responsibilities:

• Reviews, negotiates, and processes complex agreements.

• Serves as the liaison with the external sponsor, the Sponsored Projects Services Office, the Office of General Counsel, the Export Control Programs and Tech Transfer offices, and other compliance/administrative offices within the University.

• Employs a high degree of innovation and creativity to develop new approaches, methods, or techniques to solve complex issues.

• Works to influence others within and outside of the job function regarding policies, standards, and processes. Communication may occur across colleges, divisions, or departments, and externally, with the ability to communicate with management and leadership, and other key stakeholders

• Performs work without appreciable direction. Exercises considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches.

• Additional duties may be assigned.

Knowledge, skills & abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills, along with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse constituency.

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of contract legal terms and intellectual property and confidentiality issues.

• Demonstrated organizational and prioritization skills, along with the ability to work within tight and conflicting deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment.

• Demonstrated ability to be detailed oriented.

• Demonstrated ability to think quickly and effectively in verbal negotiations.

• Demonstrated ability to seek and affect successfully creative resolutions to contract issues. Thorough knowledge of all job functions and broad industry best practices, techniques and standards.

• Exhibits ability to transfer knowledge and application of complex principles, theories, and concepts to peers.

• Knowledge of and expertise in negotiating issues in federal, academic, or business contracting in an academic/research/technical environment.

• Full knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations, sponsor-specific policies, publication rights, intellectual property, and application of indirect cost rates in research administration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, management, engineering, science or related field.
• 8 years or more of progressively responsible experience in the negotiation of agreements establishing research and development relationships in business, government, and/or academic environments.

Federal regulations require that the incumbent be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or have another protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) to be ITAR/EAR compliant.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree such as a Master of Science/Ph.D in a technical field, a Master of Business Administration, or a Juris Doctor.
• Diverse, successful experience in a university sponsored projects office, department or college or industry contracts office.

FLSA

Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

40

Job FTE

1.0

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

Research

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

$75,540 - $98,201

Compensation Type

salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade

10

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.


The Grade Range Minimum, Midpoint, and Maximum Fields listed below represent a full range of career compensation growth over time in this position and grade. Each unit typically sets starting pay between minimum and midpoint upon hire. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Grade Range Minimum

$75540

Grade Range Midpoint

$98201

Grade Range Maximum

$120863

Career Stream and Level

PC4

Job Family

Grant & Contract Admin

Job Function

Research

Type of criminal background check required:

Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to title or department)

Number of Vacancies

1

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates

Ramachandran Radhakrishnan

Open Date

4/9/2024

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Diversity Statement

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at .