Assistant Director for Contracts and Agreements

Appalachian State University•Boone, NC

About The Position

The Office of Research enhances and supports the Appalachian State University research, scholarship, and creative activity enterprise by expanding access to and facilitating the management of research opportunities. The Sponsored Programs unit assists with sponsored project applications, internal reviews and approvals, negotiation of awards and other related agreements, preparation and negotiation of outgoing agreements, and oversight of the sponsors’ programmatic terms and conditions throughout the life of each award. The Assistant Director for Contracts and Agreements ( ADCA ) provides support for the administration and processing of contracts and agreements for sponsored research projects as well as research-related data use, material transfer, and confidentiality agreements in support of the Office of Research mission. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Contract Review: Identify, define, and resolve issues related to sponsored project contracting activities in accordance with federal, other government, funding agency, and institutional policies and regulations. Prepare contracts and agreements to support research activity. Engage in negotiation on behalf of Appalachian State University’s Office of Research. Provide expertise in identifying needs for contract finalization and meeting all federal, other government, funding agency, and institutional policies and regulations. Support Appalachian State’s research community in the administration of contracts and agreements for research, service, and creative projects, funded and unfunded. Utilize and maintain systems and procedures related to the processing of contracts and agreements. Prepare letters of exception identifying objectionable contract requirements at the proposal stage of a project. Verify the accuracy and completeness of agreements and related internal documents and databases. Communication: Investigate and answer questions from external agencies, researchers, fiscal officers, research administrators and others. Interact with collaborating units both internal to the Office of Research (i.e., Research Protections, etc.) and other units across the University (i.e., Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, Schools & Colleges, etc.) for the successful completion of contract and agreement review and execution. Interact with research faculty and professional staff across the University for the successful completion of contract review and execution. Collaboration and team development: Promote and cultivate relationships with faculty and University administrators. Interact with Sponsored Programs and Office of Research colleagues. Interact with sponsor representatives. Possess flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Other: Maintain a high degree of professionalism. Attend and participate in professional development opportunities, including national and regional programs hosted by professional organizations or funding agencies. Perform special projects and other responsibilities as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
2 years of directly related experience.
Skills and experience with contract/agreement preparation, review, and negotiation.
Experience working with a variety of collaborators/sponsors and agreement types.
Computer applications and database experience.
Ability to work under pressure, prioritize, meet deadlines, and process large amounts of information.
Effective communicator who can assist diverse clientele using multiple modalities (i.e., in person, phone, written, electronic, etc.).
Able to work independently or as a member of a large, complex support team.

Nice To Haves

3 years of sponsored project contract and agreement experience.
Experience with federal, state, private, industry and other government contract and agreement regulations, restrictions and sponsored project guidelines.
Certified Research Administrator ( CRA ).

Responsibilities

Identify, define, and resolve issues related to sponsored project contracting activities in accordance with federal, other government, funding agency, and institutional policies and regulations.
Prepare contracts and agreements to support research activity.
Engage in negotiation on behalf of Appalachian State University’s Office of Research.
Provide expertise in identifying needs for contract finalization and meeting all federal, other government, funding agency, and institutional policies and regulations.
Support Appalachian State’s research community in the administration of contracts and agreements for research, service, and creative projects, funded and unfunded.
Utilize and maintain systems and procedures related to the processing of contracts and agreements.
Prepare letters of exception identifying objectionable contract requirements at the proposal stage of a project.
Verify the accuracy and completeness of agreements and related internal documents and databases.
Investigate and answer questions from external agencies, researchers, fiscal officers, research administrators and others.
Interact with collaborating units both internal to the Office of Research (i.e., Research Protections, etc.) and other units across the University (i.e., Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, Schools & Colleges, etc.) for the successful completion of contract and agreement review and execution.
Interact with research faculty and professional staff across the University for the successful completion of contract review and execution.
Promote and cultivate relationships with faculty and University administrators.
Interact with Sponsored Programs and Office of Research colleagues.
Interact with sponsor representatives.
Possess flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Maintain a high degree of professionalism.
Attend and participate in professional development opportunities, including national and regional programs hosted by professional organizations or funding agencies.
Perform special projects and other responsibilities as required.