Associate Director for Contracts

Rice University•Houston, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Sponsored Projects is the central university office responsible for reviewing and providing the official signature for all proposals submitted on behalf of the University in compliance with federal and university policies. The Sponsored Projects team accepts and negotiates federal, state, and not-for-profit awards from external sponsors on behalf of the University. The Associate Director for Contracts drafts, negotiates, and oversees a comprehensive range of contracts, including federal contracts and subcontracts. This role evaluates, negotiates, and finalizes agreements and authorizes standard contract awards on behalf of the university. The Associate Director has delegated signing authority to approve agreements and accept standard contract awards for the university. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in contract negotiation and research administration. They possess a deep understanding of federal, state, and institutional regulations governing sponsored projects and are skilled in interpreting complex contractual terms. This individual is a confident communicator and collaborator, capable of working closely with faculty, legal counsel, sponsors, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and compliant agreement execution.

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
4 years of grant management experience
Advanced knowledge of the review and negotiation of contracts and agreements
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
The ability to manage status and reporting requirements for multiple contracts
Leadership Skills
Team Management
Customer Service Orientation

Nice To Haves

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM), Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or CPCM (Certified Professional Contract Manager) preferred

Responsibilities

Performs highly advanced (expert-level) contract management work.
Assists in planning, coordinating, and monitoring the research activities of the unit.
Develops and administers procedures designed to comply with appropriate regulations relating to the administration of government and private research grants and contracts and for the interpretation and application of such procedures and regulations.
Analyzes proposed grants and contract proposals and awards for special conditions/restrictions and establishes controls as needed to ensure full compliance.
Assists Principal Investigators and their staff to ensure allowability and allocability by counseling and/or disseminating information and guidelines of the various granting agencies.
Adjusts budgets dependent on contract requirements.
Coordinates activities in establishing grant protocol with institutions that may be involved in similar activities as named by the grant.
Assists in the development of progress plans with professional organizations relative to the objective and purpose of grant funding for a particular area of research or training.
Compiles financial and personnel reports for grants and contracts at the departmental or school level.
Negotiates with the agency regarding the renewal of the contract/subcontract.
Oversees proper close-out of grants and contracts, including final financial reports to the grant agency.
Advises and trains members of the contracts team.