Associate Director for Contracts

Rice University•Houston, TX

1d•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 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. Ideal Candidate Statement: The ideal candidate is a senior research administration professional with extensive experience negotiating and executing complex sponsored research agreements, including federal contracts and high-risk or non-standard awards. They possess an advanced understanding of federal, state, and institutional regulations and demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply complex contractual and legal terms with a high degree of independence and sound judgment. This individual operates as a trusted subject matter expert and advisor, exercising delegated authority to represent the University in negotiations and to assess and mitigate institutional risk. They are a strategic thinker who can navigate competing priorities, develop effective solutions, and influence outcomes across a wide range of stakeholders. An exceptional communicator and relationship builder, they lead through influence rather than direct authority and effectively partner with faculty, leadership, legal counsel, and sponsors to facilitate timely, compliant, and mission-aligned research agreements while contributing to process improvements and policy development.

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Performs highly advanced (expert-level) contract management work
Supervises and trains Contracts team members on policies, procedures, and compliance requirements
Manages workflow of proposals, subcontracts, and federal agreements
Coordinates development and maintenance of internal policies, procedures, and operational documentation to ensure efficiency and compliance
Develops and administers procedures to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, sponsor, and institutional regulations governing research grants and contracts
Identifies contractual and policy issues, including those related to sponsor policy changes and federal regulations; escalates issues to appropriate University leadership and ensures resolution and follow-through
Conducts comprehensive analysis and administration of complex grants, contracts, and agreements, including solicitation, drafting, negotiation, execution, and compliance oversight; may draft master agreements and government contracts
Reviews grants, contracts, proposals, and awards for special terms and restrictions and establishes appropriate controls to ensure compliance
Provides guidance to Principal Investigators and research staff regarding allowability, allocability, and sponsor requirements
Adjusts and reviews budgets as needed based on contract and sponsor requirements
Negotiates with sponsoring agencies regarding renewals, modifications, and contractual terms
Oversees grant and contract close-out activities, including final financial and technical reporting
Serves as liaison between the University, funding agencies, and external sponsors as institutional representatives
Serves as liaison with other University offices and facilitates cross-functional collaboration
Manages escalations and resolves complex issues raised by staff, administrators, and stakeholders
Provides input into departmental strategic planning and process improvement initiatives
Develops ideas for improved customer service and operational effectiveness
Performs all other duties as assigned
Coordinates activities related to grant protocol development with collaborating institutions and external partners
Assists in the development of progress plans with professional organizations supporting grant-funded research and training initiatives
Compiles financial, personnel, and operational reports for grants and contracts at the departmental or school level
Participates in continuous improvement of customer service and administrative processes across the department
Applies knowledge of federal and sponsor regulations (including FAR, DFARS, Uniform Guidance, FERPA, HIPAA, and GDPR) in support of contract administration and compliance