Contract Management Specialist

Southern Methodist University • Dallas, TX

40d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is an on-campus, in-person position. The Contract Management Specialist (CMS) provides support for the administration and processing of contracts and agreements for sponsored projects across the University. The CMS is responsible for drafting, negotiating, and executing numerous types of agreements pertaining to research or scientific/technical services, including, but not limited to, master agreements, cooperative agreements, incoming/outgoing subawards, grant awards, research contracts, material transfer agreements, data use agreements, teaming agreements, confidential/nondisclosure agreements and amendments to all the above. The CMS will negotiate with a broad range of research sponsors, including working with private, industry and federal entities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree is required. J.D. or LL.M. preferred.
• A minimum of three years of work experience is required. Research administration experience in higher education institution is preferred. Work experience in contract negotiations and sub-award agreements is desired.
• Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. A strong customer service orientation is essential.
• Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills, as well as demonstrated ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and process large amounts of information; The ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues and work as part of team is essential.
• Candidate must have the ability to comprehend federal, state, and local grant contract regulations, restrictions, and sponsored research guidelines. Strong knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) clauses, export controls, required contract language, and intellectual property/copyright terms is preferred.
• Candidate must have strong working knowledge of Microsoft (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe products. Experience with and/or a working knowledge of Wellspring (Sophia) is preferred. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification preferred.
• Sit for long periods of time
• Stand
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.
• Handle objects (dexterity)

Nice To Haves

• J.D. or LL.M. preferred.
• Research administration experience in higher education institution is preferred.
• Work experience in contract negotiations and sub-award agreements is desired.
• Strong knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) clauses, export controls, required contract language, and intellectual property/copyright terms is preferred.
• Experience with and/or a working knowledge of Wellspring (Sophia) is preferred.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate and execute various agreements for sponsored projects. These include but are not limited to: federal agreements, cooperative agreements, incoming and outgoing sub-awards, grant awards, research contracts, material transfer agreements, data use agreements, teaming agreements, confidential/non-disclosure agreements, master agreements, and amendments.
• Conduct non-financial post-award activities such as processing modifications, amendments, and extensions for contracts and grants. Prepare applicable close-out documents related to contracts, grants; Prepare applicable close-out documents related to IP, publication and liability.
• Articulate complex university principles, regulations, and policies (such as indemnification and other liability/risk, intellectual property and publication rights, regulatory and financial compliance); seeks counsel/guidance from supervisor, as well as other appropriate university officials (legal counsel and others), with regard to complicated unusual proposal, award, or financial requirements.
• Utilize and maintain systems and procedures related to processing of contracts and agreements. Advise and consult upon potential workflow, process, and system improvements, toward the goal of decreasing turnaround times and increasing efficiency. Ensure consistent adherence to guidelines, and participate in the ongoing efforts to streamline and enhance internal processes and practices.
• Attend and participate in various professional development opportunities; presents and/or participates in seminars and workshops developed for faculty, staff, and researchers; attends and participates in national and regional workshops and conferences sponsored by funding agencies and/or professional organizations and serve as a resource to other units, faculty, and staff.
• Provide guidance to less experienced research administration staff. Contributes to special projects as needed.

Benefits

• SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
• SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
• The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees