Contracts Specialist

Associated Universities Inc. • Albuquerque, NM

1d • $60,000 - $70,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.
NRAO is seeking to recruit a full-time Contracts Specialist to join our Contracts and Procurement team with a position in Albuquerque, NM.
The Contract Specialist will be responsible for performing all manner of contracts related duties; including pre-award, award, and close-out activities necessary to conduct AUI/NRAO business with a broad spectrum of domestic and international organizations.
The position is based at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory offices in Albuquerque, NM.

Requirements

• An Associate’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Three years of experience in purchasing or a related field.
• Demonstrated written communications
• Demonstrated oral communications
• Able to read and understand large quantities of technical materials related to the position as well as information regarding scientific proposals
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and communication skills
• Fundamental knowledge of pricing concepts, accounting standards, and cost principles
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite
• Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States.
• The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Responsibilities

• Administers contracts and subcontracts from award through close-out.
• Manages source selections and develops detailed documentation for procurements plans, evaluations, and selection justifications.
• Maintains contracts and related document files.
• Coordinates the approval request process for large procurements and outside funding proposals that require the review and approval of NRAO senior management, AUI management, and NSF.
• Coordinates activities with NRAO buyers to ensure continuity of efforts and full accountability and tracking of current and pending contractual obligations.
• Assists with review and monitoring to ensure that Observatory practices and procedures maintain compliance with a variety of Federal guidelines and regulations while dealing with institutions of higher learning, state agencies, and public corporations.
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work areas.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree