Contracts Specialist

Associated Universities • Albuquerque, NM

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation, is a leading research and development organization focused on the study of the universe. NRAO operates state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities and is a hub for scientific and technological collaboration. NRAO is seeking a full-time Contracts Specialist to join its Contracts and Procurement team in Albuquerque, NM. This role will manage all aspects of contracts, including pre-award, award, and close-out activities for business with domestic and international organizations.

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
• 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