Principal Contracts Officer

Cal Poly Partners•San Luis Obispo, CA

2d•$110,000 - $140,000•Remote

About The Position

The Office of Research promotes excellence in research at Cal Poly, both basic and applied, as fundamental to the mission of the University and essential to California’s economic and civic vitality. The Office of Research is committed to enhancing these efforts by providing administrative and financial support for sponsored programs, including identification of funding opportunities, proposal submission, research compliance, and contracts and grant administration. The Office promotes the development and function of centers and institutes, essential core facilities, and emboldens innovation and economic development through strategic partnering and industry engagement initiatives. Cal Poly has a long tradition of interdisciplinary research that continues through the production of new knowledge and innovative solutions to society’s grand challenges. Working independently under the general supervision of the Assistant Vice President for Finance, the Principal Contracts Officer leads the negotiation of sponsored award agreements with federal, foundation, industry, foreign, and other sponsors, and unfunded research-related agreements to support and facilitate research at Cal Poly. The Principal Contracts Officer provides faculty, staff, and administrators guidance regarding the interpretation of agreement terms and conditions, develops and supports contracting business processes, and provides lead work direction. Remote work is available for California residents.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, law, or a related field and five years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored research administration, contracts management, or a closely related field, including at least two years of experience supervising professional staff.
Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
A background check is required for all regular benefited positions.
Thorough knowledge of sponsored research administration, including working knowledge of applicable university policies, federal regulations, and sponsor requirements (e.g., FAR, Uniform Guidance, FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR).
Demonstrated ability to apply and interpret applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines, and to recommend departmental policy adjustments in alignment with institutional and regulatory requirements.
Demonstrated ability to independently draft, review, and negotiate complex research-related agreements, including research agreements, federal contracts, confidentiality agreements, data use agreements, and material transfer agreements.
Demonstrated supervisory and staff development skills, including performance management, coaching, and professional development of contracts team members.
Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle sensitive interpersonal situations across diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems within and outside the department.
Ability to effectively present contractual information, deliver training to department staff and the broader research community, and facilitate agreement on grants and contracts requirements.
Ability to develop, implement, and improve departmental business processes, policies, and procedures to enhance the effectiveness of contract operations.
Proficiency with contract lifecycle management systems and research administration platforms used to track, manage, and report on agreement activity.
Ability to initiate and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, across University units, and with external sponsors, supporting effective service delivery in a diverse environment.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess contractual risk, recommend appropriate agreement terms, and provide operational guidance to support departmental and divisional decision-making.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across employee groups, build working partnerships, and navigate organizational dynamics within a department and division context.
Proficiency with standard computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, online systems, and email, as used in contract administration and research operations.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to independently prioritize multiple assignments and meet fluctuating deadlines within a complex, deadline-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience negotiating research-related agreements with federal agencies, industry sponsors, or other external partners in a sponsored programs or contracts administration context.
Experience in a higher education, academic medical center, or comparable research institution environment.
Experience developing or implementing policies, procedures, or process improvements within a contracts, grants, or sponsored programs function.
Experience using or supporting contract lifecycle management systems or research administration platforms (e.g., Cayuse, Kuali, or similar tools).
Demonstrated ability to identify operational inefficiencies and implement improvements within a department or functional unit.

Responsibilities

Lead the contract negotiation team, systems, and business processes related to the negotiation and execution of research and related agreements.
Independently draft, review, and negotiate complex research related agreements, including research agreements, federal contracts, confidentiality agreements, data use agreements and material transfer agreements, that are consistent with internal policy and state and federal regulations.
Provide expert guidance on contractual matters and provide training to team members and the broader research community.
Manage the Contracts team, including performance evaluation, promotions, and professional development.
Develop and improve business processes, procedures, and policies to enhance the effectiveness of contract operations.
Support strategic research goals by recommending improvements, policies, and contract frameworks aligned with evolving regulatory and institutional requirements.
Prepare, analyze, and present complex contractual, operational, and strategic information to senior leadership, ensuring accurate tracking of agreements, monitoring performance metrics, and providing actionable insights to support strategic research initiatives.
Build and maintain relationships with faculty, administrators, central offices, and external sponsors to ensure effective service delivery and coordination.
Perform other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.
Maintain currency in the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate industry-leading solutions.