Contracts and Compliance Specialist
Guttmacher Institute
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: Vice President of Finance and Administration
Location: New York City (Hybrid)
Organization
Founded in 1968, the Guttmacher Institute is a global leader in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights. Through a unique and interrelated program of high-quality research, evidence-based advocacy and strategic communications, the Institute works to generate new ideas, encourage enlightened public debate and promote sound policy and program development. The Institute’s overarching goal is to ensure the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people worldwide. The Institute is engaged in building a more inclusive, transparent and equitable organization.
Position Summary
The Contracts and Compliance Specialist will design and administer the Institute’s contract review and approval process and will serve as the subject matter expert for compliance-related business practices for the Institute. Responsible for working with professionals in the Divisions and coordinate the various threads of contract and compliance activities. The Contracts and Compliance Specialist will stay abreast of changes in the regulatory regimes that govern contracts with agencies of the U.S. government, foreign governments that fund the Institute, U.S. based foundations and donors, and multilateral organizations, to develop policies and processes to ensure that the Institute is in compliance at all times. This position will oversee compliance audits and ensure that compliance policies and procedures include best practices and risk mitigation.
Responsibilities
The specific responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
Provide support and direction on all aspects of incoming and outgoing awards/contracts and subawards/subcontracts, including reviewing, drafting, and negotiating agreements; interpreting language; and applying rules and regulations from different funders.
Interacting with outside counsel, accountants, auditors, and other related professionals to ensure compliance.
Ensure grant and contract management standards are understood and applied correctly and serve as subject matter expert on funder rules and regulations and provide policy guidance to staff.
Prepare, organize, and maintain contract records and files documenting contract award, modification, performance, and compliance.
Establish, maintain, and update compliance policies and procedures in accordance with funder regulations and Institute policies.
Develop, maintain, and update templates for various types of awards/contracts and subawards/subcontracts.
Conducts internal compliance reviews of awards and contracts.
Play a key role in the development and implementation of new systems, policies, and best practices for cooperative agreements, grants, contracts, vendor agreements, and subawards to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
Respond to requests for assistance, information, and interpretation on a broad range of topics, such as allowances; contract regulations, procedures, and management; subcontracting procedures and management; grants under contracts; cost, pricing, and billing issues; and audit responses.
Support proposal development including review of bids, preparation and review of teaming agreements, representation and certifications, small business plans, past performance documentation, and cost sharing plans.
Train program staff on compliance requirements based on client/donor regulations and contractual requirements.
Prepare and deliver a semi-annual, internal report on the state and performance of contract and compliance at the Institute; and
Prepare and report compliance presentation for external stakeholders, as needed.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Minimum of six years of contract and/or compliance work experience; Project management skills and experience a must.
Certification in the contract and compliance professions, such as CPCM, CFCM, CCEP or equivalent is preferred.
Bachelor’s Degree in finance, business administration, law, international development, project management, or related field preferred.
Progressive experience managing compliance processes for experience U.S. agencies such as the NIH, CDC, and USAID.
Demonstrate deep interest in and passion for the strategic importance of research as a means of generating new knowledge and for policy impact.
Display a commitment to and experience with principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, at the institutional and interpersonal levels, and bring an equity and inclusion lens to policy research, with a solid understanding how equity and inclusion impacts the ways in which researchers define problems, collect, and analyze data, and share findings.
Experience drafting, revising, and reviewing contracts.
Demonstrated understanding of terms and conditions for IDIQs and for Cost Plus Fixed Fee, Firm Fixed Price, and Time and Material contracts.
Strong planning and organizational skills including the ability to handle competing priorities.
Ability to be proactive in researching regulations and applicable best business practices.
Ability to create, prepare and present training materials.
Able to manage numerous assignments at once and follow-through.
Willingness and ability to adapt to new circumstances, information, and challenges.
Advanced writing skills and a high-level proficiency in Excel; and
Analytical and detail oriented.
Salary and benefits
Salary starting at $85,650 to $95,827 commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits that include medical, dental, vision and life insurance; vacation, personal and sick time, paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; commuting subsidy; and 401(k) with employer match. The Guttmacher Institute strives to provide the training and support staff need to be successful in their positions and to grow professionally.
The Guttmacher Institute is an equal opportunity employer.