Senior Contracts Administrator *HYBRID*

Research Foundation for SUNY

Location: Albany, NY

About RF for SUNY at the University at Albany:

Employment is with The Research Foundation for the State University of New York, a private, nonprofit, educational corporation that provides essential sponsored program administration and innovation support services to SUNY faculty and students whose ideas and research generate ground-breaking discovery and translate to entrepreneurial and economic development opportunities for New York State.

Working at the SUNY Research Foundation for the University at Albany, you will be part of a team that provides essential services to the University as it moves to the front ranks of American higher education, supporting the advancement of education, research and discovery. The University at Albany, a nationally recognized research university with outstanding faculty, researchers and staff, offers challenging, exciting and rewarding careers to those who seek opportunities to grow and excel.

Home to nine colleges and schools, 57 centers and institutes, and 675 full-time faculty scholars and researchers, the University at Albany is tackling the challenges of our time and making new discoveries that will enhance the well-being of our future. The University at Albany is at the forefront of innovation and exploration in a wide range of research areas, from the health sciences and engineering to the humanities and fine arts. Since 2005, the UAlbany has been recognized as a Carnegie R1 research institution - one of the elite "very high research activity" doctoral universities as ranked by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Job Description:

The Contracts Administrator will be responsible for ensuring that contracting processes are compliant with higher education standards and ensure conformity with University and Research Foundation (RF) policies, state and federal laws and regulations. Although the CA will work as part of a team, they must have sufficient contractual knowledge to work independently and be responsible for reviewing and negotiating grants, government (federal and state) contracts, subawards, industry contracts/subcontracts, and other related documents (data use agreements, MOUs, teaming agreements, etc.) This position requires a high degree of attention to detail, as well as the ability to create/review required contractual documents, analyze unique contractual situations to minimize potential risks, and the ability to work collaboratively within teams.

Supervision of contracts staff. Provide training and direction on procedures, federal and sponsor regulations, Research Foundation policies, and applicable State and University policies; distribute and monitor workload assignments; review and approve employee vacation/sick leave requests; conduct performance reviews on an annual basis.

Ensure timely processing of agreements for the University's research efforts. Reviews terms/conditions to ensure that award stipulations are compatible with university policy, consistent with government-wide regulations for universities and correspond to proposed budgets, statements of work and deliverables and are contextually appropriate for the research involved. Maintains daily, a system to manage/communicate the status of contracts and amendments. Coordinates with other University staff in the review of associated agreements and subawards. Perform substantive review of documents and a risk management assessment before they are forwarded for execution. Note and communicate terms and conditions for university stakeholders and SPA staff.

Responsible for issuing subawards to external partners, ensuring the terms and conditions are consistent with University policy, government-wide regulations for universities and correspond to proposed budgets, statements of work and deliverables, are contextually appropriate for the research involved. All subawards must meet the federal guidelines for conducting a pre-award risk assessment as well as annual Subrecipient monitoring assessment.

Provide guidance to Research Administrators as needed during the proposal development process when reviewing Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses and other special terms and conditions that a sponsor requires the approval of at the time of proposal submission.

Work with the Sponsored Programs Administration team to identify ways to streamline processes, improving efficiencies, and to develop new procedures as needed.

Requirements:

MinimumQualifications:

BA/BS from college or university accredited by the US Dept. of Education

5+ years of experience, with 3+ years of those years in a university, legal, or business environment in research administration, contracting, or business development; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Familiarity with common contractual terms and issues related to contracting in research administration, non-profit and/or higher education environments

Demonstrated ability to be detailed oriented, and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent collaborative skills, along with the willingness and ability to interact effectively with a diverse constituency

Excellent organizational and time management skills required

Comfort with or adaptability to utilize a variety of information systems, as well as strong Microsoft Office skills

Must be self-directed, possess good judgment and problem-solving skills and be comfortable in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Formal contracts training preferred

Contracting experience in the sponsored research arena

Professional experience with knowledge of regulations that govern federal research funding and related areas of regulatory compliance, federal circulars, and associated typical administrative terms and conditions

Designation of Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Administrator (CPRA), or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA)

Masters Degree in business/public administration, finance or Juris Doctorate

Additional Information:

Salary Range: $85,000-$95,000 DOE

Subject to change, this position may be eligible for up to 60% alternative workplace arrangement.

Federal law and regulations require notice to all prospective employees regarding crimes that have occurred on campus in the current three year period. Please refer to the following website for the complete Annual Security Report ("Clery Report"): http://police.albany.edu/asr.htm

As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, criminal record, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status with respect to receiving public assistance, domestic violence victim status, a disabled, special, recently separated, active duty wartime, campaign badge, Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

The Research Foundation for The State University of New York offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, tuition assistance, life insurance and long-term disability insurance. The University at Albany offers a variety of performing arts, world class libraries, and competitive sporting events.

Application Instructions:

Persons interested in the above position should submit a resume, three work-related references, along with a letter of application to: https://rfhr.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=159659

Applicants must address in their application their ability to work with a culturally diverse population.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

URL: www.albany.edu/spa/