JOB TITLE
Associate Director, Contracts & Agreements
LOCATION
Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME
Office of Sponsored Programs
DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Office of Sponsored Programs assists faculty and research staff in all non-financial aspects of managing external research funding. The Associate Director for Contracts and Agreements manages and oversees aspects of the pre-award and non-financial post-award administration of contracts inclusive of award negotiation. This position is responsible for helping to ensure compliance with all Federal, State, University and sponsor policies, procedures, and rules. This position reviews and negotiates terms and conditions for all non-standard federal, corporate and foundation sponsored agreements in accordance with University policies.
WPI is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We are looking for candidates who can support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsibilities:

• Prepare, review and negotiate contracts, and sponsored research awards and agreements:
• Independently perform specialized negotiation of contracts and awards for sponsored projects on behalf of WPI to ensure reasonable terms and conditions and compliance with applicable University policy, state and federal regulations including but not limited to federal acquisition regulations (FAR) clauses, confidentiality, publications, intellectual property, governing law and reporting requirements in support of sponsored projects and other related agreements supporting research activities.
• Prepare agreements for sponsored research as well as research services and coordinate with sponsor to incorporate necessary changes and modified language.
• Draft contract terms and conditions that provide for acceptable compromise for all parties while remaining compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Exercise authority in accepting terms and conditions, or alternatively determining the need for legal review or administrative approval.
• Possess the ability to manage a large portfolio of agreements with a variety of international, corporate, non-profit, federal and state sponsors.
• Research, interpret and autonomously apply relevant international, federal and state laws, regulations, guidelines and standards to ensure compliance within agreements.
• Interpret, translate and autonomously apply University policies and procedures as they relate to specific terms within agreements.
• Advise faculty, administrators, and sponsored programs management on negotiations related to complex or sensitive agreement issues regarding regulatory compliance, intellectual property, publication rights, and liability.
• Review terms and conditions to incoming agreements; negotiate changes with sponsor as needed until the agreement is acceptable to the University.
• Review terms and conditions associated with purchase orders for research funding. Work with funder to arrive at acceptable terms.
• Preparation of Modifications to existing awards - includes the preparation of no-cost extensions, re-budgeting and other modifications requiring sponsor approval.
• Communication with Sponsors - acting as a liaison to resolve exceptions to agreement terms/conditions.
• Independently identify compliance concerns through review of the project statement of work and Sponsor's proposed contractual terms and conditions and engage with various University administrative and compliance units (ORIC, IRB, IACUC, OTC, Procurement, General Counsel, etc) to ensure the sponsored activity and terms of the agreement adhere to policies, laws, and regulations.
• Track/monitor contracting in process and communicate with faculty, departmental and university administrators, staff and students regarding the progress of their award/contract reviews and negotiations in process.
• Provide assistance in contract proposal submission and management.
• Advises faculty and staff on all facets of contract administration.
• Document, update, and maintain internal research administration database system, noting the specifics of each negotiation, including unresolved issues, institutional approvals and clauses of concern.
• Maintain knowledge of and interpret applicable policies, statutes, regulations and procedures formulated by the University, state and federal government, granting agencies, and various private foundations and industries; maintain up-to-date reference records.
• Coordinate with leadership, other offices, committees and staff.
• Represent OSP in work groups and initiatives related to Grants and Contracts
• Serve as the OSP liaison to the University's faculty and administration as well as external relations with current and prospective sponsors.
• Provide proactive as well as problem-solving services to the customer base in an independent manner with minimal supervision.
• Build effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the University by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance when needed.
• Ensure optimum service to all internal and external partners in response to all requests for service and information.
• Present at seminars/workshops to disseminate information about managing awards, sponsor and university policies and procedures.
• Assist in developing policy, communications, training and tools to facilitate the ability of sponsored programs staff, University faculty, and department research administrators to obtain external sponsorship, manage sponsored awards, and maintain institutional regulatory compliance.
• Management Responsibilities
• Lead and manage the team of Grants and Contracts Administrators
• Directly supervises team of Grants and Contracts Administrators
• Assess, monitor and coordinate team work/caseloads; monitor key performance indicators, identify issues, trouble shoot and develop process improvements/solutions

Other Job Duties:

• Available for special projects as required
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree plus seven years of recent experience in Grant and Contract review and negotiation; demonstrated experience negotiating contract terms and conditions for research funding; demonstrated knowledge of FAR/DFAR clauses
• Will consider candidates with an Associates Degree and 9 or more years of experience

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience in Grant and Contract Administration in a Higher Education setting
• Knowledge of federal, state and general funding agency rules and regulations
• Knowledge of A21, A133, and Uniform Guidance
• Excellent communication skills and strong interpersonal skills in order to interact with faculty, staff and individuals outside the University
• Ability to work with little direct supervision
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure of deadlines while emphasizing excellent customer service
• Excellent organizational skills

Please include a cover letter along with your resume for consideration.
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.
To apply, visit: https://wpi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WPI_External_Career_Site/job/Worcester/Associate-Director-Contracts-Agreements_R0002374
About WPI
WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.
Diversity & Inclusion at WPI
WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.
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