What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, Federal Contracts & Compliance position at INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED LEARNING AND RESEARCH?
This position requires eligibility to access controlled unclassified information (CUI) and export controlled data, and candidates must meet applicable federal requirements, including U.S. person status where required.
The Pay, Perks, & Benefits
• Salary is competitive and will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, market benchmarks, and internal equity.
• Retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) with employer match
• Generous time off, including vacation, paid sick leave, and paid family leave after one year
• Paid holidays, including a two week paid winter break
• Anthem PPO and HSA health plans, with excellent dental options
• Employer paid life insurance
How You Will Help the Team
You will play a critical role in ensuring the compliant execution of federally funded contracts across their full lifecycle. Working closely with the Director, Grants & Contracts, you will oversee contract review, negotiation, administration, and compliance with FAR, DFARS, and applicable agency requirements.
As a key liaison between internal teams, government agencies, and external partners, you will help ensure contractual obligations, deliverables, and reporting requirements are clearly understood, properly executed, and audit‑ready.
You’ll contribute by:
• Reviewing and interpreting FAR, DFARS, and agency specific requirements to support compliance
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and agreements, including MOUs, NDAs, and teaming agreements
• Monitoring contract milestones, deliverables, reporting requirements, and closeout activities
• Identifying compliance risks and working with internal teams to address gaps proactively
• Serving as a key liaison with government agencies, contractors, and internal stakeholders
Your Knowledge & Expertise
• Bachelor’s or professional degree in business, law, public administration, or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in federal contract management, legal, or related roles
• Strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and federal procurement processes
• Experience drafting and reviewing agreements such as MOUs, MTAs, MSAs, NDAs, and teaming agreements
• Proven experience managing the full contract lifecycle, including milestones, deliverables, and reporting
• Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills
• CPCM or similar professional credential strongly preferred
• Experience supporting audit readiness and familiarity with compliance frameworks such as NIST SP 800 171 or CMMC preferred
What Makes Work Here Different
This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of federal compliance, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development. You’ll collaborate across departments, contribute to mission critical initiatives, and help ensure the integrity and success of complex federal partnerships.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.