Senior Contracts Specialist
Overview
A Senior Contracts Specialist position is available within the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), which manages over $1.8 billion annually in sponsored project awards. This role supports the review, negotiation, and execution of a wide range of sponsored research-related agreements to facilitate faculty research while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.
Responsibilities
Contract Review and Negotiations (90%)
- Review, analyze, and evaluate terms and conditions of sponsored research agreements.
- Independently negotiate contract terms with sponsors to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, university policies, and sponsor requirements.
- Collaborate with faculty and departmental representatives during negotiations.
- Assess institutional risk and document negotiated outcomes.
- Maintain accurate and complete agreement files as official records.
Regulatory and Government Policy (5%)
- Monitor changes in regulatory and sponsor policy landscapes.
- Evaluate and recommend updates to policies and processes in response to regulatory or sponsor changes.
Education, Development, and Outreach (5%)
- Recommend professional development opportunities for the team.
- Prepare and present training materials for staff enrichment.
- Lead outreach efforts to campus units.
- Represent the office in interdepartmental workgroups, providing expertise on matters impacting the research mission.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree.
- Six or more years of progressively responsible experience and expertise in grant and/or contract administration.
Additional Qualifications
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of federal regulations governing federal assistance funding, including Uniform Guidance.
- Understanding of compliance requirements and roles within a large research university.
- Working knowledge of non-fiscal compliance areas such as conflict of interest, research security, export controls, human subjects, and animal care policies.
- Familiarity with copyright law, publication policy, intellectual property rights, and data ownership.
- Knowledge of various sponsor types and their differing requirements.
- Understanding of federal acquisition processes and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
- Ability to interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, and policies.
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a diverse community.
Preferred Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) or Master’s degree in a related discipline such as Business Administration, Research Administration, or Public Administration.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary Range: $95,604 to $107,604 annually.
- Full-time position (100% FTE).
- Regular, ongoing employment.
- Benefits information available upon request.
Working Conditions
- Work location options include the OSP office on the Seattle campus, 100% remote, or a hybrid arrangement.
- The office is located in an open-plan environment within a high-rise building near the Seattle campus.
- Flexible work schedules and locations are supported within policy guidelines.
- Employees must provide their own transportation to and from their official duty stations.
- Parking is available for a fee; free parking is not provided.
Application Requirements
- A cover letter is required for application; applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Location
Seattle, Washington, United States
Equal Opportunity
The employer is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful community and considers applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
Applicants may be required to disclose any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at current or past employment as required by Washington state law.