Assistant Director for Contracts

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

Position Summary:

The Office of Sponsored Projects is the central university office responsible for reviewing and providing the official signature for all proposals submitted on behalf of the University in compliance with federal and university policies. The Sponsored Projects team accepts and negotiates federal, state, and not-for-profit awards from external sponsors on behalf of the University. 

The Assistant Director for Contracts drafts, negotiates, and supervises a comprehensive range of contracts, including federal contracts and subcontracts. They evaluate, negotiate, and finalize agreements, and authorize standard contract awards on behalf of the university. The Assistant Director has delegated signing authority to approve agreements and accept standard contract awards for the university.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in contract negotiation and research administration. They possess a deep understanding of federal, state, and institutional regulations governing sponsored projects and are skilled in interpreting complex contractual terms. This individual is a confident communicator and collaborator, capable of working closely with faculty, legal counsel, sponsors, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and compliant agreement execution.

Workplace Requirements.

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Salary: $83,400 - $106,400 

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. 

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
• 4 years of grant management experience

Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of in reviewing and negotiating agreements and contracts
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• The ability to manage status and reporting requirements for multiple contracts
• Leadership Skills
• Team Management
• Customer Service Orientation

Preferences:

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM), Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or CPCM (Certified Professional Contract Manager) preferred

Essential Functions:

• Performs highly advanced (expert-level) contract management work. 
• Assists in planning, coordinating, and monitoring the research activities of the unit
• Develops and administers procedures designed to comply with appropriate regulations relating to the administration of government and private research grants and contracts and for the interpretation and application of such procedures and regulations
• Analyzes proposed grants contract proposals and awards for special conditions/restrictions and establishes controls as needed to ensure full compliance
• Assists Principal Investigators and their staff to ensure allowability and allocability available to them by counseling and/or disseminating information and guidelines of the various granting agencies
• Adjust budgets dependent on contract requirements
• Coordinates activities in establishing grant protocol with institutions that may be involved in similar activities as named by the grant
• Assists in the development of progress plans with professional organizations relative to the objective and purpose of grant funding for a particular area of research or training
• Compiles financial and personnel reports for grants and contracts at the departmental or school level
• Negotiate with the agency regarding the renewal of the contract/subcontract
• Oversees proper close-out of grants and contracts, including final financial reports to grant agency
• Advises and trains members of the contracts team

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

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Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or [email protected] for support.