[Hiring] Contract Officer or Senior Contract Officer @University of Texas at Austin

Role Description

Support the Research Community at the University of Texas at Austin in the capacity of Contract Officer or Senior Contract Officer within the Office of Sponsored Projects. Responsible for the management of agreement portfolios that include sponsored research agreements, subawards, and other research-related contracts. Primary duties are to evaluate, draft, negotiate, and execute research agreements. The Contract Officer or Senior Contract Officer will ensure research agreements are in compliance with University policies, contractual requirements, federal and state laws and regulations. This position will act as the primary contract point of contact for assigned units.

Contract Officer Responsibilities

• Agreement Negotiation and Compliance:
  • Independently draft, review, and negotiate various agreements to ensure compliance with University policies and regulations.
  • Prepare and submit detailed written exceptions and recommendations on contractual language.
  • Types of agreements include sponsored project agreements, research contracts, subaward agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and more.
  • Evaluate and outline financial and compliance risks in research contracts.
  • Coordinate with appropriate University offices to address compliance issues.
• Contractual Advice and Communication:
  • Provide expert advice regarding federal, state, and contractual requirements.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of procedures to improve contract workflow.
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Contract Management:
  • Oversee and manage assigned agreement portfolio for timely actions.
  • Enter and maintain accurate documentation related to agreements.
• Other:
  • Special projects as assigned by Director of Contracting and/or Assistant Director.

Senior Contract Officer Responsibilities

• Agreement Negotiation and Compliance:
  • Independently draft, review, and negotiate various agreements to ensure compliance with University policies and regulations.
  • Prepare and submit detailed written exceptions and recommendations on contractual language.
  • Types of agreements include sponsored project agreements, research contracts, subaward agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and more.
  • Evaluate and outline financial and compliance risks in research contracts.
  • Coordinate with appropriate University offices to address compliance issues.
• Contractual Advice and Communication:
  • Provide expert advice regarding federal, state, and contractual requirements.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of procedures to improve contract workflow.
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Contract Management:
  • Oversee and manage assigned agreement portfolio for timely actions.
  • Enter and maintain accurate documentation related to agreements.
• Coordination/Supervision:
  • Provide direct supervision and training of staff responsible for review and negotiation of research contracts.
• Other:
  • Special projects as assigned by Director of Contracting and/or Assistant Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Six years of experience drafting and negotiating sponsored research agreements and research-related contracts.
• Demonstrated experience in contract preparation, including drafting, review, and revision of key terms.
• Experience negotiating with federal, state, academic, industry, and other partners.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, local and University guidelines and regulations.
• Highly skilled in complex contract negotiations and management of contract portfolios.
• Exceptional customer service and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Seven years of experience drafting and negotiating sponsored research agreements and research-related contracts.
• Demonstrated experience in contract preparation, including drafting, review, and revision of key terms.
• Experience negotiating with federal, state, academic, industry, and other partners.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, local and University guidelines and regulations.
• Highly skilled in complex contract negotiations and management of contract portfolios.
• Exceptional customer service and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage.
• Retirement contributions.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Paid holidays.
• Fully remote.