Contract Officer

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY

Northeastern University’s Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES) provides leadership and expertise to faculty, investigators and college administrators in support of research and sponsored programs at Northeastern University.   NU -- a dynamic, innovative, and entrepreneurial university with a diverse and growing research portfolio -- seeks to hire talented, experienced administrators who are dedicated to supporting investigators secure and manage their extramurally sponsored activities.  The University is committed to hiring and developing personnel who enjoy working in a high-performing culture that rewards excellence.  To learn more about Northeastern’s unique academic environment and generous benefits please see: http://www.northeastern.edu/hrm/.  Northeastern is a global university and NU-RES supports its team working remotely. Remote locations and work schedules are determined based on operational needs and in consultation with Team members, consistent with university policies and guidance.

As a key member of the NU-RES Contracts Team plays a critical role in supporting, facilitating and advancing faculty research and sponsored activities across NU’s Global University System, including NU’s wholly-owned subsidiary KRI at Northeastern University, LLC, by advising faculty and administrators on a wide-range of regulatory and practical issues related to extramurally funded contracts and agreements with industry, Federal agencies, and non-profit organizations.  The Contract Officer reviews, analyzes, drafts and negotiates sponsored research and related contracts (e.g., non-disclosure, data use, material transfer agreements, etc.), leveraging strong technical knowledge of academic standards, intellectual property concerns and applicable regulatory requirements.  In addition, as a member of the larger NU-RES team, the Contract Officer provides administrative support for the management of the University’s contract award portfolio.  The Contract Officer must have background or familiarity with sponsored program administration, be independent, be able to think critically and have strong interpersonal, collaborative, and project management skills.  A sense of humor, high tolerance for ambiguity and preference for working in a deadline-driven environment preferred.

Responsibilities include: Primarily responsible for the timely intake, review, drafting, negotiation and administration of sponsored program agreements with industry partners, as well as processing unfunded agreements such as non-disclosure agreements, material transfer agreements, data use agreements, etc., from federal, state, municipal, or non-profit entities. Independent identification of legal, financial, regulatory and business risks in procurement contracts and other agreements; effectively communicate with NU-RES leadership, investigators, administrative colleagues and counterparts about issues and recommend mutually satisfactory terms & conditions. Coordinate with and gather key inputs from  fellow University offices, including Office of General Counsel, Office of Research Compliance, IT, Risk Services, OHSRP, and EHS as needed for resolving contract and agreement issues, ensuring regulatory requirements are met and contribute to post-execution administration of contract awards.  The successful Contract Officer must possess effective analytical and creative problem-solving skills, a willingness to accept feedback and differing perspectives and the ability to manage a high volume of work in a fast-paced, deadline driven work environment. 

Must have demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively, excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated integrity, initiative, professionalism and highly collegial and collaborative approach in all work and in developing and maintaining professional relationships.  Strong principle-based negotiation and agreement drafting experience coupled with an understanding of areas of key concern to academic institutions, funding agencies, and corporate/industry partners in particular. 

Assist in identification, development and implementation of contract policies and processes, including contribute to on-going process improvement initiatives, e.g., dynamic workflow management, and outreach, education and training programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated knowledge of sponsored research administration and its related issues including policies (e.g., intellectual property rights, publications, and academic freedom) and best practices, preferably in an academic or military setting.  The Contract Officer will offer effective analytical and creative problem-solving skills and the ability to manage a high volume of work in a fast-paced, deadline driven work environment.  Assist in identification, development and implementation of contract policies and processes, including contribute to the on-going improvement of RA processes and systems and outreach, education and training initiatives.
• Experience reviewing applicable federal statutes and regulations, including a strong understanding of laws and regulations related to research and sponsored activities (e.g., Uniform Guidance, Intellectual Property, FCOI, IRB/IACUC/IBC, Data/Privacy, Export Controls, etc.).  Familiarity with government contracting concepts, including FAR parts 12 and 13, DFARs, and various contract vehicles a plus.
• Must be detail oriented and have solid judgment and capacity to exercise discretion to resolve ambiguity and promote effective solutions.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, time-sensitive, innovative environment.  Must have a strong commitment to providing professional, timely, value-added courteous service to the university research community.  Must have solid judgment and capacity to exercise discretion to resolve ambiguity and promote effective solutions.  Must have a strong commitment to constructively contribute to a customer service environment, providing professional, timely, efficient, and courteous service to the university research community. 
• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3-5 years’ relevant experience in the field of research administration in an academic, military, non-profit or industry setting and a commitment to continued professional education and development required.  Knowledge of government grant regulations, agency policies, and familiarity with customary policies and procedures of an institute of higher education preferred.
   

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

• (65%) Intake, review, negotiation and administration of sponsored program agreements with industry partners, as well as processing unfunded agreements such as non-disclosure agreements, material transfer agreements, data use agreements, etc., from federal, state, municipal, or non-profit entities. Independent identification of legal, financial, regulatory and business risks in procurement contracts and other agreements; effectively communicate with NU-RES leadership, investigators, administrative colleagues and counterparts about issues and recommend mutually satisfactory terms & conditions.

• (15%) Coordinate with and gather key inputs from fellow university offices, including Office of General Counsel, Office of Research Compliance, IT, Risk Services, OHSRP, and EHS as needed for resolving contract and agreement issues, ensuring regulatory requirements are met; contribute to the post-execution administration of contract awards.  The successful Contract Officer must possess effective analytical and creative problem-solving skills, a willingness to accept feedback and differing perspectives and the ability to manage a high volume of work in a fast-paced, deadline driven work environment. 

• (10%) Works with leadership and contract team colleagues on NU- RES process improvement initiatives and supporting outreach, education and training programs.  Provide assistance and feedback for the development of systems, reports and other tools in support of the larger University research community.

• (10%) Engage in University-wide professional development activities, e.g., training, workshops, developing resources useful for university faculty and staff etc., participate in special projects identified by NU RES. Contribute to NU RES’ customer service initiatives by engaging in special projects, and maintain expert knowledge in the field by participating in professional development activities such as training and workshops.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.