What We Do:
Since our foundation in 1984, we have helped the Department of War (DoW), government agencies, and private industry meet mission goals and gain strategic advantage by innovating and advancing the fields of software engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), cyber, and acquisition transformation.
Position Summary: Are you a creative, enthusiastic negotiator with a contracts background? We are looking for an innovative problem-solver to join our contracts team as a Contracts Officer. Under the general direction of the Contracts Manager and the Director of Contracting, you will prepare and negotiate a wide variety of agreements and other documents including but not limited to, project work plan agreements, memorandums of understanding, collaboration agreements, consortium agreements, teaming agreements, confidential disclosure agreements, licenses, membership agreements, educational agreements, data use agreements, visitor agreements, and software license agreements, with industry, federal agencies, non-profits, foundations, and other universities.
Requirements:
-Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting or other related field or equivalent combination of training and experience. MBA or similar degree or JD Preferred.
- A minimum of five (5) years of administrative experience, with two plus (2+) years of experience preferred or relevant education dealing with research contracts negotiation and administration, government contracts, and/or intellectual property agreements preferred.
- Willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission. This includes within the SEI and CMU community, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion. Occasional travel (Less than 10%)
- You will be subject to a background investigation.
Duties:
-Developing creative solutions to complex contract problems and resolving issues by negotiating solutions that respect the policies and needs of each stakeholder, and reducing risk for the University.
-Drafting contract language related to university policies on intellectual property, no warranty, publication, indemnification, and licensing.
-Negotiating and closing agreements as assigned. Documenting and monitoring the contract negotiation lifecycle.
-Triaging agreements or inquiries to spot relevant issues.
-Collaborating with business managers and technical staff, other internal departments, the Office of General Counsel, and Risk Management, to coordinate and resolve issues.
-Providing informational training sessions on relevant topics and communicate requirements with stakeholders.
-Leading special projects, as requested.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
-Demonstrated experience in and working knowledge of Federal contracting terms and conditions, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation, applicable agency supplement requirements, and government accounting practices for contract administration activities.
-Knowledge of federal acquisition regulations and in-depth understanding of legal and contractual terminology.
-Excellent reading comprehension and writing skills.
-Ability to rapidly review and analyze accurately, in detail, complex contract documents, written procedures and correspondence.
-Comprehensive computer skills including Microsoft Office suite.
Desired Experience:
-Preferred Licenses: Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) Education in Contracts Management.
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
LegalPosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
Statement of Assurance
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, or related field
- Minimum of five years administrative experience
- Two plus years experience in research contracts negotiation
- Knowledge of Federal contracting terms and conditions
- Excellent reading comprehension and writing skills
Carnegie Mellon University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Carnegie Mellon University and has not been reviewed or approved by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with automatic employer contributions to a TIAA-administered plan at 8% of base salary (and 9.78% for 9‑month academic appointments), plus optional employee deferrals. Vesting after three years is clearly specified, which helps set expectations for long-term value.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is strengthened by 100% paid parental leave for six weeks and 100% paid maternity leave for 6–8 weeks (delivery-type dependent), effective July 1, 2024. Childcare support is also referenced through a Cyert Center subsidy up to $5,000 per family, alongside no-cost EAP access.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits include free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access and access to fitness classes and facilities, adding recurring non-cash value to the overall package. Pittsburgh’s relatively affordable cost of living can further increase the perceived adequacy of a given salary compared with higher-cost coastal hubs.
Carnegie Mellon University Insights
What We Do
Carnegie Mellon University founder Andrew Carnegie said: "My heart is in the work." No statement better captures the passion and drive of our people to make a real difference. At Carnegie Mellon, we're not afraid of the work. Our educational environment creates problem solvers, drivers of innovation and pioneers in technology and the arts. Employers in every field say our graduates are ready to hit the ground running the day they graduate. So, join us. Whether you're looking for a career or an education. Or both.
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