Job Opportunity: Contracts & Grants Specialist | The Research Foundation for SUNY

Job Description:

This is an entry level position for a new JD or experienced contracts reviewer to begin a career in sponsored programs administration in higher education. This position has the ability to work remote however occasional travel to Albany, NY for meetings is required.

Reporting to the VP for Sponsored Programs & Regulatory Affairs, the Contract and Grants Specialist will provide sponsored program contract review, negotiation, and then contract management for SUNY System Administration programs managed through the Sponsored Programs Office (SPO). This position will be responsible for administering a broad range of sponsored program agreements including their regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities:

The Contract & Grant Specialist will be responsible for the following:

• Preliminary review and negotiation of sponsored program agreements, including but not limited to, contracts, grant, MOUs, confidentiality/non-disclosure, as well as subcontracts and other miscellaneous legal documents.
• Provide daily technical support and facilitation to SUNY System Administration on an array of post-award program management matters concerning policies, procedures, principal director certifications, conflict regulations, regulation interpretation, sponsor collection issues, and dispute resolution. Support to SUNY System Administration will also include preparation and oversight of budget and contract modifications and monitoring awards terminating to ensure new and/or renewal awards are issued as appropriate.
• Review, analyze, obtain missing information, including billing requirements to complete award establishment in the Oracle Grants Management module.  Produce and review and act as Quality Assurance on Award Abstracts.
• Review of sponsored program awards/contracts guidelines to determine if cost share award is appropriate.
• Review and verify budget information including appropriate facilities and administrative rate for awards/contracts received, including but not limited to working with the campus as needed on finalizing appropriate budget data for award input based upon sponsor restrictions.
• Perform preliminary review of complex contractual documents noting deficiencies and/or other unusual items for legal and administrative review prior to execution, including submission of insurance certificates, where appropriate. Responsible for tracking such contractual documents for receipt of fully executed copy.
• Review, assist and verify budgetary elements and post-award reporting data and deliverables. Assist in the management of billings and sponsor financial reporting.
• Provide guidance to pre-post staff to assure accurate input and interpretation of sponsor requirements and regulations affecting awards.
• Participate in training on pre and post award functions to program personnel and assist with development of local policies and procedures.
• Assist Operations Manager as a point of contact for corporate and sponsor audits.
• Other duties and projects as required or requested.

Requirements:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with 1-2 years of experience negotiating contracts and or grants preferably in a sponsored programs environment. Role requires outstanding analytical and communication skills or equivalent combination of education and experience. Juris Doctorate preferred.
• Must have experience in interpreting government regulations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Federal and State regulations pertaining is essential.
• An in-depth understanding of sponsored program policies and regulations with a goal of facilitating research administration is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, as well as the ability to think critically, in order to successfully research, analyze and present complex issues.
• Demonstrated ability to assemble and work in teams with a strong commitment to excellence in customer service.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word are highly desirable.  Experience using Oracle management systems is preferred.

Additional Information:

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY  will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, criminal record, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status with respect to receiving public assistance, domestic violence victim status, a disabled, special, recently separated, active duty wartime, campaign badge, Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.

Application Instructions:

Applicants interested in applying MUST submit the following documents:

1. Resume/Cv
2. Cover Letter

After submitting your resume/CV, the subsequent pages enable you to upload additional documents including a cover letter.

Returning Applicants – Login to your RF SUNY Careers Account to review your application.

Apply Here