Job Information
University of Washington SENIOR CONTRACT SPECIALIST in Seattle, Washington
Req #: 239934
Department: OFFICE OF SPONSORED PROGRAMS
Appointing Department Web Address: https://www.washington.edu/research/osp/
Posting Date: 10/11/2024
Closing Info: Open Until Filled
Salary: $8,000 - $9,100 per month
Shift: First Shift
Notes: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-professional-staff-librarians-academic-staff-20230701_a11y.pdf)
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.
The values of diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to the success of our research enterprise and are embedded in the culture of who we are as an institution and employer. We create progressive change honoring the unique and diverse perspectives in the Office of Research and the UW research community. We strengthen our commitment to the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering an environment of authenticity in support of our mission to provide an equitable and accessible community to all. Read more here: https://www.washington.edu/research/or/office-of-research-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/
The University of Washington’s Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) has an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Contract Specialist. OSP facilitates over $1.8 billion annually in sponsored project awards.
POSITION COMPLEXITIES
The senior contract specialist reviews, negotiates and executes research related agreements that may include clinical studies, industry and government contracts, collaborative research, and other unfunded agreements on behalf of the UW. The individual in this position must be able to assess business and legal risk, make independent decisions based on sound judgment, and independently assist faculty and their delegates or representatives. The person in this position must be able to analyze, prioritize, and balance a changing of workload in a deadline driven working environment.
POSITION DIMENSIONS AND IMPACT TO THE UNIVERSITY
The senior contract specialist is expected to conduct any work that falls within the contract team’s overall scope, up to their level of signature authority. They may also provide support to other teams during times when high volumes are experienced.
The senior contract specialist is expected to stay current on regulatory changes, funder negotiation issues and trends, and UW policies and processes. They must be comfortable collaborating and advising with various levels of leadership at the University and will work collaboratively with their OSP colleagues, funders, campus departments and other involved offices, such as UW CoMotion (technology transfer office) and the Human Subjects Division.
The senior contract specialist will have significant prior experience negotiating and finalizing complex agreements and must have knowledge of copyright law, publication policy, intellectual property rights, and data ownership as well as some working knowledge of conflict-of-interest regulations, human subjects and FDA regulations, animal care policies and other non-fiscal compliance areas.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Contract Review and Negotiations (90%)
Reviews and evaluates award terms and conditions for individual agreements
Collaborates with department representatives and/or faculty during negotiations
Negotiates acceptable award terms that are consistent with federal and state law, University policy, processes and systems and that are also consistent with sponsor requirements
Maintains current and accurate agreement files of recordRegulatory and Government Policy (5%)
Stays abreast of the changing regulatory landscape
Maintains awareness of changes in funder policies and practices
Evaluates and makes recommendations for changes to policies and processes needed because of changes in regulations or overall funder policies and practiceEducation, Development and Outreach (5%)
Recommend classes, courses or webinars that may be beneficial to the team or the office
Prepares and presents material for staff enrichment and professional development
Prepares and leads outreach efforts to campus units
May represent the Office in interdepartmental workgroups, contributing expertise in matters with broad implications to the University mission MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree, in business or related field, and six (6) or more years of increasingly responsible experience and development of expertise in grant and/or contract administration. Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
JD or a master’s degree in related discipline, such as business administration or public administration
Knowledge of federal acquisition processes and Federal Acquisition Regulations
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Knowledge of federal regulations concerning management of federal assistance funding, including the Uniform Guidance
Understanding of compliance requirements
Understanding of roles and responsibilities at a large, research university
Working knowledge of non-fiscal compliance areas such as conflict of interest regulations, human subjects and animal care policies
Understanding of copyright law, publication policy, intellectual property rights, and data ownership
Knowledge of sponsor types and the differences in sponsor requirements
Knowledge of federal acquisition processes and Federal Acquisition Regulations
Ability to interpret, explain and apply complicated rules, regulations and policies
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
A demonstrated capacity to work with and within a diverse community Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.