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University of Washington

SENIOR CONTRACT SPECIALIST

University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127


SENIOR CONTRACT SPECIALIST

Req #: 239934

Department: OFFICE OF SPONSORED PROGRAMS

Job Location: Seattle Campus

Posting Date: 10/11/2024

Closing Info: Open Until Filled

Salary: $8,000 - $9,100 per month

Shift: First Shift

Benefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs.

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.

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.

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 record.

Regulatory 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 practice.

Education, 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.

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.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

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