Asst. Director Government Contracts and Services

DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Office of Contract and Grant Administration (OCGA) provides customer-focused expertise and professional services while advancing research, instruction, and other sponsored activities within the UCSD research community. OCGA provides proposal review, submission, acceptance, and negotiation services for extramurally funded grants, cooperative agreements, multi-campus awards and contracts from non-profit, for-profit industry, and government sponsors.

OCGA is also responsible for managing the proposal and award system (Kuali Research) and providing expert guidance in the development and maintenance of reporting tools and processes or the campus research community. The OCGA contract officers hold a specific delegation of authority, granted from the Chancellor, to solicit and execute extramural grant and contracts, following UC policies.

OCGA also assumes oversight of the Research Administration/Kuali Research Client Support, Research Administration Training Program, Research Reports, and data analytics (Research Data Hub) and Research Systems Business Analysis and Operations.

OCGA supports a remote and/or hybrid work option with flex scheduling opportunities.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Assistant Director of Government Contracts and Service Agreements is the expert overseeing a team that manages US federal contracts and other transaction authority agreements, agreements for research programs funded by other government sponsors, fee-for-service agreements, and industry center membership agreements. This team supports Principal Investigators and research teams from the Research and Innovation, Academic Affairs, and Health Sciences Vice Chancellor areas.

As a member of the OCGA Leadership Team, the Assistant Director contributes to long-term planning to achieve organizational goals and streamline processes. They also serve as a liaison to the Research Compliance and Integrity Office on research security matters and work closely with OCGA Senior Leadership and central office partners to navigate evolving issues in this space.

In this role, the Assistant Director uses their expertise to tackle complex issues related to contracts and grants that impact the entire organization and campus. They and their team manage intricate award transactions, including large collaborations involving government sponsors and funding through for-profit entities that require high-level negotiation skills and contract oversight, as well as provide advice on challenging proposals.

The position demands strong analytical abilities and the capacity to respond promptly to emerging issues, guiding both the team and UC San Diego leadership. Extensive knowledge of federal regulations and the capability to independently handle unique challenges are essential for success in this role.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Expert, comprehensive knowledge of pertinent sponsor regulations (federal, particularly the FAR, and non-federal) as well as institutional research policies and their application within different sectors. Knowledge of institutional organizational structures, functions, policies, procedures. Demonstrated working knowledge of the research methodology and technical and legal issues affecting protection, use, and exploitation of intellectual property, export control, animal/human subject research, and foreign national requirements; and other high risk research areas.

• Expert knowledge and understanding of the compliance and sponsor policies related to research administration. Working knowledge of, and experience working with, various University administrative units (Post-Award Financial Management, Export Control, etc.) in connection with contract management to understand, appreciate and mitigate the impact of decisions and to be resourceful in finding answers by soliciting and coordinating the assistance of appropriate sources to seek the best solution for all parties involved.

• Supervisory experience with a track record of managing a diverse and high-performing team. Able to delegate work as appropriate and create and maintain team spirit and harmonious working relationships. Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills necessary to effectively interact with high level internal and external customers.

• Ability to maintain composure and productivity despite pressing deadlines, frequent interruptions, distractions and competing priorities. Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with the ability to prioritize tasks, organize time/tasks/assignments effectively, and work well under deadlines.

• Demonstrated understanding of academic and scientific fields. Ability to comprehend and use legal scientific and medical terminology and concepts.

• Proven ability to develop, review and negotiate complex legal agreements for a variety of research relationships and using a variety of legal instruments.

• Strong conflict-resolution skills to disarm anger and constructively handle complaints. Ability to mediate differences among groups with differing, and often conflicting, goals and motives.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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