Rice University
Special Instructions to Applicants
All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.
Position Summary The Office of Sponsored Projects is the central university office responsible for reviewing and providing the official signature for all proposals submitted on behalf of the University in compliance with federal and university policies. The Sponsored Projects team accepts and negotiates federal, state, and not-for-profit awards from external sponsors on behalf of the University.
The Assistant Director for Contracts drafts, negotiates, and supervises a comprehensive range of contracts, including federal contracts and subcontracts. They evaluate, negotiate, and finalize agreements, and authorize standard contract awards on behalf of the university. The Assistant Director has delegated signing authority to approve agreements and accept standard contract awards for the university.
Ideal Candidate Statement The ideal candidate has extensive experience in contract negotiation and research administration. They possess a deep understanding of federal, state, and institutional regulations governing sponsored projects and are skilled in interpreting complex contractual terms. This individual is a confident communicator and collaborator, capable of working closely with faculty, legal counsel, sponsors, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and compliant agreement execution.
Workplace Requirements This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Salary $83,400 - $106,400
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
4 years of grant management experience
Skills
Advanced knowledge of reviewing and negotiating agreements and contracts
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
The ability to manage status and reporting requirements for multiple contracts
Leadership skills
Team management
Customer service orientation
Preferences Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM), Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or CPCM (Certified Professional Contract Manager) preferred
Essential Functions
Performs highly advanced (expert-level) contract management work.
Assists in planning, coordinating, and monitoring the research activities of the unit
Develops and administers procedures designed to comply with appropriate regulations relating to the administration of government and private research grants and contracts and for the interpretation and application of such procedures and regulations
Analyzes proposed grants contract proposals and awards for special conditions/restrictions and establishes controls as needed to ensure full compliance
Assists Principal Investigators and their staff to ensure allowability and allocability available to them by counseling and/or disseminating information and guidelines of the various granting agencies
Adjust budgets dependent on contract requirements
Coordinates activities in establishing grant protocol with institutions that may be involved in similar activities as named by the grant
Assists in the development of progress plans with professional organizations relative to the objective and purpose of grant funding for a particular area of research or training
Compiles financial and personnel reports for grants and contracts at the departmental or school level
Negotiate with the agency regarding the renewal of the contract/subcontract
Oversees proper close-out of grants and contracts, including final financial reports to grant agency
Advises and trains members of the contracts team
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.
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Position Summary The Office of Sponsored Projects is the central university office responsible for reviewing and providing the official signature for all proposals submitted on behalf of the University in compliance with federal and university policies. The Sponsored Projects team accepts and negotiates federal, state, and not-for-profit awards from external sponsors on behalf of the University.
The Assistant Director for Contracts drafts, negotiates, and supervises a comprehensive range of contracts, including federal contracts and subcontracts. They evaluate, negotiate, and finalize agreements, and authorize standard contract awards on behalf of the university. The Assistant Director has delegated signing authority to approve agreements and accept standard contract awards for the university.
Ideal Candidate Statement The ideal candidate has extensive experience in contract negotiation and research administration. They possess a deep understanding of federal, state, and institutional regulations governing sponsored projects and are skilled in interpreting complex contractual terms. This individual is a confident communicator and collaborator, capable of working closely with faculty, legal counsel, sponsors, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and compliant agreement execution.
Workplace Requirements This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Salary $83,400 - $106,400
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
4 years of grant management experience
Skills
Advanced knowledge of reviewing and negotiating agreements and contracts
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
The ability to manage status and reporting requirements for multiple contracts
Leadership skills
Team management
Customer service orientation
Preferences Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM), Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or CPCM (Certified Professional Contract Manager) preferred
Essential Functions
Performs highly advanced (expert-level) contract management work.
Assists in planning, coordinating, and monitoring the research activities of the unit
Develops and administers procedures designed to comply with appropriate regulations relating to the administration of government and private research grants and contracts and for the interpretation and application of such procedures and regulations
Analyzes proposed grants contract proposals and awards for special conditions/restrictions and establishes controls as needed to ensure full compliance
Assists Principal Investigators and their staff to ensure allowability and allocability available to them by counseling and/or disseminating information and guidelines of the various granting agencies
Adjust budgets dependent on contract requirements
Coordinates activities in establishing grant protocol with institutions that may be involved in similar activities as named by the grant
Assists in the development of progress plans with professional organizations relative to the objective and purpose of grant funding for a particular area of research or training
Compiles financial and personnel reports for grants and contracts at the departmental or school level
Negotiate with the agency regarding the renewal of the contract/subcontract
Oversees proper close-out of grants and contracts, including final financial reports to grant agency
Advises and trains members of the contracts team
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.
#J-18808-Ljbffr