The Contracts Officer is part of the Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) team at Vanderbilt University and is responsible for all post-award contract review, negotiation, and approval. This position focuses on all aspects of contract and sub-contract (both incoming and outgoing) management, including amendments and extensions. Reporting directly to the Associate Director for Contracts, the Contracts Officer works with all internal SPA teams as well as Research Finance, Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization, Office of the General Counsel, Risk and Insurance Management, Vanderbilt Export Control and the various sponsored programs professionals in the colleges, schools, departments, and centers.

　　Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) supports and advocates the University’s mission through leadership and expertise ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. SPA serves as a central resource providing guidance and stewardship by supporting the entire research community. SPA processes proposals and negotiates grants, contracts and other agreements. SPA values and promotes integrity, innovation, knowledge, collaboration and effectiveness.

　　Duties and Responsibilities

　　The Sponsored Programs Contracts Officer will:

　　Review and negotiate terms and conditions of contracts and sub-awards to ensure compliance with both internal and external requirements.

　　Negotiate terms and conditions of contracts and sub-awards to facilitate advantageous outcomes for both the University and the researcher.

　　Assist departmental staff involved in contract and grant administration by serving as a subject matter expert and interpreting/providing guidance on University policies and sponsor terms and regulations.

　　Regularly review contract and sub-award files and follow up on outstanding items with departmental personnel and faculty to ensure award requirements are met throughout the life cycle of the award.

　　Independently keep abreast of changes and updates in sponsored projects terms and conditions and University policies as they relate to sponsored awards.

　　Work with Conflict-of-Interest issues, technology transfer issues, as well as general compliance issues (IRB, IACUC, Export Control) and the appropriate offices within the University.

　　Qualifications

　　A Master’s or a Bachelor’s degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience is necessary.

　　A Bachelor’s degree in a related field is strongly preferred.

　　Juris Doctorate is preferred.

　　Familiarity with federal and state regulations governing sponsored projects is necessary.

　　Familiarity with grants and policy guidelines of a variety of federal agencies, especially the NSF and NIH, is necessary.

　　Ability to review legal documents and proposals and budgets critically is necessary.

　　Ability to communicate in a professional manner with a wide range of stakeholders (i.e. faculty, administration, legal counsel, federal agency employees) is necessary.

　　Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, especially Excel and Access, is necessary.

　　Ability to stay abreast of the changing laws and willingness to attend job-related trainings is necessary.

　　Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

　　At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

　　Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

　　Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

　　Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.