Contract Officer, Senior -Sponsored Programs (Government & Non-Profit for Academic Units)

SRA International; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SRA International in Atlanta seeks a Senior Contract Officer for Sponsored Programs to manage research funding contracts and ensure compliance with institutional policies and federal regulations.

You will negotiate terms with funding agencies, draft and finalize agreements, and guide faculty through the contracting process while maintaining thorough records for audits and reviews. The role requires staying current with FAR, 2 CFR 200, and sponsor policies.

Qualifications

• Experience reviewing research contracts for compliance.
• Knowledge of FAR and 2 CFR 200.
• Experience with not-for-profit or academic institutions.
• Ability to negotiate with funding agencies.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze research proposals to ensure compliance with institutional standards and sponsor requirements.
• Negotiate contract terms with funding agencies to protect the institution's interests while enabling research.
• Draft, edit, and finalize research contracts and agreements for clarity and policy alignment.
• Provide guidance to faculty and researchers throughout contracting processes.
• Monitor and ensure compliance of awarded contracts during the life of the agreement.
• Maintain accurate contract records to support audits and reviews.
• Advise faculty and staff on contract management and sponsored program policies.
• Stay informed on changes in federal regulations and sponsor policies.
• Collaborate with legal and finance to address issues related to contracts and sponsored programs.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Contract drafting

Compliance

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder management

Job description

Contract Officer, Senior -Sponsored Programs (Government & Non-Profit for Academic Units)

Overview

Job Summary

The Contract Officer for Sponsored Programs is responsible for managing the negotiation, execution, and administration of contracts related to research funding and sponsored programs. This position ensures compliance with institutional policies and federal regulations while providing guidance and support to faculty and researchers throughout the contracting process.

Responsibilities

• Job Duty 1 - Review and analyze research proposals to ensure they meet institutional standards and comply with sponsor requirements before submission
• Job Duty 2 - Negotiate contract terms and conditions with funding agencies to protect the institution's interests while facilitating research initiatives
• Job Duty 3 - Draft, edit, and finalize research contracts and agreements to ensure clarity, compliance, and alignment with institutional policies
• Job Duty 4 - Provide guidance and support to faculty and researchers throughout the contracting process by answering questions and addressing concerns related to contracts and funding
• Job Duty 5 - Monitor and manage the compliance of awarded contracts by ensuring that all terms and conditions are followed during the life of the agreement or contract
• Job Duty 6 - Maintain accurate records of all contracts and agreements to ensure proper documentation and facilitate audits and reviews
• Job Duty 7 - Advise faculty and staff on contract management and sponsored program policies to improve understanding and compliance
• Job Duty 8 - Stay informed about changes in federal regulations and funding agency policies to ensure the institution's compliance and enhance its research capabilities
• Job Duty 9 - Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including legal counsel and finance departments, to address issues related to contracts and sponsored programs

Preferred Experience

In-depth knowledge of contracts administration regulations and practices, including those specific to:

• Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
• Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation
• 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance
• Communications skills, both verbal and written,including the ability to communicate effectively with Institute and sponsor employees at all levels;
• Production of workable solutions to challenging situations, and skills related to the use of office equipment and specialized computer applications and systems.

Experience within a not-for-profit, educational, or federal government contractor organization is preferred.

Demonstrated experience negotiating sponsored research agreements, contracts, teaming agreements and other research-related agreements on behalf of a not-for-profit, educational, or federal government or contractor organization.