Contract Officer- Sponsored Programs, Subawards (Advanced Professional)

Georgia Institute of Technology; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgia Tech is seeking a Contract Officer for Sponsored Programs to manage contracting for research funding and related sponsored programs. You will ensure compliance with policies and federal regulations while guiding faculty and researchers through the contracting process.

The role emphasizes negotiation with funding agencies, contract drafting, and cross-functional collaboration with legal and finance to support research initiatives at a major university.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related discipline or equivalent.
• 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Master's degree in related discipline or equivalent (preferred).
• Knowledge of 2 CFR 200, FAR/DFARS and sponsor requirements."
• Experience in contract databases and subawards."
• Ability to interact with faculty, sponsors and staff in a multi-cultural environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Experience driving cross-functional initiatives.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze research proposals for standards and sponsor compliance.
• Negotiate contract terms with funding agencies to protect institutional interests.
• Draft, edit, and finalize research contracts and agreements.
• Provide guidance to faculty and researchers during contracting process.
• Monitor compliance of awarded contracts and terms throughout the grant life.
• Maintain accurate contract records for documentation and audits.
• Conduct training on contract management and sponsored program policies.
• Stay informed about changes in federal regulations affecting sponsored programs.
• Collaborate with legal, finance, and other stakeholders on contract issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Sponsored programs

Regulatory compliance

Documentation

Cross-functional

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Contract Officer- Sponsored Programs, Subawards (Advanced Professional)

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 303478

About Us

Overview Georgia Tech prides itself on its technological resources, collaborations, high-quality student body, and its commitment to building an outstanding and diverse community of learning, discovery, and creation. We strongly encourage applicants whose values align with our institutional values, as outlined in our Strategic Plan. These values include academic excellence, diversity of thought and experience, inquiry and innovation, collaboration and community, and ethical behavior and stewardship. Georgia Tech has policies to promote a healthy work-life balance and is aware that attracting faculty may require meeting the needs of two careers.

About Georgia Tech Georgia Tech is a top-ranked public research university situated in the heart of Atlanta, a diverse and vibrant city with numerous economic and cultural strengths. The Institute serves more than 45,000 students through top-ranked undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs in engineering, computing, science, business, design, and liberal arts. Georgia Tech's faculty attracted more than $1.4 billion in research awards this past year in fields ranging from biomedical technology to artificial intelligence, energy, sustainability, semiconductors, neuroscience, and national security. Georgia Tech ranks among the nation's top 20 universities for research and development spending and No. 1 among institutions without a medical school.

Georgia Tech's Mission and Values Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do:

1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Department Information

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) is the engine powering Georgia Tech’s world-class research enterprise. We provide comprehensive, "cradle-to-grave" administration for research grants and contracts across a massive portfolio of federal, state, university, and non-profit sponsors. More than just a central office, OSP is a strategic partner to our faculty. Our team leads everything from proposal submission and complex contract negotiation to active award monitoring. We are also deeply invested in growing our people, driving campus-wide professional development through our multi-tiered Research Administration Certification program and the quarterly Research Administration Buzz (RAB) networking community.

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 grant 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 - Conduct training sessions for 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
• Job Duty 10 - Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements Bachelor's degree in related discipline or equivalent, related experience

Required Experience 4+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications Master's degree in related discipline or equivalent, related experience

Preferred Experience

• Experience at a non-profit, educational institutional and/or Federal Government or Federal government prime or Subcontractor.
• Knowledge of 2 CFR 200, Uniform Requirements, the Federal Acquisition Regulations and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations and the ability to interpret and apply these.
• Computer related experience to include usage of databases, operating systems, office automation applications.
• Ability to interact with key faculty members, staff members and students in a multi-cultural environment;
• Must be able to manage a high volume workload by prioritizing objectives and exercising independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and procedures.
• Able to work independently and in coordination with intra-university teams to meet deadlines.
• Experience in contract database management systems.
• Familiarity with various sponsoring agencies such as Department of Defense, other federal agencies, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies is desired.
• Logical thinker, good analytical skills; ability to think strategically and creatively; good overall business knowledge.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Experience in driving cross-functional initiatives
• Proficient is Microsoft Office Word and Excel and other office related specialized computer applications

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Experience in sponsored research administration, subaward administration, contract negotiation, or research compliance within a higher education, government, or nonprofit research environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal regulations governing sponsored projects, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), FAR, DFARS, and other agency-specific requirements.
• Experience negotiating and administering subawards, subcontracts, consulting agreements, and other research-related agreements.
• Understanding of subrecipient risk assessments, subrecipient monitoring, audit requirements, and compliance best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with faculty, sponsors, and subrecipient organizations.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, and services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia ("USG") and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of an individual's race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

Other Information

• This is not a supervisory position.
• This position has some financial responsibilities.
• This position will not be required to drive.
• This role is considered a position of trust.
• This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
• This position will not travel
• This position does not require security clearance.

Job Grade: R08
Salary :$84,844-$95,000 commensurate with experience
Location: Atlanta, GA 30332

Background Check

Successful candidate must be able to pass a background check. Please visit Georgia Tech's Pre-Employment Screening Policy for more information.