Director, Strategic Contracts & Sponsored Programs

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit seeks a Director of Contract Administration in Sponsored Program Administration to lead a team through the full lifecycle of contracts, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and sponsor requirements.

Based in the Division of Research & Innovation, you will negotiate awards, design training, manage contract data systems, monitor performance, and coordinate with the University General Counsel and other offices to mitigate risk.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business management or related field.
• 7+ years of contract negotiation experience.
• Minimum 4 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience with federal, non-profit, or industry funding.
• Post-award administration and clinical trials knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee SPA contract administration for faculty, the University and sponsors.
• Lead the negotiation process; sign awards up to $500,000 per occurrence; liaise with General Counsel.
• Design and implement training on contract negotiation and language interpretation.
• Create and maintain databases for contract negotiation; provide regular reports.
• Resolve disputes with principal investigators and sponsors; recommend remedial action.
• Prepare Board of Governors documents on conflicts of interest and research policy.
• Develop specialized agreements for testing and private sector activity; maintain templates.
• Manage, train, review, and hire staff performing proposal and award tasks.

Skills

Leadership

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder communication

Data reporting

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business management or related field

Tools

COEUS

Cayuse

Banner

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Wayne State University in Detroit seeks a Director of Contract Administration in Sponsored Program Administration to lead a team through the full lifecycle of contracts, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and sponsor requirements.

Based in the Division of Research & Innovation, you will negotiate awards, design training, manage contract data systems, monitor performance, and coordinate with the University General Counsel and other offices to mitigate risk.