ORA Contracts and Grants Officer 3 - Hybrid

University of Miami; Florida; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Miami, through the Office of Research Administration, seeks an ORA Contracts and Grants Officer 3 to manage a portfolio of sponsored research contracts across campuses.

The role negotiates terms with industry sponsors, government and foundations, guiding faculty and staff on policies, compliance, and subcontracting. It requires independent judgment, strong communication, and a commitment to ethical research administration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate terms and conditions for research contracts (corporate/industry, government, foundations).
• Provide guidance on sponsored research administration policies to faculty and staff.
• Draft outbound subcontract agreements and negotiate terms.
• Mentor and train Contracts and Grants Officers and departmental staff.
• Collaborate with IRB, Risk Management, Tech Transfer, Export Control and General Counsel to ensure compliant projects.

Skills

Contracting

Negotiation

Communication

Independent judgment

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

CRA credential

Job description

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research & Scholarship, Office of Research Administration (ORA) has an exciting job opportunity for an ORA Contracts and Grants Officer 3 to work at the University of Miami.

CORE JOB SUMMARY

The ORA Contracts and Grants Officer 3 works independently to negotiate research contracts in adherence to sponsoring agency requirements and University of Miami policies. The ORA Contracts and Grants Officer 3 is responsible for providing institutional-level sponsored research administration services to a portfolio of academic departments and research units among all University campuses. Furthermore, the Contracts and Grants Officer assists the Directors and other Office of Research Administration (ORA) leadership in the training, mentorship, oversight and management of the Contracts and Grants Officers within their applicable unit.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS

Drafts, reviews, analyzes, and negotiates terms and conditions consistent with University guidelines for various types of research contracts from various sources, specifically focused on corporate/industry funded Clinical Research and Clinical Trial Agreements (as well as potentially other sources including: government and foundation) and, engages in negotiations to establish the financial, legal, and other contractual terms, on behalf of the University. Provides guidance, support, and advice to faculty and staff regarding sponsored research administration issues, interpreting a broad range of internal and external policies, government regulations, and terms and conditions. Responsible for drafting outbound subcontract agreements and negotiating the terms within, when applicable. Provides mentorship and training to Contracts and Grants Officers and academic departmental staff. Collaborates with other University units such as IRB (Human Subject Research Office), Risk Management, Technology Transfer, Export Control, General Counsel, and other relevant offices to ensure that sponsored research projects are managed in an efficient and effective manner. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets. Remains abreast of regulatory changes relevant to contracts portfolio. This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Certification and Licensing: Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential preferred but not required.
• Experience: Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in contracting. Sponsored research (specifically corporate/industry funded Clinical Research and Clinical Trial Agreements), unfunded research (CDAs, MTAs, DTUAs, unfunded collaborations, etc.), and outbound subaward agreement experience preferred. Any appropriate combination of relevant education and/or experience may be considered.
• Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes: Knowledge of University and Federal agency requirements including NIH, DOD, NSF, NASA, and DOE, Uniform Guidance, Export Control Regulations, and Federal Acquisition Regulations. Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an eagerness to help others. Demonstrated professional experience and judgment to effectively serve faculty and sponsors while protecting, representing, and advancing the University's best interests. Ability to work well under deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, customer service, collegiality, or ethics. Strong analytical contract and negotiation skills.

The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida. With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.

Click here for additional information.

Job Status: Full time Employee Type: Staff

The mission of the University of Miami is to transform lives through education, research, innovation, and service. A vibrant and diverse academic and healthcare community, the University of Miami and the University of Miami Health System ("UHealth") have rapidly progressed to become one of the nation’s top research universities and academic medical centers in the nation.

The University comprises 12 schools and colleges serving undergraduate and graduate students in more than 350 majors and programs. Visit welcome.miami.edu/about-um to learn more about our points of pride.

The University ranks No. 55 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges list and ranked No. 49 in the 2022 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is ranked the #1 eye hospital in the USA and offers some of the nation's premiere eye doctors to treat every eye condition for adults. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer, part of the Miller School of Medicine, received the prestigious National Cancer Institute designation in 2019. The University of Miami and UHealth have also ranked among the Forbes Best Employers and Best Employers for Women on several occasions, most recently in 2022. With more than 17,000 faculty and staff, the University strives for excellence, and is driven by a powerful mission to transform and impact the lives of its students, patients, members of the community, and people across the globe.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.