Strategic Contracts Director — Sponsored Programs

Research Foundation for SUNY; City of Albany (NY); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The Research Foundation for The State University of New York (RF for SUNY) at Albany seeks an Assistant Director for Contracts Management. Lead the Contracts Management team within SPA, oversee development, review, and negotiation of sponsored agreements, and collaborate with faculty, legal counsel, and sponsors to advance SUNY’s research mission.

The role focuses on high-risk negotiations, compliance, and process improvements, with a hybrid in-person/remote setup in Albany, NY.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of progressively more complex experience negotiating agreements in higher education or research environment.
• Formal training in contract administration or contract law; JD preferred.
• Experience interpreting and applying federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead Contracts Management staff and oversee workflow, workload distribution, and performance.
• Review and approve complex agreements to ensure compliance with policies and sponsor requirements.
• Monitor metrics and drive process improvements for efficiency and quality.
• Manage high-risk or sensitive contract negotiations and subrecipient monitoring.
• Maintain records and communicate contract status to stakeholders.

Skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Customer service

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

JD preferred

Tools

Oracle management systems

Excel

Word

Job description

The Research Foundation for The State University of New York (RF for SUNY) at Albany seeks an Assistant Director for Contracts Management. Lead the Contracts Management team within SPA, oversee development, review, and negotiation of sponsored agreements, and collaborate with faculty, legal counsel, and sponsors to advance SUNY’s research mission.

The role focuses on high-risk negotiations, compliance, and process improvements, with a hybrid in-person/remote setup in Albany, NY.