Senior Contracts & Subawards Officer

About the Opportunity

Northeastern University’s Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES) Hub seeks to hire talented, experienced, agile research administrators who are dedicated to supporting investigators secure and manage their extramurally funded sponsored activities. NU-RES provides leadership and expertise to faculty, investigators, and administrators, supporting the research and sponsored programs portfolios of the University and its affiliated research institutes. 

The Hub, a shared administrative and business service unit operating within Northeastern’s central sponsored programs office (NU-RES), assists faculty and research investigators across the University’s global research network by providing department level administrative support. The Hub serves as a critical researcher-NU-RES interface and directly supports faculty throughout the proposal-award life cycle.  Team members of the Hub provide direct assistance to faculty and research investigators; cross-function support to Hub and NU-RES team members; and work closely with all units reporting to the Senior Vice Provost for Research. 

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, NU-RES Hub, the Senior Contracts & Subaward Officer (SCSO) works in partnership with faculty, University staff and funding agencies by coordinating, drafting, reviewing and negotiating award contracts and research related agreements (e.g., NDAs, MTAs, Data Agreements, Subawards, etc.).  The SCSO works closely with the Hub Contract & Grants Portfolio Officer and Senior Research Administrator to coordinate the collection and preparation of subrecipients’’ proposal documents for Hub-supported proposals. The Senior Contracts-Subaward Officer also serves a subject matter expert on federal contracting guidelines and assists with business decisions on appropriate contract vehicles.

Northeastern is a global university and NU-RES supports its team working remotely. Remote locations and work schedules are determined based on operational needs and in consultation with NU-RES team members, consistent with University policies and guidance.

Northeastern University, a dynamic, innovative, and entrepreneurial university with a diverse, complex and growing award portfolio is committed to inclusion and diversity; and hiring and developing personnel who enjoy working in a high-performing culture that rewards excellence. 

To learn more about Northeastern’s unique academic environment and generous benefits please see: http://www.northeastern.edu/hrm/ .

Responsibilities Include:

Supporting the lifecycle of proposal and award contracting, including coordinating, drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, subawards and related research agreements (NDAs, MTAs, Data).   The SCSO works closely with the Hub Contract & Grants Portfolio Officer and Senior Research Administrator to coordinate the collection and preparation of subrecipients’’ proposal documents for Hub-supported proposals; including issuing sub-RFPs, coordinating the collection of subrecipient subproject and subaward materials; supporting faculty and staff by communicating terms and conditions of awarded contracts, obligations and compliance requirements, as well as by providing expertise on contract vehicles and federal contracting guidelines.  Monitor contract and subrecipient reporting requirements.
This position may provide cross-functional coverage for the Hub’s Research Administrator and/or Contracts & Grants Portfolio Officer and/or Contract Officers within NU-RES Research Administration.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required; 5 or more years of direct relevant experience in the field of research and/or contract administration in an academic, military or industry setting required; Direct experience in reviewing solicitations, proposal preparation and processing in response to procurement contract opportunities, and procurement contract management; Knowledge of FAR/DFARS; Uniform Guidance; NCMA Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) or Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) preferred but not required.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.  Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, time sensitive environment preferred.  Must have solid judgment and capacity to exercise discretion to resolve issues and promote effective solutions; ability to work both independently and as part of a highly accountable team.  Must have a strong commitment to constructively contribute to a customer service environment, providing professional, timely, efficient, and courteous service to clients of the Hub and the University’s research community.    Cooperative, sense of humor and tolerance for ambiguity helpful.   Qualified to hold DOD security clearance and proximity to one of Northeastern’s global research campuses a plus. 

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

Solicit and coordinate subrecipient proposals; draft, review and negotiate award contracts, subawards and related agreements.

Responsible for coordinating with researchers and staff across the University and KRI at Northeastern University, LLC to  prepare subcontracts and other agreements, understanding and managing contract terms from proposal preparation through close-out, coordination with researchers and institutional stakeholders during the award life cycle to ensure contract requirements are fulfilled and contractual issues addressed in a timely manner. 

Maintain current knowledge of contract procedures and practices, Uniform Guidance, FAR and DFARs, research compliance (IRB/IACUC/IBC/Export Controls/COI).

Ability to coordinate with colleagues effectively and efficiently in NU-RES Administration, Research Finance, KRI at Northeastern University, LLC, Office of General Counsel, Office of Research Compliance and other institutional stakeholders is critical. (75%)

Works with the Senior Associate Director in conjunction with NU-RES Contracts team to create robust processes, procedures and best practices for management, intake of requests, and oversight and administration of the award contract lifecycle related to the University’s security and contracting portfolios; provide assistance and feedback for the development of processes, reports and other tools in support of the NU research enterprise. (15%)

Engage in University-wide professional development activities, e.g., training, workshops, developing resources useful for institutional researchers and staff etc. Responsible for working with stakeholders to develop skills related to research administration, including development and delivery of outreach/educational trainings. (10%)

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity .