Contract Adminstrator

Contract Administrator

The Office of Research Administration (ORA) provides pre-award and non-financial post-award administrative services for sponsored projects at the University of Maryland. In addition, ORA collaborates closely with a number of other central offices to help ensure the effective overall coordination of research administration services, systems, policies, and procedures. The Contract Administrator (CA) will review grant and contract proposals for compliance with University policies and sponsor application guidelines and regulations prior to submission. The CA interprets pre-award and post-award university and sponsor guidelines for faculty and staff and acts as the liaison between University principal investigators, departmental administrators, and sponsoring agencies to resolve problems and answer inquiries regarding policies of the University, funding agencies, or subawardees. The CA will advise departmental administrators and faculty on agency guidelines and policy changes. The CA analyzes sponsored awards (grants and contracts) for compliance and consistency with federal and state laws and regulations, University policies and practices, research compliance restrictions and guidelines, financial and academic requirements, and agency policies and procedures and negotiates any necessary changes with the sponsor. This position is also responsible for entering proposal and award data into the University's research administration system of record. The CA assists in solving problems related to the administration of awards throughout their life cycle.

Certifications : Certified Research Administrator (CRA) Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA) Preferences : Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : Working knowledge of the Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and other regulations governing sponsored awards. Working knowledge of Subaward principles and procedures. Ability to use analytical and creative problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrate excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. Ability to be extremely organized with a high attention to detail. Ability to demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness preferred Contract review and negotiation background preferred

Minimum Qualifications

Education : Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university. Experience : Three (3) years of professional procurement or contract administration experience. Other : Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : Knowledge of federal, state, and local procurement regulations, laws, and guidelines. Knowledge of risk assessment and mitigation techniques related to contract management. Knowledge of organizational policies, purchasing systems, and procurement software tools. Skill in preparing, reviewing, and editing complex contract documents and specifications. Skill in negotiating contract terms and resolving disputes or issues with vendors. Skill in interpreting and applying contract terms, legal documents, and regulatory requirements. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Suite products. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with internal stakeholders and external vendors. Ability to manage contract files and records in accordance with retention and audit standards. Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments. Ability to analyze situations and determine the best recourse for response. Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive or proprietary information.