Lead Contract Compliance Analyst

Lead Contracting Compliance Officer

The University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Contracting Compliance Officer. This individual will ensure LLE's full adherence to federal, state, and local regulations governing contracts with the U.S. government, academic institutions, and private industry. The role requires deep expertise in contract compliance, regulatory frameworks such as FAR and DFARS, and the application of ethical business practices. The Lead Contracting Compliance Officer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring compliance programs that meet all applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations, while also advising senior leadership on compliance risks, audits, and legal concerns related to contracts.

This position will require collaboration with LLE leadership, the Facility Security Officer, Lead Information Security Officer, and key personnel in procurement and research administration. Additionally, the officer will work closely with the University's Office of Research and Project Administration (ORPA), Export Control Officer, Central Purchasing, Office of Counsel, and other relevant staff. The role also involves substantial interaction with external government program managers and contracting officers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Compliance Program Leadership: Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of a comprehensive government contracting compliance program, ensuring alignment with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Contract Review & Negotiation: Oversee and lead the review, negotiation, and approval of contract terms to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other applicable federal, state, and local statutes.
• Staff Training: Develop and deliver compliance training programs for staff on current regulations, compliance issues, and best practices related to government contracts.
• Policy Development: Draft, update, and enforce internal policies related to government contracting, ethics, and overall compliance standards.
• Risk Mitigation: Identify, assess, and address compliance risks, providing recommendations to senior management to mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks.
• Government Liaison: Serve as the primary contact with government agencies and regulatory bodies on all compliance-related matters, ensuring timely and accurate communication.
• Investigations & Corrective Action: Lead investigations of suspected non-compliance or violations of contract terms, recommend corrective actions, and ensure resolution.
• Audit Management: Oversee and coordinate internal and external audits, ensuring findings are addressed promptly and risks are mitigated.
• Reporting & Documentation: Prepare, present, and submit comprehensive reports on compliance status, audit results, risk assessments, and other relevant documentation to senior leadership and regulatory agencies.
• Subcontractor Compliance: Ensure all subcontractors and suppliers adhere to the terms and conditions specified in prime contracts, including compliance with 2CFR200 and other relevant regulations.
• Conflict of Interest Management: Identify and address potential conflicts of interest, ensuring all procurement actions are aligned with institutional policies and federal guidelines.
• Ethical Leadership: Foster a culture of ethical conduct, integrity, and compliance throughout the organization.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Law, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. A Juris Doctor (JD) or MBA is preferred.
• Experience: A minimum of 10+ years of experience in government contract compliance, including senior-level experience.
• Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other relevant government contracting regulations.
• Compliance Leadership: Demonstrated ability to design and manage effective compliance programs, audits, investigations, and risk assessments in government contracting.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Proven experience in interfacing with government regulators and agencies.
• University Environment: General knowledge of academic, personnel, and accounting principles relevant to a university setting.
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to build effective working relationships in a multicultural environment, including faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to review contracts critically, identifying issues in the text and in its absence.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and compliance management software.
• Detail-Oriented: Highly organized with a strong attention to detail, ensuring accurate records are maintained.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Export Control: Ability to monitor and ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, including ITAR and EAR.
• Certifications: Certifications such as Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), or Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP).
• Industry Experience: Experience in industries such as defense, aerospace, or IT government contracting.

Schedule: 8:30 AM-5:30 PM

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.