Hybrid Associate Director – Contracts

at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy

• Job title: Associate Director – Contracts
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Houston, United States

About the role

• Associate Director for Contracts providing senior-level leadership in negotiating complex research agreements. Overseeing compliance and operational procedures in grants and contracts within Rice University.

Responsibilities

• Provides senior-level technical leadership and strategic direction for the negotiation and administration of sponsored project agreements
• Independently solicits, negotiates, and executes a full range of complex research agreements on behalf of the University, including federal contracts, subcontracts, and high-risk or non-standard awards
• Serves as a subject matter expert in sponsored projects, supporting all phases of research administration, including pre-award and non-financial post-award activities
• Exercises delegated authority to interpret contractual terms, assess institutional risk, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations
• Leads the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and process improvements that enhance operational effectiveness and ensure regulatory compliance
• Provides guidance and mentorship to contracts and grant staff and partners with faculty, leadership, legal counsel, and external sponsors to facilitate successful research outcomes

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• 5+ years of grant management experience
• Advanced expertise in negotiating, drafting, and interpreting complex sponsored research agreements, including federal contracts and subcontracts
• Comprehensive knowledge of the sponsored projects lifecycle, including pre-award, non-financial post-award, and regulatory compliance requirements
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage status and reporting requirements for multiple contracts
• Demonstrated experience with governmental regulations (e.g., FAR, DFARS, Uniform Guidance, FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR)
• Demonstrated professionalism and diplomacy skills
• Leadership skills
• Team management
• Customer service orientation
• In-depth knowledge of contracting
• Critical and analytical ability

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible work arrangements
• Professional development opportunities