Contracts Administrator
Lehigh University

Job no: 501916
Work type: Exempt Staff Full-time
Location: Bethlehem
Categories: Research

As a senior leadership role in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), and under the guidelines of the Office of General Counsel (OGC), the Contracts Administrator is responsible for the development, review, negotiation and submission of contract proposals, negotiations with Industry corporate sponsors and the acceptance and full execution of for-profit Industry contracts. In the ORSP, plays a key role in the University's goal of excellence in research by providing a supportive environment for contract/sponsored agreement development, review and negotiation providing oversight, management and appropriate stewardship of sponsored funding; maintaining a broad interface with sponsors and the research and educational communities, interpreting, implementing and monitoring government and sponsor mandates as they effect the management of contracts. Operates with broad latitude using individual judgment and independent action and requires continuous education in the field of research administration. The Lehigh community takes seriously our commitment to antiracism and The Principles of our Equitable Community.

1. Provides expert-level support services to investigators and staff in the development and management of complex applications and contracts in support of sponsored programs
*Develops contracts and agreements including negotiation and acceptance of contract terms
*In support of agility, responsiveness, university needs and standards and suitability of agreements to investigator and program goals, develop and maintain a suite of template agreements and variants in coordination with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and Lehigh University leadership for use in negotiation with industry sponsors
*Directs budget development for contracts including coordination of standard rates when necessary
*Coordinates and documents cost sharing commitments with faculty, internal and external sources
*Advises faculty regarding indirect cost rates (overhead) and any other deviation or exception from University policies working with Assistant Vice President (AVP) Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), Vice President for Research (VPR) and OGC as necessary
*Consult with AVP ORSP, VPR and OGC regarding matters of policy
*Consult with Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) regarding intellectual property anticipated or developed in relation to sponsored agreements to ensure protection of Lehigh faculty and staff interests
*Tracks contract development and negotiation status and provides additional information requested by sponsors to ensure quick turnaround to execution
*Recommends standardized agreements, including materials transfer and confidentiality agreements to faculty
*Develops and maintains relationships with external personnel such as industry sponsors, subcontractors and collaborator representatives
*Directs and advises authorized institutional representatives regarding legally binding documents
*Escalate issues to OGC as warranted, retaining frontline role with faculty and staff and with sponsoring and collaborating entities
*Delegates duties as appropriate to support staff in the course of daily operations
*Authorized to negotiate, and execute as Lehigh's authorized Institutional representative for contracts requesting up to $1,000,000 in direct costs per agreement

2. Negotiates and accepts funded contract terms and conditions
*Serves as liaison with outside consultants, sponsor representatives and partner organizations
*Negotiates with sponsors to determine final terms and conditions
*Counsels faculty and the research community with respect to the terms and conditions regulating funded contracts
*Advises personnel of collaborating organizations on subcontract requirements
*Finalizes and executes subcontract agreements related to industry contracts
*Interprets University policies, government regulations and sponsor terms and conditions and advises faculty and the research community
*Partners with other university offices, such as the OGC, OTT, Office of Vice President for Research, Dean's offices, Procurement, individual departments and other units within the Lehigh research community in providing contract support to investigators
*Directs and advises authorized institutional representatives regarding legally binding documents
*Authorized to approve and sign as Lehigh's Authorized Institutional Representative for contracts of $1,000,000 in direct costs or less, or as delegated by AVP for ORSP

3. Monitors and authorizes funded project financial and compliance activities from project inception through closeout, including audit, if applicable
*Counsels faculty and research community with respect to the implementation of the terms and conditions regulating fully-executed contracts, including allowable use of funds and prior approval requirements
*Investigates non-routine issues impacting an investigator's ability to fulfill contractual requirements, secures approvals in coordination with AVP ORSP, VPR and OGC when necessary
*Provides historical information to administrators and faculty in the pursuit of agency support for non-routine funding issues
*Resolves major problems with agencies in matters regarding the acceptance, extension and reporting of contracts
*Reviews and approves expense transactions and re-allocations for validity and availability of funds for sponsored contracts
*Reviews and analyzes current and projected budgetary needs, makes recommendations for changes and prepares reports as required of negotiated terms and conditions
*Reviews and resolves research fund deficits, discrepancies and problems
*Maintains project files to comply with record retention requirements
*Directs and coordinates closeout of research contracts
*Provides information to internal and external auditors
*Assists in and provides documentation for resolution of cases involving alleged misconduct in science
*Takes action to clarify and/or escalate any issues
*Develops and maintains relationships with external personnel, such as industry liaisons, government administrators, subcontractors and collaborator representatives
*Interprets University regulations and government mandates and advises faculty and research community

4. Keeps abreast of laws, regulations, external and internal policies and procedures governing the administration of corporate contracts and other complex agreements and serves as a resource to other central administration units and to faculty and staff
*Keep abreast of government FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) clauses as they relate to complex industry subcontracts from federal sources
*Serves as liaison with outside consultants, sponsor representatives and partner organizations
*Confers with OTT regarding intellectual property, confidentiality and regulatory issues
*Provides training, support and guidance to ORSP staff on contract terms and conditions such as indemnification, intellectual property and research compliance in conjunction with OGC and OTT
*Monitors, evaluates and disseminates changes in government regulations and analyzes impact on University policies
*Maintains broad knowledge and keeps current of the research administration field
*Interprets government mandates and University regulations
*Participates in process improvement initiatives for ORSP specifically as it relates to contracts

Grade: 10 - 40

Position Number: S89150

Special Considerations

This position may have the ability to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by the supervisor

This position has fiscal or financial responsibilities other than employee expense activity, such as processing or approving transactions; monitoring or preparing budgets; or generating income for University

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Science or Related Field or equivalent combination of education and experience; Master's degree preferred

Eight or more years related work experience

Ability to build, foster and maintain positive professional relationships

Extensive knowledge of sponsored research administration from pre- to post-award

Expert level experience in one of the following: sponsored program and award types, contracts, grants or research administration

Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) related to project administration

Knowledge of University policy and procedures, experience working in higher education

Solid writing ability, attention to detail and organizational skills

Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and a high level of customer service required

Solid computer skills with experience using word processing, spreadsheet and database software

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the positionAll Lehigh faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated and receive a booster shot six months after their second vaccine; unless they receive an approved medical or religious exemption from the requirement.Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.

Advertised: December 01, 2022 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Open until filled

This job has expired.