OPEN RANK: SPA Contracts Administrator I or II - ORD Sponsored Programs Admin

The University of Maryland Baltimore's (UMB) Office of Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) is looking for a Contract Administrator at level I or II. SPA provides oversight and administrative support to investigators and departmental administrators throughout the life cycle of sponsored projects. The Contracts team is responsible for reviewing and maintaining grant and contracts for compliance and consistency with federal and state laws and regulations, University policies and practices, and research compliance restrictions and guidelines. These positions work closely and collaboratively with department investigators and administrators and are their liaisons with sponsoring agencies.

The level will be determined based on the selected candidate's education and experience.

PRIMARY DUTIES - Contracts Administrator I

• Under the supervision of a Contracts Manager, provide basic technical guidance to principal investigators and/or department administrators on contracts and submissions for compliance with federal and state laws
• Review awards related to contracts and agreements for completeness, accuracy, and ensure compliance with University and State policies, guidelines and practices, research compliance restrictions and guidelines, financial and academic requirements, and sponsor policies and procedures
• Negotiate basic terms and conditions within contracts and agreements with sponsors.
• Analyze and problem solve to provide basic technical guidance on agreements and submissions.
• Communicate directly with department staff, faculty, and internal and external stakeholders to facilitate completion of contracts and agreements
• Identify and alert department of potential issues in the contract or application process
• Provide basic knowledge of non-financial post award management and actions. Apply basic knowledge of sponsor policies on cost principles
• Ensure all closeout documents are complete and accurate
• Identify and suggest improvements/solutions of team's workflow and processes.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

PRIMARY DUTIES - Contracts Administrator II

• Under the supervision of a Contracts Manager, provide basic to intermediate technical guidance to principal investigators and/or department administrators on contracts and submissions for compliance with federal and state laws
• Review awards related to contracts and agreements for completeness, accuracy, and ensure compliance with University and State policies, guidelines and practices, research compliance restrictions and guidelines, financial and academic requirements, and sponsor policies and procedures
• Negotiate basic to intermediate terms and conditions within contracts and agreements with sponsors
• Communicate directly with department staff, faculty, and internal and external stakeholders to facilitate completion of contracts and agreements
• Using analytical and problem-solving skills to provide basic technical guidance on contracts, agreements and submissions
• Identify and alert department of potential issues in the contract or application process. Evaluate processes to determine trends to improve routing of contracts and agreements
• Provide basic troubleshooting and problem solving to identify answers and solutions to common issues on contracts, agreements and submissions
• Provide basic to intermediate knowledge of non-financial post-award actions. Apply basic to intermediate knowledge of sponsor policies on cost principles
• Review and submit all closeout documents ensuring completion and accuracy
• Identify and suggest improvements/solutions to teamwork flow and processes
• Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or other discipline appropriate to the position.

Experience: 1-2 years of administrative experience within a business office setting or administrative experience in the area of research administration or sponsored programs; Contracts I (1 year) and Contracts II (2 years).

Other: Financial disclosure reporting required by State of Maryland Ethics Committee.

May consider combination of directly related experience and education.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Experience working in Kuali Research, data warehouse, and reporting tools is helpful.
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance and ability to interpret and apply US Federal Agency policies to grant applications and awards is helpful. Knowledge of applicable NIH requirements, regulations, and laws is helpful.
• Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems. Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently.