Contracts Specialist - Office of Research

at  Kennesaw State University

ABOUT US

Are you ready to join a community leading in innovative teaching and learning? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With our growing enrollment and global reach, we are enjoying increased prominence among Georgia’s colleges. We offer more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 43,000 students. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Our university’s vibrant culture, career opportunities, mission and values and rich benefits make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. Kennesaw State will exemplify the power and promise of a student-centered, research-driven university. Our institutional values are student-inspired, promise-fulfilling, true to ourselves, elevational, open and impact-generating. In addition, we support the University System of Georgia core values of accountability, excellence, integrity and respect. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University. Come to KSU and find your passion.

JOB SUMMARY

Provides administration for all contract activities in the areas of contract negotiations, Independent Contractor Agreement and Subaward drafting, award set up, and building and maintaining positive relations with internal and external customers and partner various KSU offices, analyzing and interpreting policy and procedures related to research administration, and developing and disseminating research administration-related information to the campus. Builds and maintains partnering relationships with internal stakeholders and other operational departments while acting as a liaison with sponsors.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent combination of education and/or experience

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of related work experience in grant award and/or contract management and review within a university, non-profit, or academic medical center setting

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

PREFERRED EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Experience with applying and interpreting Unifor Guidance 2 CFR 200, federal agency specific regulations, and non-federal sponsor guidelines
Experience with electronic grants management system

ABILITIES

Ability to read and interpret complex documents
Desire and ability to provide outstanding service to faculty and staff
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of federal grant regulations

SKILLS

Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manages internal and external contract review and negotiations for assigned research related agreements
2. Drafts and manages Independent Contractor Agreements and outgoing Subawards
3. Reviews and may draft other research related agreements including but not limited to Data Use Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, and Confidentiality Agreements
4. Works closely with KSU Legal Division on contract review
5. Responsible for institutional contracts award acceptance and set up
6. Routes required agreements in various systems
7. Monitors and tracks the status of agreements
8. Interacts regularly with and provides high quality customer service to faculty and other staff throughout the contract development and review process
9. Contributes to Sponsored Programs website to ensure it is user-friendly, has useful information, and is up to date Facilitates Just-In-Time and other pre-award actions requiring institutional authorized review
10. Aids in electronic system management for contract tracking and status updates
11. Serves as primary intermediary with all pertinent sponsors, faculty, staff and campus entities
12. Ensures adherence to quality standards, all policies, and award regulations