Senior Grants and Contracts Officer

at  Harvard University

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Harvard Medical School (HMS) Office of Research Administration (ORA) provides pre- and post-award management support by assisting Principal Investigators and Faculty with proposal submission, award administration, and reporting. ORA offers a range of expertise and manages a diverse group of portfolios in support and advancement of HMS’s mission.
Reporting to the Associate Director, Grants & Contracts (ADGC), the Sr. Grants & Contracts Officer (Sr. GCO) works independently performing a wide range of complex and confidential award- and agreement- related tasks as part of the HMS ORA Grants & Contracts Team. The Sr. GCO will use all available information to review, draft, negotiate, and execute in a timely manner all incoming awards and other research-related agreements, while also ensuring compliance with relevant sponsor/collaborator guidelines and University policies and mitigating risk to the University. As an authorized University signatory, will be responsible for making the judgment call whether agreement terms and conditions are acceptable to the University and HMS or if the risk level warrants escalation.
The Sr. GCO serves as an expert resource on matters related to sponsored awards and other research- related agreements. Works with ORA colleagues, departmental grant managers, and research staff to identify compliance-related requirements and potential agreement administration challenges at the award/signing stage and proactively develops plans to mitigate any identified challenges. This position will support the development and maintenance of contract negotiation resources, agreement templates, ORA business processes, and other tools and resources to facilitate agreement set-up and management, promote best practices, and facilitate comprehension of sponsor/collaborator requirements at all stages from award/signing to close-out. Will collaborate in offering related trainings.
The Sr. GCO coordinates review and negotiation of agreement-related issues with other University offices such as the Office for Technology Development, Office of the General Counsel, Risk Management and Audit Services, and the office of the Provost to ensure compliance with University policies. Acts as point person for post-execution administrative communications with sponsor/collaborator and liaises with the sponsor/collaborator, Office for Sponsored Programs (which provides financial reporting support to the Longwood Medical Area), school/department administrators and Principal Investigators as needed to resolve issues that arise throughout the life of an award/agreement. Uses knowledge of sponsor/collaborator and University/HMS guidelines and policies to provide advice to department customers, and provides a high level of customer service and responsiveness to each party. Uses specialized systems to manage, track and report on progress of agreements and account set-up to Harvard and HMS stakeholders and ORA Staff. As appropriate, serves on selected HMS, University-wide, and external committees.
The Sr. GCO will embrace a continuous improvement mindset and contribute to developing and implementing process improvements aimed at streamlining ORA’s work while enhancing the level of service provided. Other duties as assigned.
The successful candidate for this position will work independently with minimal supervision in a fast- paced, high volume environment. Should be able to anticipate and resolve problems and efficiently manage stakeholders’ expectations regarding projects.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Advanced degree or graduate certificate in law, research administration, or regulatory compliance may count toward experience
• Experience with data use agreements and university sponsored research strongly preferred
• Juris Doctor or Paralegal experience is a plus
• Excellent communication skills - verbal, written and interpersonal
• Strong negotiation skills, tact, diplomacy
• Proven ability in collaborative problem- solving
• Demonstrated comfort in working in fast-paced, multiple-deadline driven environment
• Demonstrated ability to work individually or within a team and to think creatively and provide sound advice
• Computer skills and strong organizational skills
• Should have broad academic interests and the ability to think critically about programmatic, financial and policy issues

Please refer the Job description for details