Contracts Officer

Department: Sponsored Projects Services
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: Starts at $65,000 per year; commensurate with experience
Compensation Band: OS-OA08-Fiscal Year 2025-2026
FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins

October 13, 2024; position open until filled

Special Instructions To Applicants

• Please submit the following with your online application:
• • A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job announcement.
• • A resume of your educational and professional work experience.
• Please submit the names and contact information for three professional references. Candidates will be notified prior to contacting references.
• Note: This position is based in Eugene but remote working arrangements may be considered; candidates who are not local are encouraged to apply.

Department Summary

The Office of the Vice President for Research & Innovation (OVPRI) promotes excellence in research at the University of Oregon. Research, both basic and applied, is fundamental to the mission of the University and is essential to Oregon’s economic and civic vitality. The Office is committed to enhancing these efforts by providing administrative and financial support for sponsored programs, including identification of funding opportunities, proposal submission, research compliance, and contracts and grant administration. OVPRI supports interdisciplinary research centers, essential core facilities, and emboldens innovation and economic development through strategic partnering and technology transfer initiatives.

Sponsored Projects Services (SPS) provides a full range of pre- and post-award administration services in the division of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation. SPS responsibilities include proposal and award management, proposal development and submission, contract negotiation, sub-award execution, budget review, financial reporting, and funding source identification.

Position Summary

The Sponsored Projects Services (SPS) Contracts Officer provides drafting, review, and negotiation of award, grant, contract, and related documents for SPS prior to signature to ensure compliance with university, state, and Federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and practices. The SPS Contracts Officer works under the direction of the SPS Associate Director for Research Contracts.

The purpose of this position is to provide administrative and technical support to the Associate Director’s contracting functions within OVPRI and to faculty and staff across campus. Duties include, but are not limited to: reviewing drafts and proofreading assigned contracts to ensure appropriate language and compliance, acting as a point of contact for campus departments, and communicating with external constituents on specific contracting issues. The employee will review, draft, proofread, and negotiate awards, contracts, and sub-agreements. The Contracts Officer will process contracts and sub-agreements using Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and SPS database applications. This position will interpret Federal, State, and University contracting policies, regulations, and laws and make recommendations for signature. The Contract Officer will update pertinent information materials, training materials manuals, and contracting policies and procedures, provide information to campus users, Sponsors, and subawardees concerning individual contracting transactions, as well as provide ongoing training and information to campus users concerning contracting and contracting operations.

Minimum Requirements

• • Bachelor's degree.
• • Four years of increasingly responsible experience within the field of research administration or sponsored programs administration, or comparable experience or training.

Professional Competencies

• • Excellent communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with persons in diverse workgroups and with differing skill levels.
• • Well-developed computer skills and the ability to use sponsor online administrative systems from numerous federal agencies.
• • Ability to lead by example and maintain the highest ethical standards within the department and within the University.
• • Strong writing and customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• • Research administration or sponsored programs administration experience in a university setting.
• • Juris Doctorate.
• • Knowledge of and experience in federal regulations including OMB Circulars, the FAR, and other agency policies and regulations to maintain compliance with terms and conditions of the award.
• • Familiarity with Oregon laws, rules and regulations pertaining to contracting.
• • Experience in a professional setting with team-based activity.
• • Training and professional experience in financial management (i.e., accounting, budget development, financial analysis).
• • Experience with BANNER.

FLSA Exempt: Yes

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

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