Contracts and Grants Administrator

Unit: VP Research MBU Department: OSP - Industry/Clinical Trials Duties and Responsibilities The Contracts and Grants Administrator is a professional position within the Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP), operating under the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) at Virginia Commonwealth University. The incumbent functions as a key member of a collaborative team dedicated to advancing the growth, integrity and compliance of VCU’s research enterprise. The Contract Administrator serves as a liaison between internal OVPRI units, university stakeholders, external sponsors, and institutional collaborators—ensuring the efficient review, negotiation, execution, and management of research proposals and sponsored agreements. The Contract and Grants Administrator will be responsible for the following duties: Typical Duties Contract Review and Negotiation: Review and negotiate clinical trial agreements, subject injury informed consent (ICF), research agreements and confidentiality agreements to identify acceptable contractual language; flag unacceptable or undesirable terms in agreements and propose alternative language as appropriate; collaborate with sponsors to resolve conflicts. Demonstrate proficiency by independently drafting contracts that meet institutional checklist standards; seek appropriate guidance on contract terms and negotiation strategies. Advise and provide guidance to faculty and staff on contractual terms related to processing for-profit industry and non-industry (federal flow‑through and non-profit) clinical trial agreements and for-profit industry research agreements. Complete all applicable checklists, appropriately track and document activities in RAMS SPOT. Review requests for supplements, amendments, extensions and modifications to existing contracts from internal and external sources; determine appropriate action and proceed accordingly ensuring contractual standards and compliance with regulations and University policies. Apply office procedures and practices related to for-profit industry sponsored research and for-profit and non-profit (federal flow‑through and non-profit) clinical trials; provide guidance to faculty and staff on issues related to processing of clinical trial and research agreements. Research Administration Review internal documentation, budget submissions, and exhibits from departments for new awards and supplements ensuring accuracy and contractual alignment. Identify and apply relevant university and Office of Research policies (e.g., F&A rates, COI compliance, AHRPP compliance) and sponsor proposal requirements; verify and ensure that faculty’s research submissions are consistent with those policies. Complete all applicable checklists and appropriately track and document activities in RAMS SPOT. On a regular basis, provide investigators and coordinators with updates on negotiation progress, evidenced by emails, telephone contacts and/or other written documentation. Notify and remind investigators of important obligations set forth in their agreements, evidenced by emails, telephone contacts and/or other written documentation; provide answers to faculty/staff questions in a timely manner. Manage the pre‑award and post‑award functions including proposal review, administrative action processing, modifications, and extensions with for‑profit industry sponsors as well as non‑industry sponsors (non‑profit and federal flow‑through). Stakeholder Engagement Serve as an institutional contracting liaison for units and participate in study activation and planning discussions to resolve complex contracting issues. Collaborate with internal partners, including VCU Innovation Gateway, the Office of Research Integrity and Ethics, the Office of Research Subjects Protection, Export Control, and VCUHS stakeholders, as applicable, to ensure coordinated, efficient, and compliant research activation. Represent the Division of Sponsored Programs in a professional manner during discussions with external sponsors, contract research organizations, and partner institutions. Miscellaneous Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU. Only applicants who do not require current or future sponsorship for employment will be considered. Excellent written and oral communication skills with a demonstrated ability to contribute effectively within a team‑oriented environment. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a rigorous attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and execute multiple concurrent tasks in a dynamic, fast‑paced setting. Demonstrated ability to creatively resolve complex issues related to sponsored programs administration, particularly in the negotiation and management of clinical trials and research contracts. Proven ability to accurately interpret and apply complex regulations, university policies, and intricate contractual terms. Commitment to providing high‑level customer service to a diverse population of faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom, and Adobe applications; with the ability to quickly adapt to specialized research administration databases (e.g., RAMS‑SPOT). Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Preferred Qualifications Working knowledge of academic research operations and generally accepted business practices. Experience using an online tracking system or comparable sponsored program electronic database. Experience working in research administration in an institution of higher education. At least one year of relevant professional experience in a related field. Salary Range: $45,000 - $60,000 Benefits: All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt Hours per Week: 40 Restricted Position: No ORP Eligible: No Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Remote University Job Title: 26211N - Contracts & Grants Specialist 1 #J-18808-Ljbffr The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.