Senior Contract Officer, Office of Sponsored Projects

Senior Contract Officer, Office of Sponsored Projects Location: Austin, TX. Hiring Department: Office of Sponsored Projects. The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) serves as the coordinating office for externally funded research and sponsored projects at The University of Texas at Austin. The mission of OSP is to assist faculty and professional research staff in securing and ensuring proper stewardship of external funding. Purpose: Assist the research community in managing research agreement portfolios, ensuring compliance with University policies, and advising personnel. Responsibilities Independently draft, review and negotiate sponsored research agreements, subaward agreements, non‑financial agreements, and other research‑related agreements. Prepare and submit timely written exceptions and recommendations on contractual language; coordinate negotiation meetings and keep stakeholders informed. Evaluate, mitigate, and outline financial and compliance risks in research contracts. Coordinate with University offices in reviewing and handling contractual issues. Provide expert written and verbal advice on federal, state, or other contract, grant and funding regulations and guidelines. Contribute to the development and implementation of procedures and policies to improve contract workflow and ensure compliance. Daily oversight and management of the assigned agreement portfolio; prioritize assignments with OSP management. Enter and maintain thorough documentation in the UTRMS and E‑Share Repository. Provide direct supervision, coordinate and expert training of staff when required. Manage special projects as assigned by the Director of Contracting and Assistant Director. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s or master’s degree. Six (6) years of experience in contract management, preparation, processing, negotiation, or grant administration. Demonstrated experience drafting contract terms and negotiating. Experience negotiating with federal, state, academic, industry, and other partners. Extensive knowledge of federal, state, local, and University guidelines and regulations. Highly skilled in complex contract negotiations and portfolio management. Exceptional customer service and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Extensive experience with MS Word and MS Excel. Ability to work well with others and contribute positively. Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time base for any employer. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. Preferred Qualifications Graduate or professional degree in business administration, public administration, or law. More than six (6) years of experience in management, preparation, processing, and negotiation of research contracts. University or UT System experience. Expert knowledge of University intellectual property policy. Knowledge in the development of research budgets. Ability to work independently. Experience with Huron Research Suite. Salary and Benefits Salary range: $90,000 + depending on qualifications. Benefits include 100% employer‑paid basic medical coverage, retirement contributions, paid vacation and sick time, paid holidays, and eligibility for telework. Pay Transparency The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Background Checks A criminal history background check will be required for finalists under consideration for this position. Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. #J-18808-Ljbffr The University of Texas at Austin