Senior Grant & Contract Administrator

Princeton University seeks a highly motivated, highly-experienced individual to serve as a Senior Grant and Contract Administrator (SGCA) in the Office of Research and Project Administration (ORPA). The SGCA will be responsible for a large and complex portfolio of academic departments supported by grants, contracts and other research- related agreements. Major duties include review and submission of research proposals and negotiation and acceptance of grants, contracts and other research related agreements. In addition, the SGCA will work in close collaboration with multiple collaborators and stakeholders on and off campus to help ensure the overall effective coordination of research administration services, systems, policies, and processes.

The SGCA will provide timely, high-quality and coordinated research administrative services to Princeton University faculty, researchers and departmental staff. The SGCA is responsible for the formal solicitation, negotiation and administration of extramural support for University research, training, and public service projects funded by government and non-government sponsors (sponsored projects).

  A remote work arrangement may be considered for candidates with the appropriate background and experience.

The SGCA is responsible for conducting comprehensive analysis of proposals for extramural support to government and non-government entities, and negotiating a full array of grants, contracts and other research-related agreements, some of which include terms and conditions that are complex and problematic to the University (and may require risk mitigation recommendations and strategies). The SGCA will partner with the ORPA Contracts Manager regarding nonfunded agreements (i.e., confidentiality agreements, data use agreements) as well as funded agreements that contain particularly challenging/potentially risky terms. The SGCA will also partner with the Subaward Administrator as necessary at proposal stage as well as provide assistance in preparing and negotiating subawards issued.

The SGCA is responsible for advising and assisting Princeton University department administrators, principal investigators, and staff members; interpreting and explaining request for proposal conditions, grant, contract and other research-related agreement terms and conditions, and assisting in the resolution of issues that develop in the course of projects by consulting with the investigator(s), staff, and sponsors. The SGCA  may supervise staff, and will participate in developing and providing training to staff within ORPA and across campus.

The SGCA must have a strong service orientation, advanced problem-solving abilities, strong oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with faculty, staff, students, and sponsors. As a professional staff member, he or she is an advocate for responsive, effective research administration.

The SGCA must be energetic and able to function effectively and independently in a fast-moving environment subject to external pressure and frequent interruptions. He or she is expected to provide back-up support for their colleagues, and develop and implement ideas for increasingly effective service.

Essential Qualifications

• Sophisticated knowledge of research administration principles, policies, procedures and nationally-recognized best practices (including those promulgated by the Federal Demonstration Partnership), as well as pertinent federal regulations (such as the Uniform Guidance, the NIH Grants Policy Statement), patent and copyright law, cost accounting standards and the overall audit environment
• Knowledge of nonfederal sponsors and best practices in working with nonfederal sponsors, including industry, foundations and foreign sponsors
• Strong knowledge of export control regulations
• Strong knowledge of compliance-related responsibilities including conflict of interest in research, as well as IACUC and IRB processes
• Strong capabilities in composing and negotiating complex contracts and other research-related agreements, effectively using knowledge of prime award terms, core University principles, policies and processes
• Strong knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Code of Federal Regulations, Federal circulars, and major agency policies and regulations
• Experience with research administration in an academic or government setting highly desirable
  
• Strong oral and written communication skills; emotional maturity and sound professional judgment; analytical problem solving ability; and ability to provide high quality service in a timely manner is required
• Proven ability to lead teams as well as to be a team member when appropriate; work effectively in a team environment
  
• Proven ability to take initiative and work independently, consulting with appropriate parties as needed
  
• Proven ability to work effectively, prioritize and be flexible in a high-paced, high-volume professional environment; and to conclude negotiations and execute awards in a timely and measurable manner
  
• Fluency in internal and external systems that support research administration; interest in using technology and data/metrics to work more efficiently and intelligently.
• Understanding of key performance indicators in sponsored programs offices and comfort level with data, reporting and metrics
• Excellent writing skills and attention to detail
• Willingness to work the hours necessary to accomplish the job
• High degree of personal integrity and ethics with uncompromising standards
• Minimum of seven years of sponsored research administration experience or equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in professional experience
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Huron Research Suite (or other major university preaward enterprise system) application, PeopleSoft Financial Systems, and Visual Compliance
  
• Understanding of Princeton's objectives, policies, organization and procedures
  
• Experience in sponsored programs administration at a “Research I” university highly desirable
  
• Master’s degree

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS