Funded Contracting Team Manager

Office of Sponsored Programs-621100

Research Professionals

12/02/2024

12/16/2024

No

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Funded Contracting Team Manager

EHRA Non-Faculty

00057801

NF0008698

Full-Time Permanent

1

40

North Carolina, US

01/06/2025

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) partners with the research community to support and advance the University’s research mission by providing leadership and expertise in research administration. OSP facilitates and manages all aspects of sponsored research administration for over $1B in sponsored awards each year while developing and maintaining strong relationships with campus partners and external sponsors. OSP is responsible for the following primary functions: (1) proposal review and submission, (2) award negotiation, (3) award management, (4) financial reporting and cash management, (5) F&A rate development, negotiation, and review, (6) cost analysis and research service center (recharge) rate development, (7) monitoring and oversight of time and effort reporting, (8) oversight of regulatory compliance, (9) training and development for research administration personnel, and (10) Project closeout and final reporting requirements. OSP provides complete sponsored project life cycle support (sometimes known as pre-award and post-award services) to faculty and staff.

There are four functional areas of responsibility within the Office of Sponsored Programs, which have the following types of positions: (1) program administration; (2) accounting, financial reporting, and cash management; (3) data management reporting and analysis; and (4) financial compliance, effort reporting, cost studies, and cost accounting standards (CAS).

OSP serves as the official institutional signatory for the Chancellor and is responsible for reviewing and authorizing proposal submissions, as well as negotiating and administering awards on behalf of the University. These activities include monitoring institutional compliance for research and training activities, pre-award services, billing and financial reporting, cash management, cost analysis and compliance of research-related activities, verification of technical report and patent & invention report submissions by principal investigators (PIs), award closeout, and the implementation of information technology into research administration activities. OSP’s centralized administrative functions facilitate the development and implementation of standardized policies & procedures across the University. They also provide training opportunities to improve University-wide efficiencies and communication to increase the quality of research administration.

The Funded Contracting Team Manager is responsible for all areas of contracting in Research Administration. The principal function of this position is to either directly or through the management of the Contracting Officers to facilitate the initiation of contracting at UNC with an emphasis on providing the highest level of customer service to campus and sponsors, taking into account all applicable federal regulations and state laws, and University guidelines and policies. The Funded Contracting Team Manager functions under the direction of the Director of Research Administration.

The principal functions of the Funded Contracting Team Manager position are:

- Manage a team of 4-6 Contract Officers, to ensure contracts are processed with an emphasis on providing the highest level of customer service to campus and sponsors while meeting all compliance requirements and ensure agreements are processed in a timely manner. Provide oversight of all assigned agreements and report any issues to the Director of Research Administration.
- Provide mentorship and assist Contract Officers, and at times, other RA staff, with reviewing and negotiating complex contractual terms including payment and budget-related discrepancies before final execution.
- Review and negotiation of complex legal contracts and agreements for funding received by the University from federal sponsors as well as private for-profit and not-for-profit sponsors, including business, industry, associations, and foundations in order to initiate funded research at UNC.
- Troubleshoot unusual or challenging situations and consult with leadership to develop strategies and resolutions using advanced critical thinking skills
- Provide collaborative support to OSP units and RA team members and fellow leaders, including training core competencies
- Provide team with clear objectives that foster development and align with University values and goals
- Guide Contracting Officers on communicating when to advise faculty and departmental staff on interpretation of complex terms and conditions, negotiation strategies, compliance with sponsoring agency statutory and regulatory requirements, and State and University policies
- Consult with Principal (Faculty) Investigators (PIs) and Contracting Officers regarding the nature of each agreement and the impact of unique aspects of the project of the legal language contained in the agreement, representing the best interests of the University and the PI.
- Set performance standards for employees, prepare performance evaluations, and offer both positive feedback and corrective actions to employees
- Recognize and pursue professional development and training opportunities for team members
- Serve as a role model by embodying trust, commitment, and civility
- Keep abreast of new developments in research administration policies and requirements in order to serve as an up-to-date source of information, guidance, and training for the Contract Officers, campus and research community.
- Ensures that all work is completed with a high degree of accuracy. Errors resulting from failure to exercise required accuracy could have a negative financial impact on the University, including audit disallowances and impact on future awards. Errors could also result in loss of credibility of the Office of Sponsored Programs.

Manager with Masters and 5+ years of relevant experience; or Bachelors with at least 1-2 yrs supervisory experience and 5+ years of relevant experience

The selected candidate must demonstrate the following:
- Ability to utilize critical thinking skills, assess risk, make independent decisions based on risk assessment, and collaborate with others to problem solve and facilitate timely execution of agreements.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to interpret, explain, and apply complicated rules, regulations, and policies.
- Ability to prioritize and balance a shifting workload in a deadline-driven work environment.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to work with a consistent degree of accuracy.
- Management/leadership experience, preferably in a university contracting setting.

- JD, MBA, or experience negotiating contracts in a university setting.
- Understanding of non-fiscal compliance areas such as conflict of interest regulations, human subjects, and animal care policies.
- Understanding of copyright law, publication policy, intellectual property rights, data ownership, material transfer, and other legal terms and conditions.

Not Applicable.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday | 8:00am – 5:00pm
This position is a 100% remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.