Contracts Manager

Position Title: Contracts Manager

Reports to: Project Controller

DESCRIPTION

The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, or IACMI ‐ The Composites Institute managed by Collaborative Composite Solutions Corporation is one of sixteen Manufacturing USA innovation institutes created to secure U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing. IACMI is a national leader and collaborative partner for advanced composites design, manufacturing, technical innovation, and workforce solutions. Established in 2015 by the U.S. Department of Energy, IACMI brings together member organizations from manufacturers and industry partners of all sizes, academic institutions, and government agencies to grow the production capacity of composites, strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, elevate workforce training and job creation across the U.S. composite industry, and collaborate on major research and development projects relevant to the industry. 

We are seeking a Contracts Manager at our headquarters in Knoxville, TN to provide support to the Project Controller. This would be mostly a remote position with the exception of travel to the corporate office in Knoxville quarterly and to various IACMI events. This is a new position supporting various awards mainly under the Department of Defense. Some of our projects are exceptionally large, highly complex and require a great deal of detail in the management of contracts and coordination with the Principal Investigator (PI), IACMI staff and the many sub-recipients. The primary function of the position is to perform duties related to sub-recipient contract administration. This individual should have strong contract management skills, be an effective communicator, strong understanding of subcontractor budgets, and have applicable experience at a research university or institution and/or applicable government contracting experience. The ideal candidate will be a team player who is organized, skilled with time management, and able to adapt to various environments and deliverables. The individual should also be highly driven, proactive, goal‐oriented, and self‐motivated to join our “small but mighty” team. This position will collaborate closely with IACMI project management, workforce, and other operational teams. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordination of multiple project partners to compile required inputs (budget, statement of work, points of contact,

etc.) to draft sub-award project agreements

• Collaborate with legal counsel and program management team to finalize and negotiate sub-recipient agreements

with the proper DOD or DOE flow-down terms and conditions, as well as amendments to the agreements

• Evaluate allowability of costs and ensure compliance with the cooperative agreement terms and conditions,

Federal OMB Uniform Guidance regulations, and IACMI policies

• Effectively manage positive and pro-active interaction with relevant stakeholders from a variety of different states,

administrative and technical points of contacts for the sub-recipients

• Collaborate with the IACMI Workforce Development team regarding subcontracting needs and prioritization

• Initiate and lead meetings with team members when appropriate

• Participate and provide contractual updates at project and staff meetings

• Use partner budgets to prepare budget summaries for projects in Excel to use in drafting contracts

• Determine whether redlines on contracts sent back by partners are allowable and acceptable and if not, provide

acceptable language changes when altered language is possible

• Consult with legal counsel regarding various questions as they arise

• Apply legal knowledge of non-profit entities to complete organization-specific documents required to be

submitted for projects and proposals, making sure forms are accurate and legally compliant

• Complete, review, and manage IACMI headquarters contracts related to facilities, operations, etc.

• Prepare and manage facility use agreements for Innovation South tenant leases

• Research legal concepts that apply to contracts and documents for headquarters operations, projects, and

proposals

• Providing proper statutory interpretation for flow downs required by funding sponsors

• Assist with special project and ad hoc information requests as needed

• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in business, pre-law, contract management or related field preferred

• Juris Doctor degree is a plus

• Four years of post-award sponsored grants and subcontracts administration, preferably at a comprehensive

research university or institution or government contractor entity

• Five or more years of experience negotiating contracts and agreements

• Certified Research Administrator, Certified Federal Contract Manager, or Certified Professional Contract Manager

preferred

• Knowledge of Federal OMB Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and granting agency requirements

and the ability to interpret federal terms and conditions

• Familiarity with DOE and DOD contracts and/or cooperative agreements or other federal agencies preferred

• Ability to collaborate and work effectively on a project team in a remote environment

• Demonstrated planning, scheduling, organizing, and management skills and ability to coordinate many projects

simultaneously and meet deadlines

• Knowledge of research administration issues including financial management and the ability to interpret and

communicate federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to research administration operations, policies,

and procedures

• Knowledge of business entity and/or non-profit law preferred

• Ability to prioritize and manage a high-volume of complex projects simultaneously to meet constant deadlines in a

fast-paced environment with changing priorities

• Ability to be detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills

• Ability to interpret and craft contractual terms and conditions

• Ability to negotiate contracts, agreements and subawards

• Ability to communicate effectively, including active listening skills, plus the ability to work with a diverse group of

faculty, staff, administrators and other stakeholders

• Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to interface with all levels of employees, customers, officials,

and sub-recipient personnel

• Knowledge of subawards/subcontracts

• Knowledge of Excel and proficiency using Teams, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint required

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of contractual, financial, personnel, and privileged documents and

communication

• Enthusiasm for IACMI’s mission to engage, support, and elevate members of our community

• Ability to work independently while following directives and compliance considerations

• Highly driven, proactive, results‐oriented and a strong sense of urgency in driving to reach goals

• Problem‐solver with proven ability to take initiative

• Technical aptitude and able to adapt quickly in learning various software applications and tools

• Valid US driver’s license required

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time

• Travel at least 5% of time with overnight stays

BENEFITS

• Comprehensive benefits package, including 401(k), medical, dental, vision, term life, AD&D, short-term disability,

and long-term disability insurance

• Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements

• Professional development opportunities