Jobs UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

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Service Contract Officer - Entry

Requisition Number:

61253

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

University Staff

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

22-Jan-2025

Date Posted:

09-Jan-2025
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Job Summary

The Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) encourages applications for an entry-level Service Contract Officer! The Service Contract Officer is responsible for protecting University interests relating to the business of University Service Activities. Support of University Service Activities is performed throughout the life of the contract and often starts prior to the contract being awarded. Below provides an example of contract life cycle support that may be provided by this position:
  • Reviewing Requests for Proposals (“RFPs”), broad agency announcements (“BAAs”), and other announcements in support of proposal development identifying issues related to the anticipated award prior to proposal submittal;
  • Reviewing and analyzing proposals to ensure compliance with Federal and non-Federal rules and regulations, as well as compliance with University policies and procedures;
  • Ensuring that University commitments are in accordance with legal, regulatory, and University requirements, and that standard processes are approved and properly documented;
  • Reviewing and negotiating contracts, agreements, and sub-agreements with outside sources (e.g. Federal agencies, industry, other universities, and foundations, collectively “Sponsors”);
  • Recognizing and addressing Federal and University compliance issues;
  • Determining that a contract is ready for signature; and
  • Providing input and guidance on contract interpretation and administration throughout the contract term.
The expertise provided by the Service Contract Officer includes a) a knowledge of Federal regulations, State statutes, University policy, standard processes and project requirements; b) an understanding of the administrative processes and procedures for the preparation and/or review of contract documents and templates, both internal and external to the University, including consistency of provisions and terms within the contract documents (i.e., statement of work, contract, attachments), c) a basic knowledge of cost accounting standards and specific requirements for Federal awards; d) an ability to identify and address potential risk and/or contractual issues; e) an ability to guide PIs, DRAs, and other University personnel through business decisions related to contracts; f) an ability to set priorities, manage time effectively, and meet multiple deadlines; g) an ability to provide prompt and effective customer service to University partners; and h) an ability to represent the University to Sponsors and provide liaison with internal departments, (e.g. Budget and Fiscal Planning, Office of Research Integrity, Research Financial Services, Technology Transfer, Export Control, academic departments, centers, and institutes). 
This position is charged with serving as an Authorized Organizational Representative facilitating the negotiation and execution of contract documents to support sponsored project proposals and awards, with a focus on Service Agreements, on behalf of the University, while protecting the legal and business interests of the University. The Service Contract Officer will represent the University and work directly with Sponsors: Federal and non-Federal sponsors, State agencies, businesses, foundations, and other universities. This position is responsible for a specific set of University clients including a variety of institutes, schools, and academic departments. The Service Contract Officer works directly with PIs, DRAs, and students to ensure that contracts reflect the Sponsor and University requirements, and that they are processed and completed in a timely manner. The Service Contract Officer collaborates with other campus departments and external sponsors to address issues and solve problems during proposal review and evaluation when requested, and during the contract negotiation and execution process as well as throughout the contractual term.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The mission of OCG is to help UCB faculty, staff, and students obtain and manage external funding for sponsored projects. OCG is committed to protecting the University’s interests by reviewing and approving the submission of sponsored project proposals; negotiating contract and grant awards; monitoring the implementation and administration of sponsored projects; initiating and implementing policies and procedures; providing training to faculty and staff; and serving as the University’s liaison with sponsors and regulatory agencies. 
OCG commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from candidates whose knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The following list of duties and responsibilities serves only to illustrate the nature and scope of this position’s primary activities and functions. These are performed on behalf of the University, while protecting the legal and business interests of the University and under the supervision of the Team Manager, Contract Administration – Service.
  • Understand OCG’s business processes, from proposal development through submission, award, contract negotiation, execution, management, and closeout.
  • Form and maintain strong working relationships with peers, supervisor, other OCG teams, and other University partners including PIs, DRAs, Budget and Fiscal Planning, Export Control Office, Information Technology Security Office, Project Management Office, Research Financial Services, Technology Transfer Office, and University Legal Counsel, as well as Sponsors, to support review and negotiation of contract terms and conditions, as along with general contract administration.
  • Develop and maintain proficiency with applicable electronic systems and related processes and requirements.
  • Continuously build and maintain knowledge base of OCG business processes by attending training sessions, conferring with supervisor and peers, and reviewing written guidance documents.
  • Understand and ensure implementation of the eligibility requirements as related to Sponsored and Rate Based Service Agreements.
  • Make service activity determinations, ensuring steps to complete set up of departments with Rate Based Service Activities are met.
Contract Preparation, Review, Negotiation, and Execution Related Duties:
  • Prepare, redline, negotiate, and manage service-related contracts (with and without funds) between University and Sponsors, including industry partners, Federal agencies, other Universities, foundations, and other nonprofits with legal entities and offices located domestically and abroad.
  • Manage all aspects of the University’s contracting process from contract terms and requirements review at proposal development and submission, as needed, through contract receipt, review, negotiation, and execution, lifecycle administration and management, and contract closeout. 
  • Prepare initial and modification drafts of contract agreements ensuring full compliance with Federal and State legal and other regulatory requirements, University policies and procedures, unique requirements based on the Sponsor and the scope of work being performed.
  • Review and negotiate changes to each University or Sponsor drafted contract and any financial and in-kind commitments ensuring they are acceptable to the University, the PI, and the Sponsor.
  • Work with University partners and Sponsors to incorporate and review requested contract changes.
  • Identify and understand terms and conditions options and carve-out approaches to resolve negotiation challenges while limiting University and PI’s risk.
  • While performing review and negotiation, ensure that the final contract is clear, comprehensive, and that it includes provisions protecting the interests of the University.
Contract Support Related Duties:
  • Serve as a point of contact and reliable campus resource for a wide range of business and contracting topics being requested from University partners and Sponsors as they relate to Service Activities.
  • Provide general contract administration support to both University partners and Sponsors on topics that may include explanation of contract interpretation, coordination, and communication to address funding issues, contract requirement issues and/or disputes, contract modification, etc.
  • Following OCG processes, uniformly enter, maintain, and track the contract documents, requirements, communication, and financials into infoEd, the University’s electronic record keeping systems, and other transaction tracking systems used by the Service Contracts Team.
  • Advise PIs and DRAs on policies and procedures for obtaining approval from offices outside of OCG when contract requirements deviate from acceptable contract language.
  • Work with peers, supervisor, other OCG Teams, and other University partners to develop and continually refine standard contract language, ensuring consistency of contractual terms and conditions across contracts while maintaining the protection of University and PI interests.
Other Related Duties:
  • Contribute experience and knowledge at team meetings by developing and presenting agenda items and engaging peers to increase team and personal knowledge base.
  • Develop and edit process documentation as it relates to the work of the Service Contracts Team. Provide support to team members in meeting this objective as needed.
  • Involvement and participation in University internal trainings.
  • Support special projects and other duties as assigned.
Signature Authority:
  • The Service Contract Officer possesses signature authority for certain agreements as delegated by the Team Manager, Contract Administration – Service. 
  • The following list of agreement actions serves only to illustrate the anticipated signature authority of this position. These signature authorities are performed on behalf of the University, while protecting the legal and business interests of the University, and under the supervision and delegation of the Team Manager, Contract Administration – Service. 
Various Agreement Actions Including: 
  • Quote Issuance
  • Pre-Award At-Risk SpeedType Setup
  • Initial Agreements including Scope and Rate-Based Agreements
  • Budget Revision Modifications
  • Funding Modifications
  • No Cost Extension Modifications
  • Administrative Modifications

What You Should Know

  • This position offers the option of either a hybrid format (virtual and in-person support) or fully remote work based on the selected candidate's needs.

What We Can Offer

  • Salary range is $56,250 - $60,000.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be dynamic. Be genuine. Be Boulder.

What We Require

  • A Bachelor’s Degree.
  • Experience including any combination of contract formation, negotiation, administration and/or management, familiarity and work with research, research compliance, other highly regulated industries, and/or Federal or other government policies. 
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

What You Will Need

  • Strong ability to think critically; 
  • Ability to determine and ask appropriate questions; 
  • Exceptional attention to detail; 
  • Basic understanding of research and/or service agreement administration or translatable business experience; 
  • Proven track record to work independently a majority of the time, with supervision; 
  • Excellent organization skills successfully managing multiple ongoing tasks; 
  • Ability to work collaboratively with University partners and Sponsors across multiple fields in a constantly evolving environment; 
  • Demonstrated ability to manage and meet deadlines, prioritizing effectively; 
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; 
  • Demonstrated excellent customer service skills; 
  • Flexible and adaptable; 
  • Willingness to learn, problem solve, and research solutions when completing a wide variety of tasks; and 
  • Solution-oriented mentality and inquisitive personality, with the ability to solve sophisticated problems.

What We Would Like You to Have

  • 1+ years of experience with contract formation, negotiation, administration and/or management, familiarity and work with research, research compliance, other highly regulated industries, and/or Federal or other government policies. 
  • Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computer systems to include Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point.
  • Experience drafting, reviewing, negotiating, managing, and supporting administration of research and/or service contracts, confidentiality agreements, data transfer use agreements, material transfer agreements, and/or intellectual property agreements.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials: 
  1. A current resume.
  2. A cover letter that specifically addresses how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
You will not be asked to upload references at this time. 
 
Please apply by January 22, 2025 for consideration. 
 
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu