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Job Description:
JobSummary
The Office of Research promotes excellence in research at Cal Poly, both basic and applied, as fundamental to the mission of the University and essential to California's economic and civic vitality. The Office of Research is committed to enhancing these efforts by providing administrative and financial support for sponsored programs, including identification of funding opportunities, proposal submission, research compliance, and contracts and grant administration. The Office promotes the development and function of centers and institutes, essential core facilities, and emboldens innovation and economic development through strategic partnering and industry engagement initiatives. Cal Poly has a long tradition of interdisciplinary research that continues through the production of new knowledge and innovative solutions to society's grand challenges.
Working independently under the general supervision of theAssistant Vice President for Finance, the Principal Contracts Officer leads the negotiation of sponsored award agreements with federal, foundation, industry, foreign, and other sponsors, and unfunded research-related agreements to support and facilitate research at Cal Poly. The Principal Contracts Officer provides faculty, staff, and administrators guidanceregardingthe interpretation of agreement terms and conditions, develops and supports contracting business processes, and provides lead work direction.
Remote work is available for California residents.
DutiesandResponsibilities
The following examples illustrate typical work activities and are not meant to be all inclusive or restrictive:
Independently draft, review, and negotiate complex research related agreements, including research agreements, federal contracts, confidentiality agreements, data useagreementsand material transfer agreements, that are consistent with internal policy and state and federal regulations.
Manage the Contracts team, including performance evaluation, promotions, and professional development.
Prepare, analyze, and present complex contractual, operational, and strategic information to senior leadership, ensuringaccuratetracking of agreements,monitoringperformance metrics, andprovidingactionable insights to support strategic research initiatives.
Build andmaintainrelationships with faculty, administrators, central offices, and external sponsors to ensure effective service delivery and coordination.
Related Job Functions
As Needed 10%
Position Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, law, or a related field and five years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored research administration, contracts management, or a closely related field, including at least two years of experience supervising professional staff.Additionalqualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
Thorough knowledge of sponsored research administration, including working knowledge of applicable university policies, federal regulations, and sponsor requirements (e.g., FAR, Uniform Guidance, FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR).
Demonstrated ability to apply and interpret applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines, and to recommend departmental policy adjustments in alignment with institutional and regulatory requirements.
Demonstrated ability to independently draft, review, and negotiate complex research-related agreements, including research agreements, federal contracts, confidentiality agreements, data use agreements, and material transfer agreements.
Demonstrated supervisory and staff development skills, including performance management, coaching, and professional development ofcontractsteam members.
Ability to develop, implement, and improve departmental business processes, policies, and procedures to enhance the effectiveness of contract operations.
Ability toinitiateand maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, acrossUniversityunits, and with external sponsors, supporting effective service delivery in a diverse environment.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess contractual risk, recommendappropriate agreementterms, andprovideoperational guidance to support departmental and divisional decision-making.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across employee groups, build working partnerships, and navigate organizational dynamics within a department and division context.
Proficiencywith standard computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, online systems, and email, as used in contract administration and research operations.
PreferredSkills and Experience:
Experience developing or implementing policies, procedures, or process improvements within acontracts, grants, or sponsoredprogramsfunction.
Experience using or supporting contract lifecycle management systems or research administration platforms (e.g., Cayuse, Kuali, or similar tools).
Hiring Range:
$110,000 - $140,000 annually.
If you like growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
Cal Poly Partners, an equal employment opportunity employer, is strongly committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce. The University actively encourages applications of all qualified individuals.
The department will evaluate experience and education to determine placement into appropriate position level. Subject to continued grant/center funding.
Cal Poly Partners provides excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, paid sick leave/vacation and 14 holidays.
Employees are eligible to participate in the CP Partners Medical Insurance Plan offered through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees have different plans from which to choose including HMOs and PPOs. The coverage includes the employee, his/her dependents, or domestic partner. The CP Partners cover a large portion of the medical premium for the employee and eligible dependents.
All employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) and will contribute to their retirement; these contributions can be refunded if the employee terminates prior to retirement.
Please visit our website for additional benefits information. Employee Benefits (sharepoint.com)
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, educational and employment verification, and reference check, as required.
EEO/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer