Contracts Administrator

Summary

Description

Are you interested in working in a collaborative environment with like-minded professionals dedicated to the science of water, public health, and the environment? If so, advance the science of water by joining The Water Research Foundation (WRF) team! The science and knowledge WRF generates allows the water sector to provide high-quality, safe, accessible, and affordable water services that contribute to healthy, resilient communities and a sustainable global environment.

WRF is seeking a full-time Contracts Administrator in our Denver, CO office who will (under the guidance of the Director of Contracts Administration) perform legal and administrative activities to safeguard WRF legal rights, ensure that WRF’s terms and conditions are applied equitably across research programs/projects, liaise directly with WRF award recipients, and minimize risk in research project management.

Essential Job Functions

• As Funder: Drafts contracts, amendments, and letters of agreement based on standardized templates. Routes and tracks execution of contract documents, ensures contract files are accurate, and updates contracts management system/ERP with contract data.
• As Award Recipient: Collaborates with senior staff, Research Managers, Research Principals, and Project Coordinators in the review RFPs/RFAs for legal requirements and potential compliance issues; implement federally and state-funded grants and cooperative agreements; identify appropriate flow down provisions and draft subaward/subrecipient agreements.
• With support from the Director of Contracts Administration, reviews and negotiates terms and conditions to advocate for WRF’s best interests, including protecting WRF’s intellectual property and publication rights, as well as stewardship over WRF funding and utility partner co-funding.
• Champions effective award implementation by providing guidance, interpretation of terms and conditions, and advisement on issues that have contractual or business-related implications by presenting recommendations to mitigate risk and resolve issues.
• Administers and maintains documentation related to contracts, including templates, physical files, and electronic records. Tracks agreements, insurance documentation, copyright assignments, and other relevant electronic and hard copy files.
• Participates in internal projects and provides key support in developing new contracts processes, as well as assists in organizational change management initiatives.
• Works closely with the Director of Contracts Administration and COO to ensure compliance with WRF’s risk management program and assists (as needed) in gathering documentation related to WRF’s annual audit.
• Maintains an awareness of regulatory changes and their potential impact on federal grants/co-op agreements.
• Demonstrates WRF values of Integrity, Leadership, Respect/Inclusion, Innovation and Collaboration within the organization, with subscribers, and with other stakeholders.
• Serves as backup for entity-wide contracting needs.

Job Requirements

• Intermediate level of proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, Adobe, SharePoint, and general database management experience. Familiarity with Oracle NetSuite a plus.
• Display prior knowledge of common agreement types and instruments (cost-reimbursement, fixed-price, time and materials, NDAs, LOAs).
• Working experience with or exposure to 2 CFR 200/Uniform Guidance Cost Principles and federal agreements.
• Analytical problem-solving and the ability to make sound judgments/decisions.
• Highly organized, detail oriented and able to acquire and apply knowledge quickly.
• Ability to work independently and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with ability to provide appropriate context to support requests for information.
• Experience working with sponsored projects/programs and Principal Investigators.
• Prefer knowledge of project administration processes and contract lifecycle workflows.

Education and Training

• Possess a bachelor’s degree in Business, Political Science, Law, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Preferred: Completion of professional course(s) in 2 CFR 200 cost principles, management and monitoring of federal grants and co-op agreements, award oversight, and risk management.

Work Experience

• Two to four (2–4) years of progressive work experience in sponsored projects, legal or compliance at a funder or award recipient organization (non-profit, university, legal, corporate, etc.), in a role that includes direct experience managing contracts/grants/co-ops and project administration.
• Experience with prioritizing workflows and working on multiple projects with overlapping deadlines.

WRF Benefits

• A casual, professional, and collaborative environment
• Competitive salary:
  • The pay range for this position is $68,000–$78,000 (if calculated on an annual basis), based on qualifications and experience
• An outstanding benefit package including:
  • Health, dental, and vision plans
  • Company paid life insurance along with supplemental options
  • Ancillary benefit programs
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Paid sick and vacation time
  • Flexible work arrangement and scheduling to enhance work/life balance

To Apply

Use the following form forms.waterrf.org/223203979838063 to submit your cover letter/salary range expectations and resume.

WRF is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

No immigration or relocation assistance is available for this position.