Associate Director for Contracts

About Rice:
Boasting a 300-acre, tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report . Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system that supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name - RICE - Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary:
The Office of Sponsored Projects is the central university office responsible for reviewing and providing the official signature for all proposals submitted on behalf of the University in compliance with federal and university policies. The Sponsored Projects team accepts and negotiates federal, state, and not-for-profit awards from external sponsors on behalf of the University.

The Associate Director for Contracts provides senior-level technical leadership and strategic direction for the negotiation and administration of sponsored project agreements. Independently solicits, negotiates, and executes a full range of complex research agreements on behalf of the University, including federal contracts, subcontracts, and high-risk or non-standard awards. Serves as a subject matter expert in sponsored projects, supporting all phases of research administration, including pre-award and non-financial post-award activities. Exercises delegated authority to interpret contractual terms, assess institutional risk, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations. Leads the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and process improvements that enhance operational effectiveness and ensure regulatory compliance. Provides guidance and mentorship to contracts and grant staff and partners with faculty, leadership, legal counsel, and external sponsors to facilitate successful research outcomes.

Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate is a senior research administration professional with extensive experience negotiating and executing complex sponsored research agreements, including federal contracts and high-risk or non-standard awards. They possess an advanced understanding of federal, state, and institutional regulations and demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply complex contractual and legal terms with a high degree of independence and sound judgment. This individual operates as a trusted subject matter expert and advisor, exercising delegated authority to represent the University in negotiations and to assess and mitigate institutional risk. They are a strategic thinker who can navigate competing priorities, develop effective solutions, and influence outcomes across a wide range of stakeholders. An exceptional communicator and relationship builder, they lead through influence rather than direct authority and effectively partner with faculty, leadership, legal counsel, and sponsors to facilitate timely, compliant, and mission-aligned research agreements while contributing to process improvements and policy development.

Workplace Requirements:
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
  
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• 5+ years of grant management experience

• Advanced expertise in negotiating, drafting, and interpreting complex sponsored research agreements, including federal contracts and subcontracts
• Comprehensive knowledge of the sponsored projects lifecycle, including pre-award, non-financial post-award, and regulatory compliance requirements
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage status and reporting requirements for multiple contracts
• Demonstrated experience with governmental regulations (e.g., FAR, DFARS, Uniform Guidance, FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR)
• Demonstrated professionalism and diplomacy skills
• Leadership skills
• Team management
• Customer service orientation
• In-depth knowledge of contracting
• Critical and analytical ability

Preferences:

• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM)
• Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD)
• or CPCM (Certified Professional Contract Manager)

Essential Functions:

• Performs highly advanced (expert-level) contract management work
• Supervises and trains Contracts team members on policies, procedures, and compliance requirements
• Manages workflow of proposals, subcontracts, and federal agreements
• Coordinates development and maintenance of internal policies, procedures, and operational documentation to ensure efficiency and compliance
• Develops and administers procedures to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, sponsor, and institutional regulations governing research grants and contracts
• Identifies contractual and policy issues, including those related to sponsor policy changes and federal regulations; escalates issues to appropriate University leadership and ensures resolution and follow-through
• Conducts comprehensive analysis and administration of complex grants, contracts, and agreements, including solicitation, drafting, negotiation, execution, and compliance oversight; may draft master agreements and government contracts
• Reviews grants, contracts, proposals, and awards for special terms and restrictions and establishes appropriate controls to ensure compliance
• Provides guidance to Principal Investigators and research staff regarding allowability, allocability, and sponsor requirements
• Adjusts and reviews budgets as needed based on contract and sponsor requirements
• Negotiates with sponsoring agencies regarding renewals, modifications, and contractual terms
• Oversees grant and contract close-out activities, including final financial and technical reporting
• Serves as liaison between the University, funding agencies, and external sponsors as institutional representatives
• Serves as liaison with other University offices and facilitates cross-functional collaboration
• Manages escalations and resolves complex issues raised by staff, administrators, and stakeholders
• Provides input into departmental strategic planning and process improvement initiatives
• Develops ideas for improved customer service and operational effectiveness
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:

• Coordinates activities related to grant protocol development with collaborating institutions and external partners
• Assists in the development of progress plans with professional organizations supporting grant-funded research and training initiatives
• Compiles financial, personnel, and operational reports for grants and contracts at the departmental or school level
• Participates in continuous improvement of customer service and administrative processes across the department
• Applies knowledge of federal and sponsor regulations (including FAR, DFARS, Uniform Guidance, FERPA, HIPAA, and GDPR) in support of contract administration and compliance

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University's Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.