Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify someone from employment. Prior to any adverse decision, finalists have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding the background check.

The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.

The Office of Research Administration (ORA) provides pre-award and non-financial post award administrative services for sponsored projects at the University of Maryland. In addition, ORA collaborates closely with a number of other central offices to help ensure the effective overall coordination of research administration services, systems, policies and procedures. The Contract Administrator (CA) will review grant and contract proposals for compliance with University policies and sponsor application guidelines and regulations prior to submission. The CA interprets pre-award and post-award university and sponsor guidelines for faculty and staff and acts as the liaison between University principal investigators, departmental administrators and sponsoring agencies to resolve problems and answer inquiries regarding policies of the University, funding agencies or subawardees. The CA will advise departmental administrators and faculty on agency guidelines and policy changes. The CA analyzes sponsored awards (grants and contracts) for compliance and consistency with federal and state laws and regulations, University policies and practices, research compliance restrictions and guidelines, financial and academic requirements, and agency policies and procedures and negotiates any necessary changes with the sponsor. This position is also responsible for providing guidance and expertise for entering proposal and award data into the University’s research administration system of record. The CA assists in solving problems related to the administration of awards throughout their life cycle.

Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of three years’ experience in the field of grants/contracts administration, preferably in a higher education environment, or business or related field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Working knowledge of the Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and other regulations governing sponsored awards.

• Working knowledge of Subaward principles and procedures.

• Ability to use multiple software systems.

• Ability to use analytical and creative problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools (e.g., word, excel).

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrate excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to be extremely organized with a high attention to detail.

Preferences:
Ability to demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness preferred

Contract review and negotiation background preferred

Additional Certifications:
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) – Not Required
Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA) – Not Required

Physical Demands:
Sedentary work performed in a normal office environment; exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Ability to attend meetings both on and off campus. Spending long hours in front of a computer screen.

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.