Assistant Director, Contract and Subaward Negotiations

About the role

The Assistant Director for Contract and Subaward Negotiations, leads the negotiation and execution of agreements with non-profit and government sponsors and oversees subawards to a variety of recipients. In this role, your expertise will play a role in supporting research initiatives while maintaining institutional integrity and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the negotiation, drafting, and execution of contracts and subawards with non-profit and government partners.
• Supervise and train Contract and Subaward Negotiators, providing guidance on negotiation strategies, agreement language, and risk assessment.
• Manage the prioritization and assignment of agreement negotiations, balancing complexity, risk, and team member workloads.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including legal, compliance, and research teams, to ensure procedural alignment and resolution of contract-related matters.
• Cook compliance screening for agreements, addressing dissemination restrictions, IT security, export controls, and regulated substances.
• Maintain and update agreement templates, publish guidance materials, and deliver training to campus stakeholders on contractual matters.
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance, FAR) for subrecipient risk assessment and subaward monitoring.
• Evaluate and improve internal processes to enhance efficiency, stakeholder service, and risk mitigation.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: Require post-baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor’s degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
• Other Required Qualifications: Proven experience working with: University sponsored program agreements with Federal, state and local governments, and non-profit foundations in the US and other countries; The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), agency supplements to the FAR, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and Uniform Guidance, including requirements for subrecipient risk assessment and monitoring; and, The Microsoft Office® suite of software applications, especially Word and Excel, Adobe Acrobat, Internet Browsers and relational databases. Management or supervisory experience, preferably in an academic setting, necessary to oversee agreement review and negotiation, subaward drafting and management. Policy and process development and implementation that balances programmatic, operational needs, compliance with sponsor requirements and risk mitigation. Excellent written and oral communication skills to engage in effective negotiations between parties with differing objectives and compliance requirements.
• Preferred Qualifications: At least four years of hands-on experience in the negotiation of sponsored project awards and subawards at an R1 or R2 educational institution. Experience training or managing sponsored programs personnel in an academic environment. Experience working directly with government and non-profit sponsors to negotiate agreements. Working knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, including Uniform Guidance, U.S. intellectual property laws, and North Carolina state laws. Experience in accounting, auditing or business administration sufficient to assess project budgets and impact of terms on post-award business processes. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or other comparable professional certification.

Benefits

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits: As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more!