Contracts Specialist

About the role

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory operates state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community and has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

NRAO is seeking a full-time Contracts Specialist to join the Contracts and Procurement team in Albuquerque, NM. The Contract Specialist will perform pre-award, award, and close-out activities to conduct AUI/NRAO business with a broad spectrum of domestic and international organizations.

Responsibilities

• Administers contracts and subcontracts from award through close-out.
• Manages source selections and develops detailed documentation for procurement plans, evaluations, and selection justifications.
• Maintains contracts and related document files.
• Coordinates the approval request process for large procurements and outside funding proposals requiring review and approval by NRAO senior management, AUI management, and NSF.
• Coordinates activities with NRAO buyers to ensure continuity of efforts and full accountability and tracking of current and pending contractual obligations.
• Assists with review and monitoring to ensure Observatory practices and procedures maintain compliance with Federal guidelines and regulations when dealing with institutions of higher learning, state agencies, and public corporations.
• Proactively complies with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work areas.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• An Associate’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Three years of experience in purchasing or a related field.

Skills

• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
• Able to read and understand large quantities of technical materials related to the position as well as information regarding scientific proposals.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Fundamental knowledge of pricing concepts, accounting standards, and cost principles.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite.

Pay

The starting salary is between $60,000 and $70,000. Factors that may affect starting pay within this range include education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days).
• Medical, dental, and vision plans effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.