Contract Officer, Sponsored Programs (Commercial Transactions)

About Us

Georgia Tech prides itself on its technological resources, collaborations, high-quality student body, and its commitment to building an outstanding and diverse community of learning, discovery, and creation. We strongly encourage applicants whose values align with our institutional values, as outlined in our strategic plan. These values include academic excellence, diversity of thought and experience, inquiry and innovation, collaboration and community, and ethical behavior and stewardship. Georgia Tech has policies to promote a healthy work-life balance and is aware that attracting faculty may require meeting the needs of two careers.

About Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech is a top-ranked public research university situated in the heart of Atlanta, a diverse and vibrant city with numerous economic and cultural strengths. The Institute serves more than 45,000 students through top-ranked undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs in engineering, computing, science, business, design, and liberal arts. Georgia Tech's faculty attracted more than $1.4 billion in research awards this past year in fields ranging from biomedical technology to artificial intelligence, energy, sustainability, semiconductors, neuroscience, and national security. Georgia Tech ranks among the nation's top 20 universities for research and development spending and No. 1 among institutions without a medical school.

Georgia Tech's Mission and Values

Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do:

1. Students are our top priority.

2. We strive for excellence.

3. We thrive on diversity.

4. We celebrate collaboration.

5. We champion innovation.

6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.

7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.

8. We act ethically.

9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Department Information

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) is the engine powering Georgia Tech's world-class research enterprise. We provide comprehensive, "cradle-to-grave" administration for research grants and contracts across a massive portfolio of federal, state, university, and non-profit sponsors. More than just a central office, OSP is a strategic partner to our faculty. Our team leads everything from proposal submission and complex contract negotiation to active award monitoring. We are also deeply invested in growing our people, driving campus-wide professional development through our multi-tiered Research Administration Certification program and the quarterly Research Administration Buzz (RAB) networking community.

Location

The primary location for this position is in Atlanta, Georgia; however, if you are local to one of these field offices, you may work onsite. Please let us know if this applies to you.

Washington, DC / Northern Virginia
Orlando, FL
Huntsville, AL
Tucson, AZ
San Diego, CA
Boston, MA
Warner Robbins, GA

Department Information

The VP Research Administration, formerly known as the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), is the engine powering Georgia Tech's world-class research enterprise. We provide comprehensive, "cradle-to-grave" administration for research grants and contracts across a massive portfolio of federal, state, university, and non-profit sponsors.

More than just a central office, VPRA is a strategic partner to our faculty. Our team leads everything from proposal submission and complex contract negotiation to active award monitoring. We are also deeply invested in growing our people, driving campus-wide professional development through our multi-tiered Research Administration Certification program and the quarterly Research Administration Buzz (RAB) networking community.

Job Summary

The Contract Officer for Sponsored Programs is responsible for managing the negotiation, execution, and administration of contracts related to research funding and sponsored programs. This position ensures compliance with institutional policies and federal regulations while providing guidance and support to faculty and researchers throughout the contracting process.

Responsibilities

Job Duty 1 -
Review and analyze research proposals to ensure they meet institutional standards and comply with sponsor requirements before submission

Job Duty 2 -
Negotiate contract terms and conditions with funding agencies to protect the institution's interests while facilitating research initiatives

Job Duty 3 -
Draft, edit, and finalize research contracts and agreements to ensure clarity, compliance, and alignment with institutional policies

Job Duty 4 -
Provide guidance and support to faculty and researchers throughout the contracting process by answering questions and addressing concerns related to contracts and funding

Job Duty 5 -
Monitor and manage the compliance of awarded contracts by ensuring that all terms and conditions are followed during the life of the grant or contract

Job Duty 6 -
Maintain accurate records of all contracts and agreements to ensure proper documentation and facilitate audits and reviews

Job Duty 7 -
Conduct training sessions for faculty and staff on contract management and sponsored program policies to improve understanding and compliance

Job Duty 8 -
Stay informed about changes in federal regulations and funding agency policies to ensure the institution's compliance and enhance its research capabilities

Job Duty 9 -
Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including legal counsel and finance departments, to address issues related to contracts and sponsored programs

Job Duty 10 -
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree in related discipline or equivalent, related experience

Other Required Qualifications
Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person (green card holder)

Required Experience
4+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications
Master's degree in related discipline or equivalent, related experience

Preferred Experience
University experience preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience negotiating commercial contracts.
• Knowledge of contract law, including the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), with demonstrated ability to interpret and apply relevant contractual principles.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, higher education, research, or foundation environment is beneficial but not required .
• Familiarity with federal contracting regulations and requirements, including 2 CFR Part 200 and the Bayh-Dole Act, is preferred.
• Experience using contract management or contract database systems; experience with comparable systems is acceptable, and training can be provided.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Apply through the Georgia Institute of Technology careers site.