Senior Contracts & Grants Business Manager

AIR’s Contracts & Grants team seeks a Senior Contracts & Grants Business Manager, an operational leader. This position will provide end-to-end contract administration management for the entire portfolio of our Contracts, Grants and Cooperative Agreements. This position will oversee execution of Agreements in accordance with AIR policies, legal requirements, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and other Government and Client provisions. This highly visible position is as an Institute-wide internal advisor and “clearinghouse” to management and staff for Federal and State & Local Government and commercial RFPs, proposals, contracts, and prime/sub- contracting issues. This person will stay informed of Institute-wide research activities, industry trends, contract issues, and customer relationships to provide insight and advice that protects and advances AIR’s success. This person will be part of a dynamic organization with an opportunity to influence and define your role as we grow. Your thought leadership and influence will be recognized and rewarded. Specifically, you will have leadership impact over the following contracts functions:

• Develop good business relationships with senior contracts officials of major customers in coordination with priorities of internal leadership.
• Develop, implement, and evolve processes and structures to ensure effective and compliant business systems and operations.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as Institutional needs and external markets evolve.
• Respond in an informed and timely fashion to questions and requests for assistance, demonstrating appropriate sense of urgency when answering internal and external customer requests.
• Prepare and negotiate contracts, non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements, subcontract agreements, consulting agreements, task orders and purchase orders, etc. in accordance with Institute policies and statutory/regulatory requirements.
• Review cost narratives and pricing approaches in accordance with the proposal/pricing volume instructions to advise on compliance with AIR systems/processes, technical approaches, and profit objectives.
• Assure quality and timeliness of work product, and satisfaction of all internal and external customer contract and grant requirements.
• Manage, coordinate, monitor and track Data & Publication Rights and other Intellectual Property issues.
• Provide contract and grant administration leadership, working with staff and internal and external clients to meet shifting requirements and ensure client satisfaction.
• Ensure language and process uniformity that limits exposure to unintended risk.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Substantial knowledge of federal and client contracting regulations and policies.
• Demonstrates the necessary experience in effectively engaging with both internal and external customers to identify and collaboratively resolve risk and performance issues.
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 8 years or master’s degree with a minimum of 7 years, of progressively complex and relevant contracts and grants experience.

Skills:

• Demonstrates inclusive leadership by knowing when to take the lead, when to involve others, and how to set priorities collaboratively.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to successfully recruit, train, motivate, and manage staff.
• Exhibits a high level of emotional intelligence, tact, and diplomacy, while being mindful of diversity and inclusion in all interactions.
• Demonstrates the ability to work well independently, and collaborate as a member of team, while prioritizing multiple objectives and projects to consistently meet established timelines.
• Demonstrates analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Models respect in the workplace and with partners, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
• Ability to identify, present and drive complex business concepts and findings to broader teams and staff of all levels and customers.
• Expertise in Excel and proficient in MS Office applications.

Disclosures:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers an anticipated annual salary of $123,000 to $146,000. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.