AIR is seeking a Senior Contract & Grants Specialist to join our Contracts and Grants Office (CGO).  This position will provide end-to-end contract administration support for the entire portfolio of our Contracts, Grants and Cooperative Agreements. This position will ensure execution of Agreements in accordance with AIR policies, legal requirements, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and other Government and Client provisions. This highly visible position serves 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. 

The Senior Contract & Grants Specialist position can be remote from anywhere in the U.S. or located out of any of AIR's U.S. office locations.

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here.

The responsibilities for the position include:

• 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.
• Ensure language and process uniformity that limits exposure to unintended risk.
• Develop good business relationships with senior contracts officials of major customers in coordination with priorities of internal leadership.
• Manage, coordinate, monitor and track Data Rights, Patent, Trademark, and other Intellectual Property issues.
• Prepare cost narratives and pricing approaches in accordance with the proposal/pricing volume instructions ensuring 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 requirements.
• Develop, implement, and evolve processes and structures to ensure effective and compliant business systems and operations.
• Provide contract administration leadership, working with internal and external customers to meet shifting requirements and ensure customer satisfaction.
• 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.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time based on institutional needs.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 8 years of progressively complex and relevant contracts experience; demonstrated capability considered.
• Substantial knowledge of federal and client contracting regulations and policies.
• Experience with USAID pre-award and post-award prime and subcontracts and other International client procurements.

 Skills:

• Effective communicator continually demonstrating sensitivity to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently, and collaborate as a member of team with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• while prioritizing multiple task and projects to consistently meet established timelines.
• Demonstrated analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills. Thinks strategically but stays on top of tactical execution.
• Ability to identify, present and drive complex business concepts and findings to customers, broader teams, and staff of all levels.
• Proficient in using standard MS Office programs.
• Highly motivated with good mathematical, analytical, and reasoning skills.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Possess requisite experience, judgment, and senior presence to productively interact with internal and external customers to identify and resolve risk and performance issues.
• Accurate judgment to know when to take the lead, when to involve others, and how to set priorities.

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 $127,000 to $140,000. 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.

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

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