Contracts Officer

What We Do

Since our foundation in 1984, we have helped the Department of War (DoW), government agencies, and private industry meet mission goals and gain strategic advantage by innovating and advancing the fields of software engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), cyber, and acquisition transformation.

Position Summary

Are you a creative, enthusiastic negotiator with a contracts background? We are looking for an innovative problem-solver to join our contracts team as a Contracts Officer. Under the general direction of the Contracts Manager and the Director of Contracting, you will prepare and negotiate a wide variety of agreements and other documents including but not limited to, project work plan agreements, memorandums of understanding, collaboration agreements, consortium agreements, teaming agreements, confidential disclosure agreements, licenses, membership agreements, educational agreements, data use agreements, visitor agreements, and software license agreements, with industry, federal agencies, non-profits, foundations, and other universities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting or other related field or equivalent combination of training and experience. MBA or similar degree or JD Preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years of administrative experience, with two plus (2+) years of experience preferred or relevant education dealing with research contracts negotiation and administration, government contracts, and/or intellectual property agreements preferred.
• Willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission. This includes within the SEI and CMU community, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion. Occasional travel (Less than 10%)
• You will be subject to a background investigation.

Duties

• Developing creative solutions to complex contract problems and resolving issues by negotiating solutions that respect the policies and needs of each stakeholder, and reducing risk for the University.
• Drafting contract language related to university policies on intellectual property, no warranty, publication, indemnification, and licensing.
• Negotiating and closing agreements as assigned. Documenting and monitoring the contract negotiation lifecycle.
• Triaging agreements or inquiries to spot relevant issues.
• Collaborating with business managers and technical staff, other internal departments, the Office of General Counsel, and Risk Management, to coordinate and resolve issues.
• Providing informational training sessions on relevant topics and communicate requirements with stakeholders.
• Leading special projects, as requested.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience in and working knowledge of Federal contracting terms and conditions, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation, applicable agency supplement requirements, and government accounting practices for contract administration activities.
• Knowledge of federal acquisition regulations and in-depth understanding of legal and contractual terminology.
• Excellent reading comprehension and writing skills.
• Ability to rapidly review and analyze accurately, in detail, complex contract documents, written procedures and correspondence.
• Comprehensive computer skills including Microsoft Office suite.

Desired Experience

Preferred Licenses: Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) Education in Contracts Management.