Senior Contracts and Grants Specialist

Overview

Work for a first-class institution that is innovative, multi-dimensional, and dynamic by joining AIR as a Senior Contracts and Grants Specialist.

 

We hire talented and forward-thinking professionals to build our cross-functional teams and support our clients in solving complex problems. Our people—problem-solvers, changemakers, and creative thinkers—are experts in their craft who rise to meet today’s challenges.

 

The Senior Contracts and Grants Specialist will play an integral role in delivering on some of the most meaningful projects in communities across the United States and the world. You’ll collaborate with our teams of motivated and passionate visionaries, where your input will be valued and your contributions vital to our success.

 

We value the experiences of every member of our institution, from entry level to executive. As part of our collaborative, learning-oriented team, you’ll be encouraged to grow in your career, develop additional skills, and progress professionally.

 

AIR’s Contracts & Grants team seeks a Senior Contract & Grants Specialist to support its international grants and contracts portfolio. This position reports to the Senior Director of Contracts and Grants. This position will provide full cycle contract administration inclusive of pre-award (proposals), post-award and related compliance matters. This position will ensure execution of Agreements in accordance with AIR policies, legal requirements, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and other agreements with domestic and international funders. The Senior Contracts & Grants Specialist will serve as an institute-wide internal technical advisor and “clearinghouse” to management and staff for U.S. Federal and  International Government, and commercial solicitations, proposals, awards, and prime/sub- contracting issues. This person will be part of a dynamic organization with an opportunity to influence and define your role as we grow.

Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations.This does not include U.S. territories. 

 

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.

Responsibilities

Essential job functions include but are not limited to:

• Provide leadership in administering a diverse post award contracts and grants portfolio, working with internal and external customers to meet shifting requirements and ensure customer satisfaction and quality and timeliness of work product.
• Respond in an informed and timely fashion to questions and requests for assistance, demonstrating appropriate sense of urgency when responding to internal and external customer requests.
• Prepare and negotiate various contractual instruments including but not limited to contracts, grants, non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements, subcontracts, task orders, etc. in accordance with AIR policies and applicable requirements.
• Lead pre-award compliance risk review, preparation of business proposal forms and responsive and compliant business volumes for client submission.
• Proactively engage in pre-award subcontracting matters, providing compliance guidance to partners and internal proposal teams, putting in place pre-award subcontract agreements and performing vetting of proposed partners to minimize organizational risks.
• Review cost narratives and participate in design of pricing strategies/approaches in accordance with the proposal/pricing volume instructions to ensure compliance with Client requirements and AIR policies and business practices.
• Develop, implement, and evolve processes and structures to ensure effective and compliant business systems and operations. Actively participate in team’s and organization-wide process and policy improvement initi