Principal Manager, Contracts & Grants

The Principal Manager will be the senior functional leader responsible for the day-to-day contracting operations for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Academic Mission Services (NAMS) program near NASA Ames Center (Mountain View, CA). This includes leading an integrated program team in proposal preparations, contract, subcontract, subgrant, task order negotiations, and all contract-related administration efforts.  The Principal Manager will assist with the development and implementation of organizational initiatives, provide direction to subordinates on how to handle complex contract issues, serve as a spokesperson on complex and major contracts, and act as the primary contracts consultant to senior management as a direct report to the Director of Contracts and Grants.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with cost-plus type contracts and complex subcontracts, strong knowledge of the FAR and NASA-related procurement regulations, the ability to anticipate and/or recognize contractual/compliance issues and risks in order to provide counsel to the Program Director and notify/work with a functional Business Manager as required and provide subcontractor oversight.  A key aspect of this position’s role in the integrated program team is to perform timely cradle-to-grave contract administration while distinguishing potential issues requiring visibility and the attention of senior leaders and stakeholders. 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Deliver expert guidance and functional leadership to program directors by identifying problems, assessing risk, and delivering contract and subcontract solutions. 
• Draft, issue, and negotiate routine and complex contractual instruments, including non-disclosure agreements, proposal requests, and special terms and conditions.
• Oversee contract performance to ensure conformance to the original proposal and maintain continual reviews to ensure that all terms and conditions are met and that the contract complies with legal requirements, customer specifications, and government regulations.
• Focus on continual improvement in the speed, quality, and simplicity of contract formation and management processes without compromising compliance.
• Build a positive working relationship with clients and other functional team members.
• Support audit-related activities to include rate submissions, negotiations, and approvals. 
• Maintain contractual records and correspondence to meet federal audit requirements. 
• Provide leadership within the Contracts function to a junior-level contracts professional.
• Develop material and conduct training to grow institutional and individual knowledge bases.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications: 

Education:  

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS) in Business Administration or a related business discipline. 

Experience: 

• A minimum of eight (8) years of contract experience in the Department of Defense or Aerospace contracting. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:  

• Extensive knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
• Grants management, in addition to FAR experience, will rate favorably, though not required.
• Experience using Deltek Costpoint and advanced Excel skills are preferred.
• Finance or accounting knowledge favored but not required.
• Membership in the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and certifications such as the Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office skills and Adobe products.
• Position requires U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status.
• Must possess the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
• Willing to travel to office and customer locations and work sites. 

Attributes:

• Highly organized and efficient, able to multitask and prioritize effectively to accomplish objectives with creativity, initiative, and mindfulness. 
• Creative, resourceful, and flexible; able to adapt to changing priorities and maintain a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• Communicates frequently on the status of assignments and actively seeks clarification on requirements, due dates, and questions to ensure timely completion of responsibilities.
• Closely follow guidance and direction.

Working Conditions: 

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. Extensive online usage. This is largely a sedentary role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential d