Assistant Director for Contracts Management; R26-48

Assistant Director for Contracts Management (R26-48)
About RF for SUNY at the University at Albany:

Employment is with The Research Foundation for the State University of New York, a private, nonprofit, educational corporation that provides essential sponsored program administration and innovation support services to SUNY faculty and students whose ideas and research generate ground-breaking discovery and translate to entrepreneurial and economic development opportunities for New York State.

Working at the SUNY Research Foundation for the University at Albany, you will be part of a team that provides essential services to the University as it moves to the front ranks of American higher education, supporting the advancement of education, research and discovery. The University at Albany, a nationally recognized research university with outstanding faculty, researchers and staff, offers challenging, exciting and rewarding careers to those who seek opportunities to grow and excel.

The University at Albany is at the forefront of innovation and exploration in a wide range of research areas, from the health sciences and engineering to the humanities and fine arts. UAlbany has been recognized as a Carnegie R1 research institution - one of the elite "very high research activity" doctoral universities as ranked by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

The Assistant Director for Contracts Management is a key leader within Pre-Award Services in the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA). This position oversees the Contracts Management team and provides oversight and operational direction for the development, review, and negotiation of agreements supporting sponsored research, training, and other sponsored activities at the University  Assistant Director serves as the lead negotiator for complex and high-risk agreements, supports institutional compliance and risk mitigation, and collaborates with faculty, research administrators, legal counsel, and sponsors to advance the University's research mission.

This role also contributes to institutional priorities that strengthen research partnerships and expand industry-sponsored research opportunities.

• Lead, mentor, and develop Contracts Management staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Oversee workflow, workload distribution, and performance to ensure timely, consistent, and high-quality contract services.
• Review and approve complex agreements negotiated by staff, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Monitor and report operational metrics and recommend process improvements that enhance efficiency, service quality, and compliance.
• Support effective use of electronic research administration systems and emerging technologies.
• Manage a portfolio of complex sponsored program agreements and lead negotiations for high-risk or sensitive matters.
• Review, draft, and finalize research-related agreements in compliance with institutional, legal, and sponsor requirements
• Identify contractual, financial, and compliance risks and develop solutions that protect institutional interests while supporting research activity.
• Collaborate with SPA leadership and legal counsel to resolve complex issues and obtain necessary approvals.
• Maintain accurate records and timely correspondence on contract status and key developments to stakeholders.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to faculty, research staff, sponsors, and campus partners on contract-related matters.
• Provide guidance on agreement requirements, regulatory expectations, and best practices.
• Build productive…