Supervisory Contract Administrator(Subcontracts), IS-1102-14

Supervisory Contract Administrator (Subcontracts), IS-1102-14

Final date to receive applications: 21 August 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $142,452 - $185,193 / year

Opening Date: July 21, 2026

Closing Date: August 21, 2026

Series/Grade: IS-1102-14

Type of Position: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)

Division: Procurement Contracts and Property

Location: Cambridge, MA

Area of Consideration: Open to all qualified applicants

SAO is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side.

Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education.

The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.

This is the position of Supervisory Contract Specialist, which is in the Procurement, Contracts, and Property (PCP) Department of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory [SAO]. The Incumbent is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Subawards section, including all elements of complex procurement projects involving subcontracts and research subawards [funded via incoming contracts and grants] and contracts [funded with federally appropriated funds or other types of trust funds].

The Incumbent is responsible for pre-award and post-award functions related to procurement and sponsored project activities that are of significant importance to SAO. Procurements include major and varied technical services, scientific research, and scientific instrumentation. Incumbent is delegated authority to be determined under a formal delegation of authority.

• Provides overall supervision and operational leadership for the Subawards Section, including planning and assigning work, establishing priorities and deadlines, monitoring workflow, evaluating performance, mentoring staff, identifying training needs, supporting workforce development, and recommending personnel actions, awards, and disciplinary actions. Serves as a senior contractual advisor to SAO leadership, principal investigators, program managers, and administrative staff on subcontracting, procurement strategy, acquisition planning, sponsor compliance, contractual risk, and research administration matters involving federally funded and trust funded activities.
• Performs subcontract, contract, and subaward planning, solicitation, negotiation, award, administration, modification, and close-out activities for complex scientific, technical, research, construction, and service-related procurements and sponsored projects of significant institutional importance. Develops acquisition and subcontracting strategies for complex projects involving multiple…