Contracts Manager, Clinical Research & Grants

Contracts Manager, Clinical Research & Grants (Finance) Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for contract management of standard and non-standard agreements. This includes preparation of RFPs/RFAs/RFQs leading to proposals for evaluation and negotiation, management of government and non-government grants, and drafting and review of various clinical trial related agreements. Additionally, the role will handle project management, contract compliance, and contracting support for NMDP's clinical trial networks. Contracts managers are expected to work alongside business partners to develop and execute category strategies and plans.

• Handles all aspects of contract administration, specifically related to third-party awards in support of NMDP's research efforts.
• Presents business strategies, agreements, subcontracts, grants, and third-party awards to internal stakeholders to determine accurate contracting arrangements for research projects.
• Prepares and reviews contractual documentation for third-party award submissions, both government and non-government; creates appropriate flow-down terms and conditions for each award to be applied to future agreements. Provides oversight to ensure that EEO, FAR, OMB, and related Federal requirements are incorporated as required into individual subcontracts/sub‑agreements/purchase orders.
• Assists with the preparation, negotiation, and maintenance of third-party awards by collaborating with internal partners to ensure deadlines are met, documents are updated, and projects are conducted in accordance with any applicable agreement/award terms and conditions.
• Supports NMDP's study networks (CIBMTR, BMT CTN, PTCTC) by negotiating and overseeing contracts throughout the life of a clinical trial; attends regular meetings to receive and provide updates on clinical trials. Provides contractual support to many aspects of a clinical trial, including funding agreements, laboratory agreements, clinical trial agreements, study riders, and other contracts as required by the protocol or study team.
• Advises key stakeholders about the legal and regulatory environment; identifies special arrangements, provisions, or legal/business requirements of the solicitation; defines and establishes agreements with third parties, including subcontractors.
• Oversees or conducts negotiation of contracts and third-party awards, documenting discussions and using sound judgment while seeking appropriate management approval for the acceptance of legal, financial, and operational terms and conditions. Brings contracts to closure by creating acceptable solutions and mitigating NMDP risk.
• Safeguards NMDP's intellectual property (IP) assets by using appropriate patent, trademarks, trade secret, and technical data/software agreements and provisions.
• Develops, implements or modifies Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for contract management and administration in compliance with company policy, and contributes to or influences company policy as appropriate.
• Maintains contractual records and documentation and monitors compliance of established contracts with internal stakeholders, ensuring accurate input and accuracy of procurement and contracting documents in an electronic database.
• Conducts business with integrity, upholding high ethical standards in full accordance with contract requirements.
• Provides guidance on contract matters to internal stakeholders, including training in contracting practices and procedures, as needed.
• May focus on one or more of the following areas: procurement, contract support, and prime contract/grant management.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Federal Acquisition Regulations and/or OMB circulars, as well as government laws and regulations regarding bidding and formation of contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements;
• Principles of business, contract, and intellectual property/licensing law;
• Clinical trials;
• Accounting and finance;
• Negotiation techniques.

Education and/or

Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Contracts Administration, Finance, Accounting, Non‑profit Management, Business Law, or related field.
• In addition to the minimum experience stated below, additional experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• Five plus years' experience in contract negotiation and administration, with at least three years' experience in contracting with Federal Government contracts or subcontracts management, grants management, or other institutions including pharmaceutical, healthcare, or other related industry. Contractual experience should include significant responsibility for negotiation, administration, management, procurement, cost reimbursement contracting, quality control, and reporting processes.

• Experience with Contract Lifecycle Management Systems (i.e., Ironclad)