Senior Contracting Officer

The Senior Contracting Officer, a key member of the National Security Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Minnesota, brings the highest level of expertise in the planning, negotiation, and coordination of complex and sensitive funding agreements managed through the NSRI. The role specializes in expanding the university’s research partnerships with the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS/ARPA-H, BARDA), NASA, and others, steering negotiations involving agreements such as: Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs), Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), Partnership Intermediary Agreements (PIAs), Technology Investment Agreements (TIAs), and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Working closely with Contracting Officers in the Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) to establish these formal agreements with the University, the role ensures the NSRI and the University have the specialized skills and capabilities to handle very large research programs that could reach and exceed $50M. By interfacing with NSRI teams, University leaders, researchers and staff system-wide, as well as business and industry partners, the role seeks to match University R&D strengths to high-value, high-interest technical challenges and structure agreements to grow interdisciplinary research. It provides specialized contracting support to research teams, leaders and administrators as they pursue high-value, cross-cutting initiatives that address resilience, energy, health, aerospace, national security, and innovation challenges that are of strategic importance to the nation. This role reports to the Executive Director of the National Security Research Institute.
Key Responsibilities

• Contract Negotiation & Management: Lead negotiations and structuring of complex CRADA, CSO, BAA, OTA, PIA, TIA, and STTR/SBIR agreements and other federal and industry contracts, in compliance with federal regulations and university policies, and in partnership with the Sponsored Projects Administration office, the Office of the General Counsel, and Technology Commercialization.
• Strategic Growth and Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with faculty and research leadership to match University R&D strengths to high-value, high-interest technical challenges; seek and identify opportunities, and develop strategies that expand DOE, DoD, DHS, HHS/BARDA, NASA, and other federal research funding. Build strong working relationships with federal sponsors and industry partners to streamline contracting processes and foster collaboration. Represent the University at federal acquisition research partnership forums.
• Interdisciplinary Research Support: Facilitate contracting solutions that enable large, multi-disciplinary teams to compete for federal programs addressing areas of strategic national importance, including energy, microelectronics, health security, defense, aerospace, AI, geospatial, advanced materials, manufacturing and other emerging areas for the NSRI.
• Expert Guidance: Serve as the university’s in-house, NSRI expert on specialized contracting mechanisms (e.g. CRADAs, OTAs, CSOs); advise leadership on risk, compliance, and negotiation strategies; interface and collaborate with Contracting Officers in SPA to formalize and finalize agreements with the University. Provide guidance on flow-down clauses, cost structures (e.g. Fixed Price), data rights, and IP protections to ensure compliant and advantageous terms.
• Policy, Training, and Domain Expertise Development: Develop and implement contracting policies, tools, and training programs to raise institutional knowledge of advanced contracting mechanisms. Collaborate closely with Sponsored Projects Administration, Research Integrity and Compliance, and other units as appropriate.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure that contracts are structured to protect the university’s interests, comply with federal acquisition regulations, and align with intellectual property and export control considerations. Partner with RIO’s Research Integrity and Compliance office.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, contract management, law, public administration, or related field
• Minimum 10 years experience, with 8 years of progressively responsible experience in federal/defense contracting, including direct experience as an unlimited warranted Contracting Officer in the military, or equivalent federal civilian role or comparable experience as a lead negotiator for large-scale federal Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) programs.
• Demonstrated track record of negotiating and handling large and complex RDT&E programs involving CRADA, CSO, BAA, and OTA agreements.
• In-depth knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and non-traditional contracting authorities.
• Proven success in negotiating high-value agreements with both federal agencies (DOE, DoD, DHS, HHS/BARDA, NASA, etc.) and private-sector partners.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with experience working across research, legal, compliance and contracting offices

Other Required Credentials
Due to the nature of some of the essential functions of this position, successful candidates must:

• be a US Citizen;
• possess an active US Government security clearance or have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree, JD, or professional certifications (DAWIA, NCMA CPCM/CFCM).
• Experience working in or with research universities or other nonprofit research institutions.
• Familiarity with technology transfer, intellectual property management, and research compliance in an academic context.
• Established relationships within DoD, DHS, DOE, HHS/BARDA, NASA, or other federal contracting and acquisition communities.
• Familiarity with export controls, data rights, and IP considerations in federally funded research
• Experience with consortium-based contracting and interagency research collaborations
• Familiarity with platforms such as SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and other agency-specific procurement systems.

Desired Skills & Expertise

• Strategic Contracting and Negotiation Acumen: Ability to align complex contracting mechanisms with institutional research priorities, including interdisciplinary initiatives in strategic national fields.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong skills in structuring agreements that balance flexibility, compliance, and innovation.
• Communication & Diplomacy: Ability to clearly explain federal contracting requirements to academic and administrative audiences and maintain credibility with government/industry counterparts.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Capable of training and guiding contracting staff and building institutional and administrative expertise in a highly-specialized domain.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a university environment that requires collaboration, shared governance, and mission-driven decision-making.
• Excellent collaboration and project management skills.
• Strategic Foresight: Ability to anticipate evolving federal research priorities and contracting models, and position the University to take advantage of new funding mechanisms.
• Risk Assessment and Judgement: Proven ability to evaluate and communicate contractual risks, distinguishing between manageable and unacceptable terms in the context of the University’s policies and mission.
• Innovation Mindset: Willingness to explore new funding models and research approaches that expand the University’s engagement in national R&D initiatives.

The National Security Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Minnesota serves as a national hub to drive interdisciplinary partnerships on national security-related funding opportunities. NSRI advances leading-edge research and workforce training programs that deliver significant value for the sponsor. NSRI promotes and sustains strategic partnerships with government agencies, DoD and national labs, defense-oriented entities, academia, and industry.

Pay Range: $160,007.36 to $214,735.00 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online Application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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