Contracts Officer

Come join and be part of our Procurement team at AURA’s Central Administrative Services group that supports the day-to-day operations for a $170 million division. AURA’s Centers enable the next decade of astronomical discoveries through world-class facilities and science.

As a Contracts Officer at AURA, you will work closely with our astronomical researchers, observatory engineers, and organization management on a variety of contracting matters, including conducting RFPs, negotiating and administering contracts, and managing business agreements issued under Uniform Guidance and FAR.

Essential Functions:

• Conducts requests for proposals, contract negotiations, and cradle-to-grave administration of routine and complex contracts and other business agreements.
• Coordinates the review and analysis of proposals for services, material, and equipment; provides consultation in selection of qualified suppliers and manufacturers.
• Ensures terms & conditions on assigned projects meet contractual, regulatory, and legal requirements.
• Monitors vendor cost and schedule performance for conformance to contract specifications, legal requirements, and government regulations.
• Provides guidance regarding contractual and agency requirements, vendor communications, foreign purchase requirements, and other matters of concern.
• Ensures proper authorization is obtained for those requisitions requiring agency, institutional, or partner authorization.
• Works collaboratively with team members to develop and implement effective processes and controls to ensure the effectiveness and integrity of the organization.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with customers and internal partners based on understanding and trust.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Law, or related field required; MLS or JD helpful
• Five years of experience performing cradle-to-grave contract management for Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) or Uniform Guidance based contracts
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships with NSF, NASA, and other federal funding agencies
• Additional training or education in contract negotiations, terms and conditions, risk assessment, and Project and Program Management desired.
• Knowledge of export control and technology transfer issues in contracting and sponsored agreements
• Relies on experience and judgment to prioritize work activities, anticipate, and resolve complex problems, and plan and accomplish goals.
• Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and ingenuity with the ability to effectively achieve organizational established goals and objectives
• Demonstrated ability to unfailingly exercise sound judgment and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, customer service and collaborative team environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with adaptability to differing cultural and business environments
• Experienced user of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and shared databases
• Experience with Costpoint preferred

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This work is mostly carried out in an office environment. Long periods of sitting may be required.

Given the international nature of AURA’s work, you may need to travel to the various observatory sites (Arizona, Chile, and Hawai’i) and other locations for business purposes.

AURA offers a mix-model workspace (office & virtual) and stimulating environments for all.

We also offer an excellent benefits package and competitive salary. Highlights:

• Health Benefits – Start first on the month following hire
• Retirement Options:
  • 401(a) Money Purchase Pension Plan / 10% Employer Contribution
  • 403(b) / Your own retirement contribution
• Paid Time Off:
  • Vacation / Accrual of up to 24 days per/yr.
  • Paid Sick Leave / 8 hour per/mo.
  • Holiday Time / 10 days per/yr.

And much more so please explore:

• Our benefits at: https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/
• All career opportunities through our website at: https://www.aura-astronomy.org/careers/

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity

TO APPLY: Share your experience by uploading a resume and completing an online application. Please list 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process) and attach a cover letter and CV or resume (PDF files preferred) to your application. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastnameDocname. Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org.

COVID-19 Policy Update: AURA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy that requires all employees to be vaccinated including being up to date on boosters, unless qualified for an exemption based on medical or religious reasons. All new employees will be required to comply with this policy and will be required to present proof of full vaccination or submit a completed request (including supporting documents, if applicable) for an exemption at least five (5) business days prior to their start of employment. Individuals who fail to meet this deadline may have their employment start date delayed.

This is a requirement for all employees working onsite or from home (telework or hybrid remote work schedule). Currently the vaccination requirement does not apply to any future AURA employees working in Chile, regardless of their nationality or type of contract.

AURA currently offers a mix-model workspace (office & virtual) and stimulating environments for all, with most staff working virtually from home during the COVID-19 crisis. The safety of our staff and community is our top priority. We will continue to interview and screen candidates in this new virtual landscape and offers of employment can be extended and new hires will onboard virtually. Employees are required to be residents in their base job location within a limited time from their start date.

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and to qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation in Arizona.

Veterans, disabled individuals, or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org.

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and three international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the NSF’s NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.