Contracts and Subaward Specialist

As a Contracts and Subaward Specialist at Howard University, you will be integral in providing comprehensive pre- and post-award administrative support for the Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy (RITA). Your main responsibilities will include guiding investigators in proposal development, ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines, monitoring expenditures, and preparing project reports. Additionally, you will serve as a liaison for compliance issues and help onboard new staff about research administration processes.

To qualify for the Contracts and Subaward Specialist position at Howard University, candidates must hold at least a BA, BBA, or BS in a related field, along with a minimum of 5 years of experience in research administration. Familiarity with federal grants, especially from the Department of Defense, and knowledge of FAR and DFARS guidelines are also essential. U.S. citizenship is required for compliance with federal export control regulations.

Howard University is dedicated to the professional development of its Contracts and Subaward Specialists by offering ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and various avenues for career advancement. This commitment ensures that staff can enhance their skills and adapt to the evolving landscape of research administration, particularly in compliance and federal grants.

The expected salary range for the Contracts and Subaward Specialist position at Howard University is between $92,279 and $101,507. This competitive compensation reflects the significance of the role in supporting the Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy and aligns with industry standards for research administration professionals.

A new Contracts and Subaward Specialist at Howard University will receive comprehensive onboarding that includes training on research administration processes, compliance, and specific protocols relevant to the Department of Defense. This training is designed to ensure that you are well-equipped to handle the challenges of the role and are aligned with the university's strategic goals.

When discussing the research administration lifecycle, it's essential to highlight both pre-award and post-award phases. Share examples of how you assisted in proposal submissions, budget alignments, and compliance monitoring, showcasing your ability to manage these processes effectively.

To ensure compliance, I stay updated on federal regulations such as FAR and DFARS and proactively collaborate with faculty and compliance departments. Providing training and guidance on specific sponsor requirements is also a crucial part of my approach.

In facing a challenge with a delayed proposal submission, I quickly collaborated with stakeholders to identify the bottlenecks and revised the routing process. By improving communication and adhering to timeline protocols, we were able to submit successfully while meeting compliance requirements.

My experience with federal grants encompasses managing awards from DoD sponsors such as AFOSR and DARPA. I am knowledgeable about their specific guidelines and requirements, which allows me to provide targeted support to research teams.

I prioritize multiple deadlines by utilizing project management tools and regularly reviewing timelines. By collaborating with team members and ensuring clear communication, I can adjust priorities dynamically as needed while keeping the project on track.

My experience with proposal development includes guiding faculty through budget preparation and narrative writing. I ensure that proposals align with both sponsor guidelines and institutional policies while facilitating thorough review processes.

I have utilized systems like Cayuse and Workday extensively to manage research proposals, track funding, and ensure compliance with institutional policies. Familiarity with these platforms allows me to streamline administrative processes effectively.

Effective communication entails tailoring my approach to suit the audience's needs, whether faculty, compliance staff, or external sponsors. I prioritize transparency and ensure all parties are informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle.

I regularly attend workshops, webinars, and join professional associations that focus on research administration. Staying engaged with current best practices and policy updates is crucial for maintaining compliance and improving process efficiencies.

I support teams by conducting training sessions on export controls and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) protocols. Providing clear resources and ongoing advice helps ensure compliance and aids researchers throughout their projects.