Contract Administration Manager

Overview

Princeton University, under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), manages and operates the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), one of the DOE’s ten national science laboratories. The Office of the Vice President of PPPL (OVP-PPPL) at Princeton is responsible for overseeing and administering the contract and ensuring compliance with its terms. The contract is frequently subject modification to account for changes in best practices, laws and regulations. As part of its responsibilities, the OVP-PPPL partners with internal and external stakeholders to track and review requested modifications and plays a key role in the formal contract modification review and negotiation process.

 

Princeton seeks a knowledgeable, organized, and detail-oriented Contract Administration Manager (CAM) to support the OVP-PPPL. The CAM will play an important and lead role in supporting the Senior Director of the Office of the Vice President for PPPL in the oversight and administration of the PPPL contract. This position also plays a key role in ensuring compliance and contract performance. This role advises the Senior Director and the VP for PPPL on contract-related matters and supports institutional compliance, and coordinates all contractual communication across key internal and external stakeholders. The CAM may also partner with the Office of Research and Project Administration on the Princeton University main campus to support Lab related sponsored research contract and agreement matters as a secondary part of their role.

 

This is a two-year Term position, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a permanent position.

 

 

Responsibilities

Contract Administration and Compliance • Serve as a key point of contact on contractual matters related to the PPPL contract, under the direction of the Director.• Support compliance with applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), DOE Acquisition Regulation (DEAR), and federal M&O contracting practices.• Analyze and provide recommendations on complex contractual, governance, and compliance issues in collaboration with the Director.• Establish and maintain a dashboard/system to assist with the development, review, and documentation of contract modifications and related institutional deliverables.• Support drafting and negotiation of contractual documents with DOE, PPPL Contracts Office, and Princeton University administrative offices.• Manage the contract tracking document and key document and correspondence archive to ensure accurate processing and storing of all contract modification aspects.

 

Institutional Coordination and Engagement Support • Assist the Director in leading coordination with DOE and PSO on all contract modifications. • Collaborate with the PPPL Contracts Office to ensure alignment between laboratory-level activities and University oversight responsibilities with support from the OVP for PPPL leadership.• Ensure that clear and timely contract-related communications are appropriately distributed and clearly conveyed to PPPL leadership to maintain transparency and awareness.• Provide support to the Director in the PPPL Board of Directors voting process, including logistical preparation and procedural documentation.• Advise, update, and prepare leadership for the Advisory Board and Board of Directors meetings on Prime Contract requirements and modifications.

 

Reporting and Risk Monitoring • Compile and track contract performance metrics, funding commitments, and compliance reports for internal review.• Partner with the OVP financial manager to monitor contractual commitment tracking and institutional reporting.• Support internal readiness reviews related to future contract modifications, competitions, or strategic transitions.

 

Policy and Process Development • Contribute to the refinement of internal OVP policies, procedures, and governance tools that support transparent and compliant contract management.• Assist in developing templates, trackers, and documentation logs to support institutional consistency and timely contract performance oversight.

 

Sponsored Research Project Contracts • Engage with the Office of Research Project and Administration on Princeton University main campus to support Lab related sponsored research contracts and agreements.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field, or combination of education and experience.• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in government contracting or federal acquisition environments, preferably with the Department of Energy or similar federal agencies.• Strong understanding of FAR, DEAR, and DOE M&O contract structures.• Experience in university research administration, national laboratory operations, or FFRDC settings is strongly preferred.• Strong Attention to detail and exceptional analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.• Ability to collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders, including DOE officials, university administration, and laboratory leadership.• Has or ability to obtain professional contracting Certification (NCMA Certified Federal Contracts Manager, highly preferred)

 

Preferred Additional Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MBA, JD) or professional contracting certification (e.g., NCMA CFCM or CPCM, Federal Acquisition Certification FAC-C, DAWIA) preferred.• Familiarity with Princeton University and national lab (e.g., CPARS and STRIPES) • Experience in an academic environment• Experience with the Federal Government

 

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

 

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

 

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours

36.25

Eligible for Overtime

No

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

No

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Driver’s License Required

No

Experience Level

Mid-Senior Level

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Salary Range

$120,000 to $130,000