Director, Federal Award Administration

Join us in redefining what it means to work for a CRO.

At Rho, we don't just fill positions; we build a community of passionate professionals who thrive on collaboration and innovation. As a member of our team, you'll be part of a rational, supportive, and vibrant workplace where curious minds come together to tackle the challenges in clinical research. The environment here is anything but conventional, with an emphasis on embracing unique perspectives and fostering a culture where teamwork leads to real success.

We are currently seeking a Director, Federal Award Administration to support the full life cycle of post-award administration for federal contracts and cooperative agreements, including review of terms and conditions, coordination of internal reviews, award agreement administration, compliance activities, and award close-out activities (as well as some support of pre-award activities). This position requires knowledge and hands-on experience in federal government contracting methods, the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), including agency supplements such as the HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR), and experience with federal cooperative agreement terms, particularly from the National Institutes of Health.

This position will work in a highly collaborative partnership with the federal pre-award team. This is currently a non-supervisory position that will be supported by matrix personnel. Personnel management may be an added responsibility in the future.

Our teams will affirm that joining Rho is not just a career move; it's a commitment to growth, excellence, and a satisfying work-life balance that fosters long-term success.

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert on federal award terms (contract and cooperative agreement) for review, drafting, and modification of all types of agreements related to federally funded projects as well as teaming, consulting, sponsored research, clinical site, vendor, and other services-related agreements, using corporate templates as appropriate under the circumstances. All agreement review and negotiation will occur collaboratively with Rho Legal personnel to effectively balance Rho’s best interest with applicable compliance requirements.
• Engage with capture and proposal teams supporting proposal development and pre-award negotiations: review and analyze RFP/RFA terms and conditions, participate in risk assessments, and assist the pre-award team in representing Rho’s interests during contract and cost/price negotiation.
• Provide post-award support and expertise to internal teams by negotiating modifications; interpreting, educating, and advising internal teams regarding award requirements; attending Government customer and internal program/project meetings; and identifying and helping to successfully resolve issues or changes that may arise during project performance.
• Liaise with Government contracting and grant administration staff for post-award authorization requests, modifications, reporting, and compliance activities.
• Collaborate with internal and external subject matter experts to resolve issues affecting company compliance, satisfaction of award requirements, and Rho and customer objectives.
• Build and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with internal and external customers in support of Rho’s business objectives.
• Maintain knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), contracting methods, and contract terms and conditions and regularly advise management of contractual rights and obligations, escalating complex risks appropriately.
• Maintain knowledge of federal cooperative agreement terms and conditions, particularly those contained in the NIH Grants Policy Statement
• Manage and document contract close-out activities and deliverables in compliance with contract clauses and applicable regulations.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and a minimum of 10 years of directly applicable experience with federally funded awards; Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) and/or Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) is a plus
• Advanced knowledge of federal contractual agreements and regulations including the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR); the FAR and its agency supplements, including the HHSAR; OMB circulars, etc.
• Working knowledge of a variety of government contracting vehicles, including single and multiple award IDIQs
• Experience working with a variety of contract types, including but not limited to CPFF, T&M, FFP, and FFP-LOE
• Experience with review and administration of federally funded cooperative agreements
• Knowledge of general corporate business practices, government contracting principles and terminology, and subcontracting practices with ability to discern and analyze business risks and recommend solutions
• Strong negotiation skills and understanding of the negotiation process
• Demonstrated experience in successfully identifying, tracking, managing, and resolving award issues
• Ability to meet business-driven deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality and professionalism
• Excellent organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail with work product
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated good judgment interacting with clients and all levels of internal staff
• Exemplary written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work in a professional and collaborative manner with internal and external stakeholders at all levels while independently managing job responsibilities.
• Proficiency in computer-based office applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.

A few more things to know about us:

Benefits: Rho provides a comprehensive benefits package for all benefit-eligible employees, which includes medical, vision, dental, HSA, FSA, EAP, life & disability insurance and 401(k). All employees are eligible for paid time off, holidays, parental leave and bereavement leave.

Diversity and Inclusion: As a global, full-service CRO driven by our collective experiences, we view each of our backgrounds as a vital component in our formula for success and we strive towards building a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse environment for our employees every day. By valuing and tapping into each employee’s unique and different personal experiences, we are able to uplift employee dignity and belonging, foster more strategic creativity, and more quickly arrive at breakthrough solutions that help us heal the world.

Flexibility: We encourage a work-life balance that allows employees to bring their best selves to work while being passionate about their lives outside work.

As required by pay transparency laws in some states, Rho provides the range of starting compensation (annual salary or hourly rate) it reasonably expects to pay for a given role. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to role responsibilities and location as well as candidate skill set and level of experience. The range of starting pay for this role is $125,000-$160,000 per year.

EOE. Veterans/Disabled