Director, Pre-Award Contracts
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Job Description
Director leading pre-award contracts for AIR, a behavioral and social science research nonprofit. Overseeing compliance, negotiations, risk management, systems, and contracting teams.
Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across the business development ecosystem supporting contracting from capture through execution of new awards
- Oversee the pre-award contracting phase, including opportunity identification, teaming agreements, NDAs, proposal business volumes, and communication with clients/funders
- Lead development and execution of enterprise-wide pre-award contract strategies
- Advise senior leadership on compliance, risk management, and optimization opportunities
- Oversee solicitation, evaluation, and negotiation of new awards across federal, state, foundation, commercial, and other funding sources
- Ensure planning and execution across a diverse portfolio of projects, funders, and vendors
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, sponsor regulations, Uniform Guidance, FAR, and internal policies
- Establish risk management practices and maintain audit readiness
- Drive process improvements across contracting functions
- Oversee systems, tools, and workflows for tracking, reporting, and performance management
- Lead, mentor, and develop the pre-award contracts team
- Partner with Post-Award Contract Administration, Procurement, Finance, Legal, HR, and program teams
- Build relationships with clients, external partners, and business development stakeholders
- Report insights on proposal compliance, client engagement, process efficiency, cost savings, and risk trends
- Support audits and reporting through accurate, timely documentation
- Report to the Vice President, Contracts, Grants and Procurement
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (Master’s or JD preferred)
- 12+ years of progressive experience across contracts, grants management, procurement, or related functions
- 5+ years in people management
- Deep knowledge of federal and state contracting and grants regulations, including FAR and Uniform Guidance
- Experience supporting funders from public, private, and commercial sectors
- Experience negotiating teaming agreements, NDAs, Federal Acquisition Contracts (CPFF, T&M, FFP), Federal Assistance Agreements, state-funded contracts, foundation grants, and international/multilateral donor agreements
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Strategic thinking and ability to translate complex requirements into actionable plans and measurable outcomes
- Demonstrated success leading complex operations in highly regulated environments
- Strong negotiation, stakeholder management, and decision-making capabilities
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and enterprise systems such as ERP, contract, and procurement platforms
- Must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis
- Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available
- Qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements depending on project work
- Selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks
- Candidates must adhere to AIR’s child safeguarding standards and principles
Benefits:
- Remote work within the United States or from one of AIR’s U.S. office locations
- Occasional travel for meetings, training sessions, and conferences
- AIR’s Total Rewards Program
- Professional development pathways, coaching, training, and succession planning
- Equal employment opportunity and affirmative action
- Reasonable accommodation during the employment process
- Drug-free work environment
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