Basic Function/Nature and Scope

The Principal Contracts Advisor is responsible for the administration, negotiation, compliance, and management of U.S. Government contracts throughout the contract lifecycle. This position provides contractual guidance to business operations, program management, procurement, finance, and executive leadership while ensuring compliance with applicable federal regulations, customer requirements, contract terms and MRIGlobal policies.

Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary, this role serves as primary contact for contracting officers and other customer representatives and advises senior leaders on complex or sensitive contract matters. This role operates with substantial independence in supporting U.S. government-funded research contracts, complex proposals, negotiations, and ensuring compliance with contract terms, applicable laws, and MRIGlobal policies.

Essential Functions

• Proposal Development: Advise on acquisition planning activities, including requirements review, contract type selection, and procurement strategy development. Lead or support contractual review of customer solicitations, proposal development, RFPs, RFIs, contracts, modifications, and other contractual documents.
• Contract Administration and Compliance: Manage contracts throughout the full lifecycle, including negotiations, award, performance monitoring, modifications, issue resolution, and closeout. Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, customer requirements, contract terms, and company policies. Review contract terms and conditions and coordinate appropriate flow down to procurement.
• Risk Mitigation and Advisory Support: Identify contractual risks and recommend strategies to mitigate business, financial, compliance, and performance impacts. Serve as a contractual advisor to program management, procurement, finance, and leadership while maintaining productive relationships with customers and contracting representatives.
• Operational Improvement: Lead or support projects tied to corporate initiatives and Contracts & Pricing priorities. Recommend and implement corrective actions in response to audit findings or process gaps.
• Mentoring and Collaboration: Mentors Contracts staff in proposal support, contract administration, negotiation, and risk management. Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and government customer representatives.
• Records Management: Maintain accurate and audit-ready contract records and support audits, regulatory reviews, compliance assessments, and other government oversight activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Contract Management, Finance, Economics, Legal Studies, Public Administration, or related discipline. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Plus, a minimum of 10 years of experience administering and managing U.S. Government prime contracts throughout the full contract lifecycle.
• Experience supporting U.S. government contracts for, DoD, HHS/NIH, GSA, and/or other government or civilian agencies.
• Extensive knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other federal agency supplemental regulations.
• Experience administering various contract types, including firm-fixed-price, Cost-Reimbursement, CPFF, CPAF, time-and-materials, and IDIQ contracts.
• Demonstrated experience supporting acquisition planning, solicitation review, proposal strategy, contract negotiations, administration, and closeout activities.
• Proven ability to negotiate contractual terms and conditions, modifications, non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements and prime/subcontractor relationship terms.
• Experience identifying contractual risks and providing recommendations to mitigate legal, financial, and performance-related risks.
• Experience supporting audits, compliance reviews, and government oversight activities, including DCAA, DCMA, and other regulatory agencies.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to effectively interact with customers, contracting officers, program management, and executive leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn business systems.
• Ability to travel locally and within the continental United States as needed.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degrees, such as JD or MBA, or related graduate degree.
• Experience in a nonprofit research institute, federally funded research and development center, contract research organization, or government contractor environment.
• Experience with biomedical, national security, defense, health, or scientific research contracts.
• Experience with Deltek/Costpoint or similar business systems.
• Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM), Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), or other relevant contract management certifications.
• Experience leading or mentoring contract professionals and serving as a strategic advisor to program and business leadership.

Pay Range $128,000 - $160,000

The salary range is intended as a general guideline and is not a guaranteed offer, as compensation depends on various factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate qualifications, experience, internal equity, and market conditions. MRIGlobal also provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health and life insurance, disability coverage, gym reimbursement, mental health support, paid holidays, and PTO.

WHAT WE OFFER
At MRIGlobal, we offer benefits and perks that make your life even better.

Your Well-Being: You can receive comprehensive coverage for you and your family, and resources that support mental, physical, social, and financial well-being. Get access to wellness benefits like virtual coaching, no-cost counseling, onsite health screenings, gym reimbursement, and more. MRIGlobal has received multiple wellness recognitions, including being named "Healthiest Employer" by Kansas City's Business Journal in 2024.

A Bright Future: MRIGlobal offers award-winning employer retirement matches and no-cost financial education benefits. Get paid Parental Leave. Enjoy PTO, and a flexible culture that encourages work-life integration.

Personal Development: At MRIGlobal, you will enjoy diverse work that will grow your skillset, along with a tuition reimbursement option to pay for higher education.

A Genuine Community: MRIGlobal is a special workplace. From our Chili Cook-offs, Pi Day, and charitable giving opportunities, our traditions strengthen our team spirit. Join our seasonal staff events, DEI celebrations, and volunteer in initiatives that nurture future STEM generations.

To view all of MRIGlobal's current openings and to ensure that we receive your resume, visit our Career page.

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