The Government Contract Specialist (GCS) will review, negotiate, prepare and manage complex government contracts/grants and sub-awards. The GCS will serve as a resource person and will advise and guide Research Services Administrative staff, Sponsored Programs, Principle Investigator's, and other research support staff on interpretation and implementation of required contract management standards and federal regulations. The GCS must have demonstrated and applied knowledge of government contracting processes and instruments and should be able to execute them from pre-award to contract close-out. In addition to knowledge related to federal statues, the Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) and other regulations as required by specific government contracts, the GCS should be familiar with the NIH Grant Policy Manual. This position requires direct involvement with Mayo departments, federal, and foundation grant and contract personnel. The incumbent will utilize strong leadership qualities, team management, and interpersonal skills to educate existing research personnel and representatives from foundations or institutes to the policies and procedures of Mayo Clinic. This position places a strong emphasis on professional competence, knowledge of grant and contract regulatory policy and procedure, and Mayo's legal liability under the regulations. Must be able to provide outstanding customer service, team performance, and the ability to communicate effectively with investigators, attorneys, external grant and contract managers and program officers. Must maintain extensive knowledge of Mayo's business entities, business types, and profit or non-profit status, and negotiate contracts and status appropriate for the business entity and type. Must also maintain all Mayo business special codes and designations to use in preparation of certifications and representations to the government.

The GCS must have a bachelor's degree in business, Legal, Finance, or other related field and 10 years' experience in government contract management. 

A master's degree is preferred. 

Government Contracting Certificate is preferred. 

Must be a US citizen and capable of obtaining and maintaining a Secret clearance and adhering to security requirements as described in the NISPOM.  Therefore, visa sponsorship or transfer is not available for this position.

Requires a demonstrated ability in contract preparation and negotiation, ability to interpret and apply contract terms and conditions and federal regulations, understand budget estimates, procurement procedures and financial concepts. Must be able to review new and existing contracts/agreements to insure accuracy and conformity to Mayo's established policies, recognize problematic grant and contract language and develop positive solutions. 

Candidate must possess excellent skills in organizational management, analytical reasoning, decision making, problem solving and leadership. Interpersonal teamwork and customer service expertise required. Must have excellent human relations and oral and written communication skills in order to direct and influence research personnel and external sponsors when negotiating terms and conditions of agreements. The GCS will be able to understand complex regulatory rules and policy and apply it when needed. The candidate must be able to prioritize and balance multiple projects simultaneously, analyze information from multiple sources to solve problems, work independently, and exercise appropriate judgment and know when to involve a Research Administrator or legal representative. Proficiency in current software applications (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and grant and contract management software is required. 
Extensive knowledge of government grant and contract administration is required as the GCS will be the expert in the department.