IT Contracts Specialist

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a diverse and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory is an exciting and dynamic organization that is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. Whether you are a scientist, student, or simply someone who is fascinated by the cosmos, the NRAO offers a wealth of opportunities to learn, explore, and discover.

At NRAO, we are seeking a part-time, 24-hour per week IT Contracts Specialist to provide expertise and serve as a resource in matters related to Information Services contracts and licensing. The IT Contracts Specialist is responsible for the development and administration of software licenses and maintenance/support contracts required for the operation of the organization. The specialist will work with the Information Services team and the Contracts and Procurement team to track, plan, and execute these licenses and contracts.

The location for this position may be based at one of our sites (Charlottesville, VA, Socorro, NM or Green Bank, WV), or a remote workstation within the United States may be considered for candidates with sufficient experience, who can work independently while still communicating effectively with the team.

What You Will be Doing:

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Interfacing with internal users and software vendors to procure products and services.
• Negotiating telecommunications/network service contracts.
• Maintaining contracts and related document files.
• Coordinating activities with NRAO buyers to ensure continuity of efforts and full accountability and tracking of current and pending contractual obligations.
• Assisting with review and monitoring to ensure that Observatory practices and procedures maintain compliance with a variety of Federal guidelines and regulations while dealing with institutions of higher learning, state agencies, and public corporations.

IT Contract specific duties include:

• Maintaining, assessing, and monitoring Observatory-wide computer software licenses, subscriptions, and maintenance/support contracts for the Information Services division and other groups;
• Maintaining comprehensive electronic records related to licenses and contracts, including an extensive spreadsheet for entering and tracking new and existing contract details, planning for renewals or close-outs, and reviewing budgets;
• Monitoring/keeping inventory of software licenses and usage;
• Evaluating compliance with individual product licensing terms and recommending/implementing remediation in the event of violation;
• Examining current licensing terms of new and renewing products for potential concerns;
• Clarifying and documenting key information about license status, allocation, and benefits;
• Investigating options for obtaining new licenses;
• Serving as a resource for licensing questions and planning;
• Working with license administrators and other requisitioners to determine if licenses/agreements should be renewed and whether changes are appropriate;
• Entering requisitions as needed to assist license/contract end users;
• Assisting requisitioners and buyers with finding sources, reviewing quotes and making recommendations;
• Negotiating pricing and other terms with new and existing vendors;
• Working with technical staff and end users after award to ensure the successful implementation of the licenses/agreements;
• Acting as point of contact with vendors to resolve contractual and payment related issues;
• Assisting with preparation and review of software and computer hardware RFPs as requested, and
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment.

Who You Are:

• You have an Associate degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• You have a minimum of three years of federal, university, or non-profit contract experience and/or training, including IT contract administration experience.

Competency Summary

• High level of competency in Microsoft software products and ERP systems
• Experience evaluating software license agreements
• Experience in handling maintenance/support contracts and subscriptions
• Ability to learn technical terminology and licensing options, and to gain a general understanding of the purposes for which software is used within the organization
• Experience working with vendors to ensure the organization receives favorable terms and pricing
• Ability to handle multiple projects, reviews and deadlines simultaneously
• Attention to detail is critical
• Highly organized
• Excellent communication skills

Total Rewards:

Associated Universities, Inc. offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation

Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

Based on a 24-hour work week, the starting annual salary is between $25.00 - $34.00. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

AUI’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

Due to export control purposes, this position is open only to US persons which includes: United States citizens and permanent residents.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, Minorities, Vietnam-Era Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. To view our complete statement, please visit http://jobs.jobvite.com/nrao/jobs. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to [email protected].PM20

The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.