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Description

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Contracts Officer to lead the negotiation and administration of complex business agreements. This role ensures compliance with all contractual, regulatory, and policy requirements while fostering strong partnerships across internal teams and federal agencies.

The position is based in Tucson, AZ, with eligibility for a hybrid work arrangement. Fully remote work may be considered in locations where AURA is a registered employer.

Core Competencies:

+ **Critical Thinking & Judgmen** t – Applies sound reasoning and discretion in complex contractual decisions while maintaining confidentiality and compliance.

+ **Collaboration & Relationship Management** – Builds trust-based relationships with colleagues, vendors, and government partners; works effectively across teams.

+ **Communication** – Delivers clear, concise, and professional written and verbal communication across diverse business and cultural environments.

+ **Adaptability & Initiative** – Thrives in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities, showing resilience and proactive problem-solving.

+ **Process Orientation** – Identifies opportunities to improve workflows, strengthen compliance, and enhance organizational integrity.

+ **Ethical Responsibility** – Demonstrates integrity and accountability in managing sensitive financial and contractual information.

Essential Functions

+ Administer all phases of contract management—planning, solicitation, negotiation, execution, performance monitoring, and closeout in compliance with institutional and federal requirements.

+ Evaluate vendor proposals and support procurement decisions for services, materials, and equipment.

+ Ensure contract terms meet legal, regulatory, and organizational standards.

+ Monitor vendor performance related to cost, schedule, and technical compliance.

+ Provide guidance on contractual requirements, procurement policies, and federal regulations including foreign purchases.

+ Ensure appropriate authorizations are obtained for purchases requiring agency or partner approval.

+ Collaborate with internal stakeholders to implement controls and improve contract processes.

+ Maintain strong relationships with funding agencies and institutional partners.

+ Other duties as assigned.

+ All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.

+ Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position.

Requirements

+ Bachelor's degree in law, Business, Finance, or a related field is required.

+ Minimum of five years of experience performing full-lifecycle contract management experience, including federal contracts governed by Uniform Guidance and FAR.

+ Familiarity with contract law, risk assessment, terms and conditions, and procurement strategy.

+ Working knowledge of export control regulations and technology transfer considerations.

+ Experienced user of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and shared databases

Desired

+ MLS or JD

+ Experience with Deltek Costpoint

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and copiers. The work environment is generally quiet and may involve working in close proximity to others, depending on the needs of the specific function.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

+ Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.

+ Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.

+ Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.

+ May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.

+ Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.

+ Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.

+ Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.

+ Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States including travel to the various observatory sites (Arizona, Chile and Hawai`i).

+ Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified.

Salary Range

$86,000 - $120,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualification, experience and job location.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and 10% retirement contributions from day one, competitive salary, and a very collegial work environment. Details on benefits can be found here. (https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/)

How to Apply

Apply by **June 18, 2025** for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at [email protected]

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations.

As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers, do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws.