RESEARCH CONTRACTS MANAGER HEW LEVEL 8

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1 RESEARCH CONTRACTS MANAGER HEW LEVEL 8 Position Number: Organisational Unit: Position Reports to: Overall Purpose: Office for Research Research Funding & Commercial Senior Manager The overall purpose of the Research Contracts Manager is to oversee the processing of legal agreements for contract research, tenders and research grants and to ensure that they are completed as quickly as possible whilst ensuring the University s exposure to risk is managed appropriately. Organisational Context and Relationships Within the University the position: works closely with Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Research Training) Director, Office for Research and Legal Services. provides instruction and direction to Senior Grants Officers Outside the University the position liaises with a wide range of clients including contract partners from industry and government as well as other Universities. Location/Campus: The position is currently located at the Footscray Park Campus of the University. The position and incumbent may be relocated to any other existing or future University work locations where it conducts its operations. Our Values Victoria University s vision is to be excellent, engaged and accessible and internationally recognised for its leadership in empowering a diverse community of students to grow their capabilities and transform their lives; and engaging with industry and community to make the world a better place, through the creation and sharing. We value: Access, Excellence and Respect. Our Organisation Victoria University (VU) is a dual-sector (higher education and TAFE) tertiary institution based in Melbourne, Australia. VU has eight colleges, each covering a broad discipline of study, six research institutes and seven research centres. The University has nine campuses in Melbourne's CBD and western region, and a tenth campus in Sydney. It also offers courses at partner institutions throughout Asia. More than 47,000 students, including around 15,000 international students, study VU courses worldwide. In 2016, VU will celebrate its 25th anniversary as a university, which will also mark its 100 years as an educational institution. People and Culture Use only Date Updated Date Classified 13/05/16

2 Organisational Unit The Research and Research Training Portfolio, which is led by the PVC Research and Research Training (PVC R&RT), currently provides leadership, advice and support for research across the University, including the development and implementation of University research strategy. The Portfolio is focused on developing the University s research capability and the quality and impact of research both in Australia and overseas. The portfolio manages the strategic distribution of the University s research budget and is responsible for building research capacity and raising the University s research profile in Australia and overseas. The current portfolio consists of two organisational units: Office for Research Graduate Research Centre The Office for Research has specific responsibility for the management and administration of research funding, ethics, biosafety, and research performance reporting. The Office contributes to the achievement of the academic and research goals of the University through the provision of administrative and associated services to senior management, current and potential higher degree candidates, University staff engaged in research and university staff seeking funding for research. The Graduate Research Centre has responsibility for the leadership, management and administration of graduate research programs across the University, as well as for oversight of the University s researcher development programs, including the delivery of a range of university-wide workshops and programs for graduate researchers, supervisors and academic staff.for facilitating and supporting the research activities of the Colleges to realise strategic research goals and targets. MAJOR TASKS & ACCOUNTABILITIES Management of the contracts function in the Office for Research including working with other members of the Research Funding Team and other University Departments, contract negotiation, quality control of contracts processing, provision of advice on complex agreements, establishing systems and procedures for the processing and execution of contracts and preparation of statistical reports on the status and completion of contracts. Negotiate research funding contracts on behalf of the University, including liaison with granting agencies, partner research organisations, government, industry and researchers. Ensure that the University s exposure to risk is minimized through contract provisions that are consistent with the University s strategic research objectives, reputation, policies, standards, and approach to risk management. Liaise with other administrative areas of the University, in particular the Legal Services Unit and Finance and Business Services, to ensure the efficient and effective negotiation and processing of research and funding contracts. Provide advice and recommendations to the University s delegated authorities for the signing of contracts and the Legal Services Unit on issues associated with individual research funding contracts. In consultation with the Legal Services Unit, develop, co-ordinate and facilitate research funding contract training programs and seminars for academic and general staff. Provide guidance and direction to the Senior Grants Officers on the handling of non-financial contracts and in interpreting contracts for post award administration. Implementing changes in relation to new contracts policies, procedures and systems. 2

3 MAJOR TASKS & ACCOUNTABILITIES Provide a strategic interface for the flow of contract information and knowledge between the Office for Research and the University. Establish and maintain effective and fruitful relationships with external organisation such as industry, community, government agencies other universities and international clients where appropriate. Ensure that the work for which the position is responsible is carried out in a manner which safeguards the OHS of staff, students, visitors and contractors. TYPICAL/MAJOR CHALLENGES Requires a depth of expertise developed through extensive relevant experience and application. Works collaboratively with internal stakeholders, including the Director, Office for Research and the College Executives (College Deans and Directors, Research and Research Training). Provide leadership for the development and facilitation of research contracts, so as to enhance the University s research performance and reputation. Lead, facilitate and work across various parts of the University to negotiate and efficiently process research related contracts with external parties. LEVEL OF SUPERVISION Operates under broad direction from the Research Funding & Commercial Senior Manager and will be required to manage other administrative, technical and/or professional staff. PROFESSIONAL AND ORGANISATIONAL KNOWLEDGE Extensive knowledge and experience of contract negotiation, execution and Intellectual Property (IP) management. Good understanding of federal and State government legislation and policies related to the tertiary education sector and its impact in their area of responsibility. Knowledge and sound understanding of University operations, governance and decision making processes, including quality assurance policies and procedures and other relevant legislative requirements. 3

4 KEY SELECTION CRITERIA Essential 1. Knowledge or Training equivalent to: Postgraduate Qualifications or progress towards postgraduate qualifications and/or extensive experience and management expertise, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training. 2. Significant knowledge and experience of contract negotiation, execution and IP management. 3. Ability to critique legal documents and provide feedback to administrative, legal and academic staff. 4. Proven expertise in facilitating collaborations and negotiations with external organisations. 5. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written), influencing, negotiation and problem solving skills, presentation and report writing skills. 6. Demonstrated ability to take initiative within established directions, policies and guidelines. 7. Demonstrated ability to think laterally and creatively to achieve objectives in an ambiguous environment, to prioritise work demands, to respond to urgent requests when required and to manage confidential and sensitive material. 8. Demonstrated capacity to understand and comply with employer policy and practices in all aspects of work and conduct, including OH&S and Anti-Discrimination responsibilities and complete/attend relevant training. Desirable 1. An understanding of the University and research environments. 4

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