at University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
DepartmentProvost URA: Research Compliance
About the Department
University Research Administration has the responsibility to review and provide institutional endorsement for all proposals to federal and other external sponsors (excluding gifts), assuring compliance with University policies and sponsor terms and conditions. URA is the institutional authority for the negotiation and acceptance of financial support or other contractually binding obligations in the form of a contract, grant, or agreement, including material transfer agreements and clinical trials. URA's Quality Management monitors sponsored award regulatory policies and practices across the University and works to ensure the University is compliant with all applicable regulations and policies. The team makes recommendations for the management of sponsored awards, assures appropriate and cost-effective management of institutional risk and helps the University maintain positive relations with its funding agencies. Additionally, the QM team oversees Process and Compliance training, as well as manages the Research Administration (RA) Trainee Program.
Job Summary
The Export Control Officer for University Research Administration (URA) will be responsible to implement and monitor an effective export control program, including coordinating institutional-wide initiatives to respond appropriately to federal regulations as they apply to the export control requirements. Responsible for export compliance of research conducted at the University, including developing and conducting Export Control training for faculty and staff, review and approval of University Technology Control Plans, proposals, and contracts. Serves as a designated point of contact and resource for University researchers, administrators and sponsors, regularly responding to requests for information, analysis of export compliance impact and review of federal contract provisions relating to export controls.
A critical component of the export control program is to work collaboratively with the Offices of International Affairs, Environmental Health and Safety; Central and department administration, Human Resources; the Controller; the Purchasing Department; and the Office of the Legal Counsel as resources for information regarding export control regulations.
The job uses best practices and knowledge for regulatory compliance program activities. Anticipates problems and develops systems to identify areas of risk through internal audits. Uses specialized expertise to manage compliance documentation submission and maintenance, compliance training, compliance committee formation, and other programmatic functions.
Requires in-depth knowledge and experience. Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external University issues to improve products or services. Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective using existing solutions. Works independently, receives minimal guidance. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.
Responsibilities
- Serves as one of the senior staff members overseeing the day-to-day activities of management of export control compliance.
- Works closely with URA Managers regarding the identification of awards that may require monitoring for export control purposes.
- Reviews and advises on URA contracts which may have an export control requirement.
- Screens foreign involvement in University activities.
- Reviews international shipments and visa applications for compliance concerns.
- Assists Principal Investigators (PI's) and other individuals involved in the conduct of research in obtaining an understanding of the compliance issues associated with the transfer of materials, restrictions of foreign nationals in labs, publication restrictions, etc.
- Assesses whether export control licenses are required and secures necessary licenses from applicable federal agencies.
- Provides leadership for the development and implementation of an effective export control compliance program to include compliance standards and procedures as required by law, oversight responsibilities and educational modules.
- Conducts self-assessments and incorporates risk assessment measures to ensure the continued integrity of the export control compliance program.
- Defines roles and responsibilities of the various constituents.
- Prepares and conducts presentations and education programs for faculty and staff on export control and risks.
- Leads initiatives to develop, implement and communicate strategies regarding relevant contracting, licensing of materials, and access issues.
- Develops and administers export control training for faculty and staff and maintenance of training and informational resources related to export control on the URA website.
- Provides expertise for faculty and administrators in order to maximize compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, review and suggest improvements to administrative policies where appropriate.
- Guides the implementation of compliance activities designated by the University's strategic plans. Monitors University compliance with regulations and laws.
- Represents the University in regulatory proceedings before federal, state and local agencies. Prepares the University's position statements and responses to information requests.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
---
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
---
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Master's degree.
- Advanced degree (PhD, J.D.) or equivalent combination of training experience strongly preferred.
Experience:
- Related experience working on research projects in an academic setting interpreting and applying US export laws, or experience in business, law, engineering or related discipline.
- Experience in reviewing and interpreting federal export regulations, federal grants and contracts, and technical descriptions of research in an academic or other relevant setting.
- Sound knowledge of laws and regulations such as the EAR, ITAR, and Patriot Act, and the OFAC sanctions programs to enable them to work with legal counsel and federal agencies regarding export, security, and travel-related matters.
- Sufficient understanding of technology and the CCL and USML to work with investigators and technicians in making accurate technology classifications and licensing determinations.
- Experience with communication of compliance policies to faculty and staff.
- Experience with policy development, and developing and conducting education programs for faculty and research investigators in the area of international contracting and associated risks.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and diverse groups; independent worker, self-starter.
- Experience in University Environment.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Strong computer skills including word processing, database management and spreadsheet skills.
- Work with various sponsor electronic systems.
Preferred Competencies
- Proactive, solution-oriented, possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills, project management, analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
- Work independently with a high degree of initiative and maintain confidentiality.
- Customer service is a high priority of the office and civility and professionalism.
- Develop and manage interpersonal relationships.
- Respond in a helpful and sensitive manner to questions and concerns of internal and external constituencies.
- The position has direct contact with faculty and administrative staff at the University and utilizes close collaboration with all staff within the office of University Research Administration (URA).
- Make decisions independently that will have downstream impacts on the management of sponsored projects.
- Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Manage detail-oriented workload, to work on multiple projects simultaneously, to organize and prioritize workload during high-pressure, high-volume workload periods and to manage stressful situations.
- Exercise sound judgment, absolute discretion regarding confidential matters discretion, and tact.
- Proven ability to bring a significant understanding of the issues of University sponsored projects contracting and/or compliance related fields.
- Familiarity with federal contract concepts and federal laws and regulations as they pertain to academic research.
- Comfortable with scientific concepts and terminology; able to understand the significance of various agreement terms in view of the nature of the materials/confidential information to be transferred and proposed research.
- Some legal expertise.
- Interpret sponsor guidelines and regulations to ensure accurate response.
Working Conditions
- Interact by phone, email or in person with faculty and administrative staff at the University and occasionally with staff of federal government, non-federal sponsors, and other institutions and organizations.
- Sit for 4 hours or more.
- Use computers extensively for 4 hours or more.
- Travel to various on-campus locations on a daily basis.
- Use standard office equipment.
- Present/represent the University of Chicago at national meetings.
- Some travel.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
- References Contact Information (3)(required)
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Legal & Regulatory Affairs
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
