Senior Contracts Administrator

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a premier Space Research entity operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA).  STScI operates NASA’s Science Operations for NASA Flagship Prime Missions including the Hubble, Roman, and James Webb Space Telescopes. STScI leads observation planning, data analysis, public engagement, and data archiving for these world-renowned flagship missions. Our staff spans astronomy, engineering, education, IT, communications, and administration—working together to bring space science to the world.

Hybrid work opportunity supporting STScI working remotely with onsite work as required to support meetings and professional activities as needed.

STScI is seeking a Senior Contracts Administrator with 6+ years of progressively responsible, specialized expertise evaluating Government Requests for Proposal (RFPs); preparing complex Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Based Proposals, proposal negotiations, contract change management, and full life cycle professional Government and commercial contracts administration.  Must have strong working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations and experience in preparing complex proposals in the Government Contracting Industry.

This role is eligible for hybrid work and may require an intermittent on-site presence per the specific needs of this role to support on site meetings or projects. You must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV).

Our world-class astronomical research center is based on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. Visit our website to learn more about our missions.

The Senior Contracts Administrator Role

Performs advanced professional government and commercial contracting administration for complex, high-visibility NASA Prime Mission contracts, including proposal preparations, proposal negotiations, administration of complex Government and commercial contracts.

Key responsibilities of a Senior Contracts Administrator:

Contracts  Administration

• Administers  assigned contracts and complex agreements as part of the Contracts team of experienced professionals reporting to the Branch Manager of Contracts & Sponsored Programs in the Business Resource Center (BRC) of STScI.
• Provides day to day contracts support to ensure timely submittal of contract deliverables and reporting requirements.
• Assesses contractual and regulatory risks and provides risk mitigation recommendations to STScI internal stakeholders and leadership.  
• Maintains strong working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements and Government contracting regulatory changes that may impact STScI. Coordinates internal collaborative discussions leading to timely resolution of all contractual matters for assigned contracts. 
• Reviews and analyzes complex contractual requirements and Requests for Proposal (RFPs).
• Prepares professional quality, compliant proposals working in close coordination with other functional POCs within the organization.
• Prepares and supports complex negotiations of FAR based proposals and change orders.
• Serves as the primary focal point of professional level day to day communications with the NASA Contracting Officer for assigned contract

 Policy, Process, and Governance

• Develops, implements, and maintains SOPs, templates, policies, procedures, and systems for contract management activities to improve consistency, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Interprets evolving Government contracting regulatory requirements and translates them into practical administrative guidance for contracts staff and business stakeholders
• Supports audits, internal reviews, customer inquiries, and process assessments

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

6+ years of progressively responsible experience in contract administration

• Advanced contract administration principles across the full contracting lifecycle
• Analyzing complex Government FAR Based Solicitations and preparing fully compliant proposal submittals
• Regulatory, policy, and contractual framework applicable to federal contracting environments
• Risk identification, quality assurance review methods, risk mitigation and corrective action processes
• Interpreting complex contract language into actionable, timely professional quality guidance for stakeholders
• Professional quality written analysis, practical recommendations, and credible business judgment
• Advanced professional level verbal and written business communications
• 4 year degree in Business or Legal Studies required
• Graduate degree in Business or related area preferred

The annual salary range for this title is $95,000 - $110,000.  The posted salary range represents a general guideline; however, STScI considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers, such as internal pay equity, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education, and skill, and current market conditions.

TO APPLY: Share your experience by uploading a resume and completing an online application. Applications received by September 30, 2026, will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled. Reference: HRC0015854

Please only use this link to apply: https://apply.workable.com/j/70733888FF

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at 

careers@stsci.edu