Director, Pre-Award Contracts

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Provide strategic and operational guidance across the business development landscape, facilitating contracting from the capture phase through the execution of new awards.

• Supervise the pre-award contracting process, encompassing opportunity identification, teaming agreements, NDAs, proposal business volumes, and communication with clients and funders.

• Spearhead the development and implementation of enterprise-wide pre-award contract strategies.

• Counsel senior leadership on compliance, risk management, and opportunities for optimization.

• Manage the solicitation, assessment, and negotiation of new awards from federal, state, foundation, commercial, and other funding sources.

• Guarantee planning and execution across a varied portfolio of projects, funders, and vendors.

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, sponsor regulations, Uniform Guidance, FAR, and internal policies.

• Establish effective risk management practices and maintain audit readiness.

• Drive enhancements in contracting processes.

• Oversee systems, tools, and workflows for tracking, reporting, and performance management.

• Lead, mentor, and nurture the pre-award contracts team.

• Collaborate with Post-Award Contract Administration, Procurement, Finance, Legal, HR, and program teams.

• Cultivate relationships with clients, external partners, and stakeholders in business development.

• Present insights on proposal compliance, client engagement, process efficiency, cost savings, and risk trends.

• Assist with audits and reporting through precise and timely documentation.

• Report directly to the Vice President of Contracts, Grants, and Procurement.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (Master’s or JD preferred).

• 12+ years of progressive experience in contracts, grants management, procurement, or related areas.

• Minimum of 5 years in a management role.

• Extensive knowledge of federal and state contracting and grants regulations, including FAR and Uniform Guidance.

• Experience in supporting funders from public, private, and commercial sectors.

• Proficient in negotiating teaming agreements, NDAs, Federal Acquisition Contracts (CPFF, T&M, FFP), Federal Assistance Agreements, state-funded contracts, foundation grants, and international/multilateral donor agreements.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong organizational and project management abilities.

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Strategic mindset with the ability to transform complex requirements into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.

• Proven track record of leading complex operations in highly regulated environments.

• Strong negotiation, stakeholder management, and decision-making abilities.

• Demonstrated capability to lead and develop high-performing teams.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and enterprise systems such as ERP, contract, and procurement platforms.

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis.

• Employment-based visa sponsorship is not an option.

• Qualified candidates may need to fulfill specific residency requirements based on project work.

• Selected candidates will be subject to reference and background checks.

• Candidates are required to adhere to AIR’s child safeguarding standards and principles.

🏝️ Benefits

• Opportunity to work remotely within the United States or from one of AIR’s U.S. office locations.

• Occasional travel for meetings, training sessions, and conferences.

• Participation in AIR’s Total Rewards Program.

• Access to professional development pathways, coaching, training, and succession planning.

• Commitment to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action.

• Provision of reasonable accommodation during the employment process.

• A drug-free work environment.