HBCU Policy SME

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

The EiRAM Group is seeking an experienced Senior Policy and Acquisition Specialist to support a contract with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This role will focus on strengthening the ability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to compete for federal research funding and contracting opportunities.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive federal acquisition, research administration, or higher education experience and provide strategic guidance, technical assistance, and policy recommendations to support program objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct contracting readiness assessments for up to 35 HBCUs annually, evaluating institutional capabilities, research infrastructure, compliance, and acquisition readiness.
• Provide tailored technical assistance and guidance on federal proposal development, acquisition regulations, contracting requirements, and NIH research opportunities.
• Develop policy papers, strategic recommendations, and guidance documents related to HBCU participation in federal contracting and research programs.
• Maintain and update program resource handbooks, acquisition guidance, and federal procurement procedures.
• Support initiatives to strengthen high-performing HBCUs through targeted assessments, technical assistance, and performance evaluations.
• Provide expert guidance on complex federal acquisition and policy questions, including escalated help desk inquiries.
• Advise on strategic partnerships between HBCUs, NIH Institutes, federal laboratories, industry partners, and prime contractors.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, law, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in federal contracting, acquisition, research administration, sponsored programs, or HBCU leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), including Part 19 and Subpart 26.3.
• Understanding of federal grants, cooperative agreements, and Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs).
• Demonstrated experience providing technical assistance, proposal development guidance, or organizational contracting readiness assessments.
• Strong analytical, research, writing, and communication skills, with experience developing policy recommendations and government deliverables.

Preferred Qualifications

• Former federal Contracting Officer or Contract Specialist.
• FAC-C, DAWIA, or Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) certification.
• Experience supporting NIH, HHS, or other federal research agencies.
• Familiarity with biomedical research, public health, or artificial intelligence applications in healthcare.