UL Urban Crime Lab
Who We Are
In cities across the country, people face high rates of gun violence, under-resourced schools, and social harms associated with the criminal justice system - all of which disproportionately impact people of color. These inequalities have profound consequences on public safety and opportunity. As a society we have failed to address these challenges, in part, because of our lack of understanding of the most effective and cost-effective solutions that can have a real impact on people’s lives. We believe that rigorous research can help.

The University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab partner with cities and communities to use data and rigorous research to design, test, and scale programs and policies that enhance public safety, improve educational outcomes, and advance justice. Our mission is to combine world-class data science and research, in partnership with government agencies, to substantially improve the effectiveness of the public sector and achieve impact at scale.

To learn more about the Crime Lab and Education Lab, visit https://urbanlabs.uchicago.edu/labs/crime.

The Role
The University of Chicago Crime & Education Labs are seeking a Contracting Specialist to support contracting and partner communication for data acquisitions. This person will work with Labs staff to draft, review and process data requests for research projects, as well as new data agreements and SOWs. The individual will work with URA to review, revise and negotiate the terms in new data sharing agreements, and facilitate communication between URA and the data partners. The individual will also produce contract templates and tools to help staff draft data request documents.
The job performs routine pre-award and/or post-award activities relating to grant and contract proposals and funding within a department or unit. Pre-award activities include research, preparing applications, and editing proposals. Post-award activities include compliance monitoring, payment processing, and salary allocations. Performs work with guidance from others.

• With information and support from the Data Operations Associate and the research teams, produces the first draft of any needed contract artifacts pertaining to data - including new data use agreements, new SOWs under existing Master Data Use Agreements, and DUA amendments or extensions.
• Interfaces with URA to pre-review content before it’s shared with data partners, and to respond to input received from data partners. Aligns with URA to clarify UC’s overall strategy for DUA negotiation.
• With guidance from the Director of Data Partnerships, leads communication with the data partners to align on contract terms and next steps for finalization. Responds to any concerns from the data partners or URA, and identifies solutions to expedite contract execution.
• Leads contractual negotiations between Urban Labs, URA and external data sources. Facilitates and mediates communication across the parties. Documents issues or agreements to ensure they are accurately reflected in the final contract.
• Reviews data agreements and redlines provided by data partners. Coordinates with the research teams, URA and the Data Operations Associate to align on a response plan.
• Reconciles versions and drafts; ensures that all details in the final documents are correct before signature.
• Maintains an understanding of URA’s DUA requirements, preferences, preferred terms and processes. Serves as an internal resource to the research teams on the best approach for satisfying UC’s conditions in each instance.

• With input from the Data Operations Associate and Data Compliance Manager, propose DUA extensions and amendments as needed to stay in compliance with evolving project timelines and data needs.
• Serve as an internal resource for interpreting contract language and ensuring ongoing compliance with the terms and responsibilities in our DUAs, NDAs, consent forms, etc.
• Support the Data Partnerships Director in establishing appropriate plans for working with external research affiliates, including any contractual agreements or other steps needed to permit data access.
• Stay abreast of URA’s procedures and policies, and ensure staff understand any changes.

• Create new DUA and SOW templates, NDAs and other materials to help research teams begin the data acquisitions process.
• Create partner-specific templates and instructional materials for staff based on knowledge of the existing DUA terms and the partner’s process preferences. Work with the Data Operations Associates to streamline workflows where possible.
• Develop boilerplate content and stock talking points to address common DUA issues and sticking points, such as UC’s position on indemnification and publication.
• Propose new agreements and contracting solutions to address operational challenges, including making data available to external affiliates and consultants.
• Assists in the review of all applications against University guidelines, in addition to drafting progress reports, non- competing applications, amendments, and budgeting. Responsible for all data entry and preparation of grant reports and trend analysis.
• Prepares summaries of grants and effort allocations for Principal Investigators, meets with them and responds to their questions. Coordinates with other departments/units/divisions regarding multi investigator grants. Serves as department contact for annual audits and agency site visits.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, business or law.
• Paralegal certificate a plus.

• Experience working in contracting or paralegal research.

• Ability to manage multiple, concurrent deadlines and assignments.
• Excellent attention to detail, and ability to process and retain frequent new information.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication and conflict management skills.
• Ability to draft, interpret and apply contract requirements.
• Knowledge of negotiation strategies and mediation tactics.
• Critical thinking and problem solving.
• Familiarity with research or data management practices.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Writing Sample (required)
• References (required)

Financial Management
Individual Contributor
Non-Exempt
Biweekly
37.5
Yes
No
No
No