Director, Pre-Award Contracts

Join AIR as the Director, Pre-Award Contracts and leverage your leadership and expertise to advance our mission. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across the business development ecosystem supporting the contracting process from capture to execution of new awards from funders which will ensure compliant, efficient, and mission-aligned execution of all activities. The position reports to the Vice President, Contracts, Grants and Procurement. The Director oversees the pre-award phase of the contracting process including identifying opportunities, execution of teaming agreements and Non Disclosure Agreements, developing business volumes for proposals and communicating with clients/funders on solicitation and award terms. This position will lead a team of specialists in supporting AIR’s Growth strategy while strengthening systems, mitigating risk, and driving continuous improvement. This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR’s U.S. office locations with occasional travel for meetings, training sessions, and conferences. This does not include U.S. territories. About AIR: Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all. Responsibilities: The responsibilities for the position include: Strategic Leadership Lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide strategies for pre-award contracts, aligned with organizational priorities and funding requirements. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on compliance, risk management, and optimization opportunities across all areas. Contracts Management Oversee pre-award contracting processes, including solicitation, evaluation, and negotiation of new awards across federal, state, foundation, commercial, and other funding sources. Ensure effective planning and execution across a diverse portfolio of projects, funders, and vendors. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure adherence to federal, state, and sponsor regulations, including Uniform Guidance and FAR, as well as internal policies. Establish and maintain risk management practices to safeguard organizational and legal interests and ensure audit readiness. Operational Excellence Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery across contracting functions. Oversee systems, tools, and workflows to support effective tracking, reporting, and performance management. People Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team by establishing clear goals, accountability, and professional development pathways. Support career development through coaching, training, and succession planning. Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and service excellence. Align team structure and capabilities with organizational priorities and evolving business needs. Cross-Functional Partnership Partner with Post-Award Contract Administration, Procurement, Finance, Legal, HR, and program teams to ensure alignment and effective support for project execution. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, external partners, and other stakeholders within the business development ecosystem. Reporting & Insights Provide leadership with insights on key metrics, including proposal compliance, client engagement, work process efficiency, cost savings, and risk trends. Support audits and reporting requirements through accurate and timely documentation. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may evolve based on business priorities and external requirements. Qualifications: Education, Knowledge, and Experience 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 across contracts, grants management, procurement, or related functions, including 5+ years in people management. Deep knowledge of federal and state contracting and grants regulations (e.g., FAR, Uniform Guidance). Experience supporting a wide range of funders from both public, private and commercial sectors. Experience negotiating a wide range of contract types including teaming agreements, NDAs, Federal Acquisition Contracts (CPFF, T&M, FFP), Federal Assistance Agreements (Cooperative Agreements), State funded contracts, Foundation grants and international/multilateral donor agreements. Skills <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-seri