Associate Contract Analyst

As part of Purdue University's Sponsored Program Services Contracting team, the Associate Contract Analyst, under the direction of the Director of SPS Contracting and Contracting, will manage the negotiation of agreements/contracts related to sponsored research such as non-disclosure agreements, material transfers, memorandum of understanding, data use, equipment transfer and more.  This position will be responsible for negotiating entry-level agreements. Provide guidance to faculty and staff regarding contract issues.  Assist in monitoring contract procedures and methods and participate in the development of contracting guidelines. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Negotiation:

• Assist in developing negotiation plans and strategies. Communicate with sponsors, faculty, and staff to ensure the prompt processing of university contracts.  Participate and, when appropriate, conduct negotiations and recommend acceptance of contracts.  Provide advice to faculty and staff on contract issues.  Maintain current knowledge of Federal, State, and University laws, regulations, policies, and business practices and apply them to contract issues.  Work with faculty and staff in the planning stages of projects to ensure the timely and efficient drafting of appropriate contract language.
• Promptly communicate the status of contracts to all interested parties.  Work with SPS and University offices to ensure that all policies and procedures are followed.  Regularly review report of outstanding negotiations.  Assist with the development of methods of communicating general and specific contracting information.  Assist in updating SPS Contracting Team, Pre-Award Staff, Business Managers, Research Project Administrators, Post Award Staff and other faculty and staff on contract issues.  Assist in the development of training materials. Monitor the contracting processes of various University departments.  Participate in periodic reviews of contracting methods, processes and documents and work with SPS Contracting leadership team to implement process improvements and develop guidance documents.  

Office Administration and Customer Service:

• Understand the different types of activities conducted by the University and identify the right contractual mechanism or University office for each type.  Review and analyze proposals to ensure Contracting items are addressed during the proposal phase as needed.
• Direct Contracting traffic by email, phone, or in-person to proper staff member for handling.  Maintain continuity of work by identifying, documenting, and recommending needed actions to management.   Serve as primary resource and liaison for Contracting with other University offices, individuals and external institutions and agencies.  Answer questions and requests.  Maintain positive rapport with customers, managers, and staff.  Identify issues and develop positive and appropriate responses that meet or exceed customer expectations regarding their Contracting activities.  
   

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field 
• One (1) year experience in project management, contract negotiation and/or paralegal services, preferably including basic experience in negotiating contractual terms
• Excellent verbal and written communication, planning, problem-solving, organizational, project management, and customer service skills.  
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and implement University policies and procedures. 
• Ability to influence and build working relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels.  
• Learning orientation to changing technology impacting business processes.  
• Ability to maintain a broad knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations and University policies and business practices.  
• Ability to use creativity and strong initiative to identify which contract instrument applies to a variety of situations.  
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to University and external customers. 
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment.  
• Ability to evaluate and distribute incoming requests quickly and appropriately.  
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions on sensitive, confidential issues.
• Personal computer and related software skills, e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, Windows OS, etc.
   

Preferred:

• Experience with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses.
• Experience negotiating intellectual property and indemnification terms.  
   

Additional Information

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contributions Immediately 
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days