Contract Negotiator II

Job Title

Contract Negotiator II

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Sponsored Research Services

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service

Who We Are

Sponsored Research Services (SRS) is a consortium of research administrators supporting Texas A&M University System members. We provide efficient and superior research administration services to members of The Texas A&M University System in Brazos County, Galveston and Qatar. SRS teams work with stakeholders to provide expertise and assistance with proposal submissions, in negotiation of external contracts, and in project administration throughout the life of the award. To learn more, visit https://vpr.tamu.edu/division-units/sponsored-research-services .

What We Want

SRS is seeking a Contract Negotiator II responsible for negotiating contracts; writing, reviewing, and negotiating agreements; and providing negotiations documentation and support to Principal Investigators. The preferred candidate will have a Juris Doctor (JD degree), or other relevant post-graduate degree, Certified Research Administrator Certification (CRA), and experience in university setting and/or business or legal operations. Experience in sponsored research projects management or contract negotiation is a plus. We seek to hire a candidate who loves working as part of a team in a fast-paced environment, providing exceptional customer service in a consultative manner, and possesses excellent communication skills. If the description sounds interesting to you, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity to join our team.

What You Need To Know

Compensation will be commensurate to selected hire’s experience.

A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Position Details: Hybrid/Remote Work Option: Due to the nature of this position, a hybrid or remote work arrangement may be available for workplace flexibility.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Two years' experience in contract administration and/or research administration.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, interpersonal, proofreading, and time management skills.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

• Proofreading skills.

• Experience using word processing, spreadsheets and database software.

• Ability to multi-task, work independently and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD degree), or other relevant post-graduate degree.

• Certified Research Administrator Certification (CRA).

• Experience in university setting and/or business or legal operations.

• Experience in sponsored research projects management or contract negotiation.

• Proficient in MS Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Contract Negotiation- Independently reviews and negotiates terms and conditions of award documents and contractual agreements with sponsors/subawardees to ensure compliance with applicable policies, Federal and State laws and regulations, as well as sponsor guidelines. Works with senior negotiators or supervisor as needed on non-standard or complex documents. Writes and reviews agreements and negotiates with sponsors/subcontractors for the terms and conditions of sponsored agreements, to include, but not limited to publications rights, intellectual property rights, export control, payment terms, and records retention. Writes standard and some more complex agreements, subawards, and other agreements when such agreements are not provided by the sponsor, and negotiates agreements’ terms with sponsors. Reviews and writes exceptions for Request for Proposal pre-award documents. Provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced contract negotiators.

• Contract Compliance Review- Works closely with more senior negotiators and direct supervisor to ensure that all agreements are in compliance with the following: all laws (State and Federal), policies and guidelines, Texas A&M University System, and sponsor guidelines. Works collaboratively, under minimal supervision, with the Office of Technology Commercialization, Office of General Counsel, TAMUS Risk and Compliance, and members’ offices.

• Documentation- Maintains all negotiation-related documentation in negotiations database. Ensures that all records are updated regularly and that documentation represents the current status of each negotiation. Ensures that all negotiations are processed in a timely fashion and that all parties to the negotiation are kept apprised of the status. Provides some guidance and mentoring to less experienced contract negotiators regarding documentation management. Under minimal supervision, prepares correspondence and completes requests to sponsors to modify existing agreements.

Why Texas A&M University? 

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences.  Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes. 

• Health , dental , vision , life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays 

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave  and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas 

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning  training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more 

• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time   for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.