Senior Contract Negotiator I

Job Title

Senior Contract Negotiator I

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

Sponsored Research Services is seeking a Senior Contract Negotiator I that will be responsible for negotiating contracts; writing, reviewing, and negotiating complex agreements. This position is responsible for providing negotiations documentation and support to Principal Investigators, training and mentoring contract negotiator I and II positions and assisting the director and assistant directors with policy and procedures. They also review and negotiate terms and conditions of complex award documents and contractual agreements with sponsors/sub awardees to ensure compliance with applicable policies, Federal and State laws, and regulations as well as sponsor guidelines.  We seek to hire a candidate who will support our commitment to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences per our Core Values.  The preferred candidate will have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and/or have a Certified Research Administrator certification. Experience in sponsored research projects management or contract negotiation is a plus.  We are looking to hire a candidate who is a team player and who will promote collaboration and cooperation while working within a team. 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

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to selected hire’s experience.

Special Note: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.  You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.

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.

Required Education and Experience: 

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

• Four years of related experience in contract negotiations and/or research administration.  

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

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

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

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

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Proficient in MS Word and Excel. 

• Juris Doctor (JD degree) 

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification

• Experience in sponsored research projects management or contract negotiation.

• Experience using word processing, spreadsheet and database software.

Job Responsibilities

• Contract Negotiation Coordination - Independently reviews and negotiates terms and conditions of complex award documents and contractual agreements with sponsors/sub awardees to ensure compliance with applicable policies, Federal and State laws, and regulations as well as sponsor guidelines. Works with senior negotiators or supervisors as needed on 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, sub awards and consulting agreements when such agreements are not provided by the sponsor and negotiates agreements’ terms with sponsors. Reviews and writes exceptions for Request for Proposal documents. 

• Contract Compliance Review - Works closely with more senior negotiators and direct supervisor to ensure that all agreements are incompliance 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 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 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.

• Training and Mentoring - Assists the directors and assistant directors in training and mentoring contract negotiator I and II staff. Assists less experienced staff in making recommendations to director and assistant directors regarding complex and non-routine contract issues. Proposes policy and procedural changes to director and assistant directors. 

• Contract Modifications - Under minimal supervision, prepares correspondence and completes requests to sponsors to modify existing agreements.

Why Texas A&M University? 

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

• Automatic 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.