Contract Administrator

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Iowa, Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP) Sponsored Research Specialist/Contract Administrator will review, draft, and negotiate a broad range of research-related agreements, including sponsored funding agreements with federal and non-federal sponsors, outgoing subawards and subcontracts, and non-monetary agreements such as confidentiality agreements, data use and transfer agreements, and material transfer agreements. The position will review and analyze agreement terms and conditions, identify legal, regulatory, financial, and operational considerations, and work collaboratively with University stakeholders and external sponsors and collaborators to resolve contractual issues and facilitate the University's research and scholarly activities. The position provides administrative and compliance support by interpreting and applying University and State policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable federal rules and regulations. The Sponsored Research Specialist/Contract Administrator advises faculty, staff, and administrators on sponsored research and contract matters; coordinates with other University offices when specialized review or approval is required; and represents the University in negotiations and other interactions with external sponsors and collaborators. This position is well suited for an individual with experience or interest in contract negotiation, legal or regulatory analysis, research administration, or other complex transactional work. Success in this role requires the ability to manage a high volume of complex, deadline-driven work while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. The position requires sound judgment and critical thinking, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to independently assess and resolve issues while recognizing when additional consultation or specialized review is needed. The individual must work effectively both independently and collaboratively, build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and provide responsive, service-oriented support in a changing environment.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Considerable, typically 1–3 years, experience in pre-award research administration, contract administration or negotiation, legal or regulatory analysis, sponsored programs, or other closely related work.
Experience reviewing, drafting, or negotiating contracts.
Experience reviewing and interpreting contractual terms, policies, regulations, sponsor or customer requirements, or other complex requirements and applying them to specific agreements or transactions.
Experience managing multiple agreements, transactions, proposals, projects, or other deadline-driven matters concurrently.
Experience working with internal stakeholders and external parties to resolve issues, obtain required information or approvals, and facilitate completion of agreements or other transactions.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctor (JD) or other advanced degree relevant to contract negotiation, research administration, compliance, or sponsored programs.
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or other relevant professional certification.
Experience drafting and negotiating one or more of the following: Federal FAR-based contracts or subcontracts; Research-related contracts with non-federal sponsors including industry, state or local governments, other private or non-profit organizations; Subawards under federal grants or non-federal funding; Sponsored research agreements; Fee for service agreements; Corporate funded clinical trial agreements; Confidentiality/Non-disclosure agreements; Data transfer and use agreements; Material transfer agreements.
Experience in government, industry, healthcare, higher education, or nonprofit contracting.
Experience interpreting and applying federal regulations, sponsor requirements, or institutional policies applicable to sponsored research, contracts or subawards.
Experience identifying and resolving contractual, compliance, financial, legal, regulatory, or operational issues associated with agreements or other complex transactions.

Responsibilities

Review, draft, and negotiate a broad range of research-related agreements, including sponsored funding agreements with federal and non-federal sponsors, outgoing subawards and subcontracts, and non-monetary agreements such as confidentiality agreements, data use and transfer agreements, and material transfer agreements.
Review and analyze agreement terms and conditions.
Identify legal, regulatory, financial, and operational considerations.
Work collaboratively with University stakeholders and external sponsors and collaborators to resolve contractual issues and facilitate the University's research and scholarly activities.
Interpret and apply University and State policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable federal rules and regulations.
Advise faculty, staff, and administrators on sponsored research and contract matters.
Coordinate with other University offices when specialized review or approval is required.
Represent the University in negotiations and other interactions with external sponsors and collaborators.