Contract Negotiator I

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to review, understand, and revise business agreements and sponsored research agreements.
• Ability to draft contracts and contract terms as necessary using approved forms or language.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to negotiate contract terms resulting in a compromise.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to effectively manage competing priorities and deadline-intensive, high-volume workload.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and analytical skills.
• Detail oriented with excellent proof-reading skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Ability to learn electronic document management systems.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Nice To Haves

• Experience related to contracting in a university/research environment
• Experience in sponsored research contract negotiation or administration
• Experience related to contracting as state/government agency
• Knowledge of contract language and terms.
• Knowledge and experience with Sponsored Research contracts.
• Knowledge and experience with University/State Agency contracts.
• Knowledge and experience in business contracting and administration.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Laserfiche and Maestro software.

Responsibilities

• Review and edit or draft (using approved forms/language), and negotiate terms of non-sponsored agreements including MOA/MOU's, material transfer, non-disclosures/confidentiality, leases, hotel/facility rental, interagency and intrasystem agreements, purchasing terms and conditions and service contracts.
• Draft using approved forms/language or review and edit, and negotiate terms of industry or commodity sponsored agreements.
• Ensure that contracts negotiated and routed for approval are in compliance with all laws, policies and guidelines, escalating appropriate issues to supervisor and/or legal counsel.
• Ensure proper contract close-out, extension or renewal as required.
• Assist in document management, tracking and reporting.
• Analyze contractual language and edit with acceptable/approved alternative language as needed.
• Issue spot areas of risk and provide potential solutions.
• Provide guidance to administration and/or management on resolving issues that prevent completion of agreements.
• Manage multiple negotiations during the same timeframe.
• Multitask and prioritize assignments.
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders to gather relevant facts for accurate contract revision or drafting and to facilitate and understand desired outcomes.
• Provide guidance to administration and/or management on resolving issues that increase risk to the agency or prevent completion of agreements.
• Other duties as required.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife 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
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife
• Retirement programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level