Contracts Manager

Lurie Children's Hospital • Chicago, IL

10d • $76,960 - $125,840 • Onsite

About The Position

The Contracts Manager independently drafts, reviews, negotiates, and finalizes sponsored research and related agreements between Lurie Children’s and private industry, academic medical centers, and other non-federal entities. The position works closely with researchers, physicians, research coordinators, clinical departments, post-award financial management, research integrity and compliance, General Counsel, and external sponsors.

The manager develops relationships with sponsors through effective contract and budget negotiation; helps develop clinical trial and research budgets that support industry partnerships while protecting the Hospital and its patients; identifies contractual issues and potential risks; and manages resolution of contract problems. The role also leads initiatives to advance industry-sponsored research engagement, develops policies and guidance, advises staff on contract terms, contributes educational materials and training, and maintains agreement records and tracking tools. The position coordinates post-execution setup procedures and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of relevant experience drafting and negotiating clinical research, data use, material transfer, subaward, and other research agreements in a hospital or academic setting.
• Master’s degree in Law is listed as required.
• Ability to review, negotiate, and manage agreements for compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, and institutional requirements, including HIPAA, Uniform Guidance, hospital cost principles, and organizational policies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with physicians, staff, and external sponsors.
• Demonstrated negotiation and organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with standard office software applications, including MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and negotiations simultaneously.
• Ability to take initiative and develop strategic solutions to complex issues.

Nice To Haves

• Juris Doctor (JD) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with industry sponsors and other non-federal entities through contract and budget negotiation.
• Independently draft, negotiate, and finalize complex industry-funded and related agreements, including confidentiality, material transfer, data sharing, research collaboration, and multi-site study agreements.
• Work with research staff and the Clinical Trials Support Office to develop clinical trial and research budgets that promote partnerships while protecting the Hospital and its patients.
• Build positive relationships with physicians, staff, and companies, and work toward solutions to complex negotiation issues.
• Identify contractual issues and potential risks and recommend resolutions.
• Oversee and manage contractual problems arising during projects, consulting with faculty, staff, sponsors, and Hospital offices as needed.
• Lead initiatives to advance industry-sponsored research engagement and develop strategies for that purpose.
• Propose and prepare policies and guidance for industry-sponsored research engagement and contracting that support best practices and compliance.
• Maintain knowledge of federal and other policies affecting research agreements and advise office leadership of recommendations.
• Advise and assist department administrators, faculty, and staff before, during, and after negotiations and execution; interpret contract terms and conditions.
• Prepare educational materials, conduct training sessions, and update Hospital web-page materials as needed.
• Continue education on the Hospital’s industry partnership process through outside meetings and conferences.
• Maintain accurate agreement records and tracking in coordination with office support staff and the research contracts team.
• Recommend and initiate tools to track metrics and measure work volumes.
• Coordinate steps from contract execution through internal setup procedures with partner offices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Director or Director.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer-paid group term life and disability coverage.
• Employer contribution toward a Health Savings Account.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
• 403(b) plan with a 5% employer match.
• Supplemental life, AD&D, and disability coverage.
• Critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage.
• Tuition assistance.
• Student loan servicing and support.
• Adoption benefits.
• Backup childcare and eldercare.
• Employee Assistance Program and specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members.
• Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities.
• Discount purchasing program.
• The benefits package is offered to full-time and part-time employees working 20 or more hours per week.

What This Job Offers

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