Research Contracts Team Lead
About The Position
The University of Notre Dame seeks an experienced Research Contracts Team Lead – Agreement Negotiation to lead professionals negotiating and finalizing a diverse portfolio of complex sponsored research and research-related agreements. Reporting to the Director of Research Contracts within Notre Dame Research Administration & Compliance (NDRAC), the role combines hands-on contract negotiation with employee supervision, team development, and operational leadership. The successful candidate will bring substantial research agreement negotiation experience and proven employee-management experience, provide guidance on complex negotiations, support sound decisions, and help ensure agreements protect the University's legal, financial, regulatory, and intellectual property interests. The position fosters a collaborative, service-oriented team environment while managing competing priorities and improving contracting practices.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, legal studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 5 years of experience in research contracting, research administration, or a related field, including demonstrated experience negotiating sponsored research and other research-related agreements.
- At least 2 years supervising employees or leading a team, with demonstrated ability to provide direction, coaching, and performance management.
- Expert knowledge of research agreement types, contracting principles, negotiation practices, and compliance considerations.
- Strong understanding of applicable federal and non-federal regulations and sponsor requirements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex assignments in a deadline-driven environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and contract or grants management systems.
- Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships, exercise sound judgment, and lead effectively in ambiguous or changing circumstances.
- Ability to lead and motivate a high-performing team in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.
- Strong understanding of contract risk, regulatory compliance, and institutional risk mitigation.
- Demonstrated coaching, mentoring, and employee development skills.
- Ability to navigate complex negotiations, resolve competing interests, and achieve practical outcomes.
- Commitment to customer service, collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.
- Ability to adapt to evolving priorities, work effectively under pressure, and guide others through uncertainty.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate complex contractual matters to diverse audiences.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working in higher education or a nonprofit research environment.
- Experience negotiating agreements involving industry partnerships, intellectual property, data sharing, research collaborations, and complex sponsor requirements.
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA), or Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) certification.
Responsibilities
- Lead, supervise, and develop a team of research contracts professionals through coaching, mentoring, performance feedback, and professional development.
- Oversee the review, drafting, negotiation, and execution of research-related agreements, including federal and industry contracts, foundation agreements, master research agreements, non-financial agreements, and independent contractor agreements.
- Guide team members on contract interpretation, negotiation strategies, risk assessment, and complex contractual issues; serve as the primary escalation point for challenging negotiations and issues.
- Independently manage a smaller portfolio of complex research agreements, including industry-sponsored research, federal and foundation agreements, collaboration agreements, data use agreements, and other contractual arrangements.
- Collaborate with faculty, researchers, departmental administrators, legal counsel, sponsors, industry partners, and other University stakeholders to resolve contractual issues and facilitate research activities.
- Identify negotiation challenges, contractual risks, and process inefficiencies while balancing institutional requirements with customer service and research objectives.
- Develop and implement consistent negotiation practices, team procedures, and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
- Support the Director of Research Contracts in assessing team performance, identifying operational needs, and advancing departmental goals.
- Maintain accurate contract documentation and appropriate records in University contract and grants management systems.
- Foster a participative leadership environment that encourages teamwork, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
