Research Contracts Team Lead

University of Notre Dame•Notre Dame, IN

About The Position

The University of Notre Dame is seeking an experienced Research Contracts Team Lead – Agreement Negotiation to supervise and develop research contracts professionals responsible for negotiating and finalizing complex sponsored research and research-related agreements. Reporting to the Director of Research Contracts within Notre Dame Research Administration & Compliance (NDRAC), the position combines hands-on contract negotiation with employee supervision, team development, and operational leadership. The successful candidate will bring substantial experience negotiating research agreements and managing employees, and will guide complex negotiations and sound decision-making while protecting the University’s legal, financial, regulatory, and intellectual property interests. The role fosters a collaborative, service-oriented team environment, manages competing priorities, and advances effective 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, including the ability to manage multiple complex assignments in a deadline-driven environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and contract or grants management systems.
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.
A cover letter highlighting research contract negotiation experience and supervisory responsibilities is required for full consideration.

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, coach, mentor, and develop a team of research contracts professionals, including providing performance feedback and professional development.
Oversee 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 and address negotiation challenges, contractual risks, and process inefficiencies while balancing institutional requirements, customer service, and research objectives.
Develop and implement consistent negotiation practices, team procedures, and process improvements to enhance 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.