Research Program Coordinator III - Contracts Coordinator

Medical College of Wisconsin•Milwaukee, WI

About The Position

The Program Coordinator III – Contracts Coordinator provides advanced administrative and contractual support for clinical research and program operations. The role serves as a key liaison among principal investigators, research teams, sponsors, legal counsel, procurement teams, and external collaborators. The incumbent drafts, reviews, negotiates, and manages research-related agreements and ensures adherence to federal, state, sponsor, and institutional requirements. The position requires independence, professional judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment. The coordinator supports contract lifecycles from drafting and negotiation through execution, renewals, amendments, milestones, expirations, and compliance requirements; maintains records in institutional systems; and provides guidance to investigators and research staff. The role also monitors program timelines, supports contract-related resources and communications, and recommends process improvements to strengthen efficiency, compliance, and service delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Five years of experience required.
Ability to understand, interpret, and apply complex contractual language.
Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines with minimal supervision.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
Strong customer service orientation and ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Working knowledge of medical terminology and clinical research operations.
Ability to identify risks and develop practical solutions while maintaining compliance with institutional policies.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, database systems, and contract management tools.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Paralegal Studies, Life Sciences, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in contracts administration, grants and contracts administration, legal affairs, or related healthcare or research environments.
Experience reviewing, drafting, negotiating, or administering contracts and research agreements.
Experience in academic medical centers, healthcare systems, or clinical research environments.
Experience with contract lifecycle management platforms and electronic signature tools.
Education or field of study in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Paralegal Studies, Life Sciences, Healthcare Administration, Law, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Coordinate drafting, review, and negotiation of research-related agreements, including NDAs, DUAs, DTAs, service agreements, vendor contracts, and research collaboration agreements.
Review contract terms and conditions using approved templates and redlining processes.
Identify legal, financial, operational, and compliance risks in contract language and escalate concerns as appropriate.
Collaborate with legal counsel, procurement, investigators, sponsors, and institutional stakeholders to negotiate equitable contract terms.
Ensure agreements align with federal, state, sponsor, and institutional requirements, including clinical research and HIPAA regulations.
Track contract lifecycles, including execution, renewals, amendments, milestones, expirations, and compliance requirements.
Maintain contract records and documentation within institutional systems.
Serve as the primary point of contact on contractual matters among principal investigators, research teams, sponsors, legal counsel, and external partners.
Coordinate communications and facilitate timely resolution of contractual issues.
Develop and maintain contract databases, records, and tracking systems.
Monitor program timelines and ensure completion of contract-related deliverables and deadlines.
Assist with developing program resources, forms, reports, and contract-related communications.
Provide guidance and support to investigators and research staff regarding contract requirements.
Recommend process improvements that enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and service delivery.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health, vision, and dental coverage
Flexible Spending options
403B retirement package
Competitive vacation
Paid holidays
Tuition reimbursement
Paid parental leave
Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Pet insurance
On-campus fitness facility with onsite classes
Discounted rates on select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation, and entertainment