Senior Contract Negotiator I

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

5d • $5,084 - $8,417

About The Position

The Senior Contract Negotiator I independently reviews, drafts, negotiates, and administers a broad range of sponsored and non-sponsored agreements for The Texas A&M University System. These include nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements, memoranda of understanding and collaborative agreements, master agreements, teaming agreements, service agreements, subrecipient agreements, industry agreements, and other contractual instruments. The role evaluates contractual terms, identifies risks, negotiates solutions that protect institutional interests while facilitating research and other institutional activities, and ensures agreements comply with applicable laws, regulations, A&M System policies, and sponsor requirements. It also coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to resolve contractual issues and supports administration of agreements, including amendments, modifications, and closeout.

The position serves as an expert in interpreting contract regulations and System policies, and as a subject matter expert on TAMUS contractual matters for contracts processed by SRS. It maintains contracts and negotiation documentation in the MAESTRO research administration database, supports policy and procedural improvements, and assists leadership with special projects. The role is with the Texas A&M University System Offices Research Administration Office in College Station, Texas.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four years of professional experience in the practice of law, contract negotiations, or a combination thereof.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, interpersonal, proofreading, and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proofreading skills and experience using word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Restricted to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.
• Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation; employment is contingent upon verification of credentials and other information required by institutional procedures, including completion of the criminal history check.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and experience in contract negotiations.
• Certified Research Administrator.
• Experience with MAESTRO.
• Knowledge and experience with contract negotiations at a university and/or sponsored projects office.
• Juris Doctorate.

Responsibilities

• Independently review and negotiate standard and complex contractual terms and conditions to ensure compliance with TAMUS policies, federal and state laws, regulations, and other applicable guidelines.
• Independently draft, review, and negotiate terms and conditions for non-sponsored research and related agreements.
• Review sponsored research agreements received from TAMU SRS for risk, accuracy, and compliance, and resolve contracting issues before signature by the Vice Chancellor for Research or designee.
• Process non-standard intellectual property waivers from System members for Vice Chancellor approval.
• Draft and submit proposal exceptions as requested.
• Interpret federal, state, and other contract regulations, including applicable System policies and regulations.
• Ensure non-sponsored research and related agreements are reviewed and negotiated in a timely manner that provides customer service to researchers, administrators, and sponsors.
• Propose policy and procedural changes to the Executive Director.
• Maintain contracts and negotiation-related documentation in the MAESTRO research administration database.
• Participate in professional development to remain current with relevant TAMUS, state, and federal guidelines and regulations and to implement best practices for research administration, reporting, and other requirements.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, System members, their research offices, and TAMUS customers, keeping negotiation parties informed of status.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on TAMUS contractual matters for contracts processed by SRS.
• Assist leadership with special projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Defined benefit retirement plan with an employer contribution through the Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
• If applicable, a defined contribution retirement plan with an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor.
• Additional voluntary tax-deferred annuity options.
• Tuition assistance.
• Wellness programs to promote work/life balance.

What This Job Offers

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