Senior Contract Negotiator I

Texas A&M • College Station, TX

4d

About The Position

The Senior Contract Negotiator I works in the Research Administration Office of the Texas A&M University System Offices. The role independently reviews, drafts, negotiates, and administers a broad range of sponsored and non-sponsored agreements, including confidentiality agreements, collaborative agreements, master agreements, teaming agreements, service agreements, subrecipient agreements, and industry agreements. The negotiator evaluates contractual terms, identifies risks, and negotiates solutions that protect institutional interests while supporting research, collaboration, and other institutional activities. The role ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, System policies, and sponsor requirements, and coordinates with stakeholders to resolve issues and support contract administration, including amendments, modifications, and closeout.

The position reviews sponsored research agreements received from TAMU SRS and resolves contracting issues before signature by the Vice Chancellor for Research or designee. It also processes non-standard intellectual property waivers, drafts proposal exceptions, maintains contract records and negotiation documentation in MAESTRO, and serves as a subject matter expert on TAMUS contractual matters. The position is based in College Station, Texas. It is security-sensitive and restricted to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.

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 of the two.
• 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.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and experience in contract negotiations.
• Certified Research Administrator certification.
• 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 agreements for compliance with TAMUS policies, applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and other guidelines.
• Independently draft, review, and negotiate terms and conditions of 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 exceptional 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 implement research administration best practices.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, System members, research offices, and TAMUS customers, keeping negotiation parties apprised 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: Mid Level