Senior Contract Negotiator I

Job Title

Senior Contract Negotiator I

Agency

Texas A&M University System Offices

Department

Research Administration Office

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The System Offices is one of several system members within the Texas A&M University System representing one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a network of 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M – Fort Worth and the Texas A&M - RELLIS Campus. The Texas A&M University System mission is to provide education, conduct research, commercialize technology, offer training, and deliver services for the people of Texas and beyond.

The System Offices, within the Texas A&M University System, provides an outstanding benefits package including, but not limited to: competitive health benefits; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; a defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS); if applicable, a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor: additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options; tuition assistance; and wellness

programs to promote work/life balance.

Job Description Summary:

Independently reviews, drafts, negotiates, and administers a broad range of sponsored and non-sponsored agreements for The Texas A&M University System, including nondisclosure/confidentiality agreements, memorandum of understanding/collaborative agreements, master agreements, teaming agreements, service agreements, subrecipient agreements, industry agreements and other contractual instruments.

Evaluates contractual terms, identifies risks, and negotiates solutions to protect institutional interests while facilitating research, collaboration, and other institutional activities. Ensures agreements comply with applicable laws, regulations, A&M System policies, and sponsor requirements. Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to resolve contractual issues and supports ongoing contract administration, including amendments, modifications, and closeout.

Responsibilities:

• Independently review and negotiate terms and conditions of standard and complex contractual agreements to ensure compliance with applicable TAMUS policies, Federal and State laws, regulations and other applicable 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 any contracting issues prior to 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.
• -Serve as an expert in the interpretation of federal, state or other contract regulations including applicable System policies and regulations. Ensure non-sponsored research and related agreements are reviewed and negotiated in a time frame and manner that exemplifies exceptional customer service to researchers, administrators and sponsors.
• Proposes policy and procedural changes to the Executive Director.
• Maintains contracts and all negotiations-related documentation in the research administration database, MAESTRO.
• Participate in professional development activities to remain current with relevant TAMUS, State and Federal guidelines and regulations and to implement best practices for Research Administration, reporting and other requirements.
• Ensure effective communications with all stakeholders, other System members and their research offices and TAMUS customers and ensure that all parties to the negotiation are kept apprised of the status.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on TAMUS contractual matters for contracts processed by SRS.
• Assist leadership with special projects.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four years of professional experience in the practice of law, contract negotiations, or any combination thereof.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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

Other Requirements:

This is a security-sensitive position and is restricted to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents only. Only complete applications will be considered for employment at The Texas A&M System Offices. Incomplete job application data could result in your application being rejected without an option to reapply. A cover letter and resume may be required in addition to a completed employment application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.