Position Number: 006039

Department: Div of Research (Adm)

Employment Type: Permanent - Full-time

Months Per Year: 12

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Senior Contract Negotiator reports to the Associate Director, Contract Award and Negotiations in the Office of Research Services. The Senior Contract Negotiator is responsible for research compliance in contract review, drafting, negotiation, execution, and other aspects of contract administration, thus supporting academic departments, interdisciplinary research centers, and institutional strategic initiatives. The Senior Contract Negotiator creates, negotiates, reviews, and drafts contractual agreements between the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and federal, state, private, and foreign organizations. The Senior Contracting Negotiator reviews agencies’ guidelines, regulations, and proposals to ensure that resulting awards will be efficiently monitored and administered.

• The Senior Contract Negotiator is required to keep abreast of new developments in grants and contracts policies and procedures, as well as federal, state, and institutional regulations pertinent to research agreements in order to serve as an up-to-date source of information and guidance for the research community.

• The Senior Contract Negotiator is expected to have a sufficient degree of experience, maturity, and good judgment to carry out the functions and responsibilities of the position. Efficient administration includes responsiveness to the needs of the University and its faculty as well as timeliness to assure adherence to the legal provisions of an award. Advise University stakeholders on contractual risks, ensuring that all research contracts comply with regulatory and institutional standards.

• Expertise in project management, including international collaborations and complex multi-party contracts or subawards. The Senior Contract Negotiator serves as project manager to maintain systematic control over all incoming and outgoing correspondence related to his/her assigned awards. Resolve complex research-related issues in cooperation with senior management or key University constituencies. Unresolved items will be referred to the Associate Director, Contract Award and Negotiations in the Office of Research Services by providing all background data and a recommended course of action. Ability to negotiate and communicate effectively and diplomatically, both orally and in writing, with both University and agency representatives at all levels. Maintain open lines of communication with researchers and administrators with both University and agency representatives, ensuring clarity and timely progress in contract matters. Develop and implement best practices related to contract management and negotiation processes. Review and approve all authorization documents as needed by the contract/grant. The Senior Contract Negotiator will establish and maintain contract and grant files in keeping with good administrative practice and using the university’s electronic research administration systems. Works independently, and receives minimal guidance. Uses best practices and knowledge of internal and external University issues to improve services. The Senior Contract Negotiator must be cognizant of additional complex issues to negotiate which include addressing security issues and classification of research as well as the time involved in negotiating contracts.

Minimum Experience / Education:

Master’s degree and 1-2 years experience; or a Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education Skills and Experience:

Previous experience negotiating contracts in a college or university setting.

• Ability to analyze contract terms and related documents for content issues, and to revise contract terms as needed to accommodate special circumstances.

• Understanding of research administration.

• Ability to work independently within tight deadlines.

• Ability to work well in a team environment.