Assistant Director, Sponsored Programs (Contracts)

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University seeks an experienced Sponsored Programs Assistant Director to lead drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts and related documents for university and for-profit partners. This role ensures compliance with university policies, procedures, and regulations across sponsored programs.

The position oversees contract development, coordinates with principal investigators, and partners with internal compliance and financial teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business or Administration.
• 5-8 years of contract negotiation and management experience.
• Knowledge of university contracts and sponsored programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts and subcontracts with internal and external partners.
• Coordinate with faculty, research administrators, and compliance partners to ensure compliant agreements.
• Oversee contract development team and align proposal management with accounting systems.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Negotiation

Collaboration

Leadership

Adaptability

Organizational skills

Education

Four-year college degree in Accounting, Business or Administration

5-8 years contract negotiation/management experience

Juris Doctor with contract law experience

Tools

MS Office

Adobe

Zoom

Teams

Job description

Michigan State University seeks an experienced Sponsored Programs Assistant Director to lead drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts and related documents for university and for-profit partners. This role ensures compliance with university policies, procedures, and regulations across sponsored programs.

The position oversees contract development, coordinates with principal investigators, and partners with internal compliance and financial teams.