Contract Administrator

University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Iowa's Division of Sponsored Programs seeks a Sponsored Research Specialist/Contract Administrator to review, draft, and negotiate a broad range of research-related agreements, including sponsored funding agreements, subawards, and confidentiality or data transfer agreements.

The role analyzes terms and conditions, advises researchers and staff, and collaborates with sponsors and internal teams to ensure compliant, efficient contract execution in a dynamic academic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• 1–3 years in pre-award administration or contract negotiation.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting contracts and terms.
• Ability to manage multiple complex, deadline-driven matters.
• Strong communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft and negotiate sponsored funding agreements with sponsors.
• Review and negotiate subawards, subcontracts, and related agreements.
• Interpret sponsor requirements and applicable laws/regulations.
• Advise faculty and administrators on contract matters and compliance.
• Coordinate with university offices for approvals and review.

Skills

Pre-award research administration

Contract administration

Contract negotiation

Regulatory analysis

Sponsored programs

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Juris Doctor (JD) or advanced degree

CRA certification

Job description

The University of Iowa, Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP) Sponsored Research Specialist/Contract Administrator will review, draft, and negotiate a broad range of research-related agreements, including sponsored funding agreements with federal and non-federal sponsors, outgoing subawards and subcontracts, and non-monetary agreements such as confidentiality agreements, data use and transfer agreements, and material transfer agreements.

The position will review and analyze agreement terms and conditions, identify legal, regulatory, financial, and operational considerations, and work collaboratively with University stakeholders and external sponsors and collaborators to resolve contractual issues and facilitate the University's research and scholarly activities.

The position provides administrative and compliance support by interpreting and applying University and State policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable federal rules and regulations. The Sponsored Research Specialist/Contract Administrator advises faculty, staff, and administrators on sponsored research and contract matters; coordinates with other University offices when specialized review or approval is required; and represents the University in negotiations and other interactions with external sponsors and collaborators.

This position is well suited for an individual with experience or interest in contract negotiation, legal or regulatory analysis, research administration, or other complex transactional work.

Success in this role requires the ability to manage a high volume of complex, deadline-driven work while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. The position requires sound judgment and critical thinking, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to independently assess and resolve issues while recognizing when additional consultation or specialized review is needed. The individual must work effectively both independently and collaboratively, build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and provide responsive, service-oriented support in a changing environment.

Work Modality:

On-site, hybrid or remote.

About Pay And Compensation

Pay Grade: 4A

Qualifications

Education or Equivalency Required: A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Required Qualifications

• Considerable, typically 1–3 years, experience in pre-award research administration, contract administration or negotiation, legal or regulatory analysis, sponsored programs, or other closely related work.
• Experience reviewing, drafting, or negotiating contracts.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting contractual terms, policies, regulations, sponsor or customer requirements, or other complex requirements and applying them to specific agreements or transactions.
• Experience managing multiple agreements, transactions, proposals, projects, or other deadline‑driven matters concurrently.
• Experience working with internal stakeholders and external parties to resolve issues, obtain required information or approvals, and facilitate completion of agreements or other transactions.

Desirable Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) or other advanced degree relevant to contract negotiation, research administration, compliance, or sponsored programs.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or other relevant professional certification.
• Experience drafting and negotiating one or more of the following:
• Federal FAR‑based contracts or subcontracts.
• Research‑related contracts with non‑federal sponsors including industry, state or local governments, other private or non‑profit organizations.
• Subawards under federal grants or non‑federal funding.
• Sponsored research agreements.
• Fee for service agreements.
• Corporate funded clinical trial agreements.
• Confidentiality/Non‑disclosure agreements.
• Data transfer and use agreements.
• Material transfer agreements.
• Experience in government, industry, healthcare, higher education, or nonprofit contracting.
• Experience interpreting and applying federal regulations, sponsor requirements, or institutional policies applicable to sponsored research, contracts or subawards.
• Experience identifying and resolving contractual, compliance, financial, legal, regulatory, or operational issues associated with agreements or other complex transactions.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact: VPR Talent ([e-mail])

This position is eligible for hybrid or remote work and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

About The University Of Iowa

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.

Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.

Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Sponsored Research Specialist
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus, Hybrid within Iowa, Remote within Iowa

Compensation

• Pay Level: 4A

Contact Information

• Organization: Research/Hygienics Lab
• Contact Name: VPR Talent
• Contact Email: [e-mail]