Contract Negotiator II

Texas A&M University System; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M AgriLife Research in College Station, TX seeks a Contract Negotiator II to independently draft, review, edit, and negotiate terms of non-sponsored and sponsored contracts. You will ensure compliance with laws, policies, and guidelines while liaising with vendors, sponsors, and agency personnel.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and two years of contract experience; a JD is preferred. Collaboration with Contracts Office, Procurement, and General Counsel is essential in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Two years of business-related contract experience.
• JD degree preferred or legal training.
• Experience in contracting in a university/research environment preferred.
• Experience with sponsored research contracts advantageous.
• Knowledge of contract language and terms preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate terms of non-sponsored and sponsored contracts.
• Collaborate with Contracts Office, Procurement, OGC, Real Estate, and Sponsored Research Services to ensure compliance.
• Explain contract clauses, risks, and legal effects to stakeholders; provide guidance to management.
• Manage multiple files and negotiations with prioritization of deadlines.
• Other duties as required.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Stakeholder communication

Independent work

Time management

Analytical thinking

MS Word

Outlook

Education

Bachelor's degree

J.D. degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Microsoft Access

Adobe Acrobat

Laserfiche

Maestro

Job description

Job Title

Contract Negotiator II

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Administrative Services Staff

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M AgriLife Research College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University Texas A&M Forest Service Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about joining AgriLife!

Position Information

Responsibilities:

• I. Contract review, analysis, drafting, and negotiation : The Contract Negotiator II ("CN") responsibilities include (1) independently draft, review, edit, and negotiate terms of non-sponsored agreements including non-disclosures/confidentiality, MOA/MOU's, material transfers, interagency and intrasystem, hotel/facility rental, service contracts and purchasing terms and conditions; (2) independently draft, review, edit, and negotiate terms of sponsored research agreements; (3) ensure that contracts negotiated are in compliance with all laws, policies and guidelines, escalating appropriate issues to management and/or legal counsel; (4) correspond with vendors, sponsors and agency personnel as needed for contract processing including explaining effects of contract clauses, risks associated with and the legal effects of contract clauses; and (5) assist with administrative tasks such as document management, tracking, storing, and reporting as related to contract files being handled. CN must have ability to (1) analyze contractual language and draft alternative language as needed without supervision; (2) draft contracts/contractual language as needed without the use of forms; (3) issue spot areas of risk and provide potential solutions; (4) assess and formulate questions for stakeholders to gather factual information necessary for contract drafting, editing, and/or negotiation (5) provide guidance to investigators, administration, and/or management on resolving issues that prevent completion of agreements; (6) manage multiple files and negotiations during the same timeframe; and (7) multitask and prioritize assignments.
• II. Communications and customer service : CN works collaboratively with all levels of Contracts Office, Procurement, Administration, Office of General Counsel, System Real Estate Office, Office of Technology Commercialization, and Sponsored Research Services as appropriate. CN must have ability to (1) communicate effectively with all stakeholders to gather relevant facts for accurate contract revision or drafting and to facilitate and understand desired outcomes; and (2) provide guidance to administration and/or management on resolving issues that increase risk to the agency or prevent completion of agreements.
• Other duties as required.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree
• Two years of business-related contract experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• J.D. degree; legal education or experience
• Experience related to contracting in a university/research environment
• Experience in sponsored research contract negotiation or administration

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to review, understand, and revise business agreements and research related agreements. Ability to draft contracts and contract terms as necessary without use of forms or supervision. Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to negotiate contract terms resulting in a compromise.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Capable of working independently and as a team member.
• Ability to effectively manage competing priorities and deadline-intensive, high-volume workload. Excellent organizational, time management, and analytical skills.
• Detail oriented with excellent proof-reading skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Ability to learn electronic document management systems.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of contract language and terms.
• Knowledge and experience with Sponsored Research contracts.
• Knowledge and experience with University/State Agency contracts.
• Knowledge and experience in business contracting and administration.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Access, Adobe Acrobat, Laserfiche and Maestro software.

Additional Information:

This position is prohibited from providing Legal Servic