Contracts Manager, Sponsored Projects Services

University at Buffalo; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

University at Buffalo is seeking a Contracts Manager, Sponsored Projects Services to review, negotiate, and finalize research contracts in line with university and Research Foundation policies. The role requires collaboration with faculty, legal counsel, compliance offices, and external partners to drive efficient contract execution.

The position emphasizes independent work, strong organizational skills, and staying current with evolving compliance regulations to mitigate risk across a diverse

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years’ progressive experience in a professional setting or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft, negotiate, and finalize a wide range of contracts, including research contracts and related agreements, while ensuring compliance with institutional policies, Research Foundation policies, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, legal counsel, compliance offices, and external partners to gather necessary information and documents to facilitate contract negotiation and execution.
• Conduct thorough contract analysis to identify potential risks and issues and provide recommendations for mitigation strategies.
• Offer input on contract language and institutional risk, referring legal questions to appropriate counsel.
• Stay apprised of evolving compliance regulations and incorporate those into future agreements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong written and verbal comms

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

JD preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Pro

Job description

Contracts Manager, Sponsored Projects Services

Position Title Contracts Manager, Sponsored Projects Services

SPS is seeking a Contracts Manager to review and negotiate research contracts and related agreements. This position is responsible for learning Research Foundation and University requirements regarding terms and conditions and the approval process.

The Contracts Manager will manage a diverse portfolio of research agreement revisions, working independently with minimal oversight, and will work collaboratively across university units to support the negotiation and administration of research contracts in compliance with institutional policies and procedures. This position must also be able to work collaboratively within SPS and be an effective team member to further the efficiencies and capabilities of the office.

Responsibilities include:

• Review, draft, negotiate, and finalize a wide range of contracts, including research contracts and related agreements, while ensuring compliance with institutional policies, Research Foundation policies, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, legal counsel, compliance offices, and external partners to gather necessary information and documents to facilitate contract negotiation and execution.
• Conduct thorough contract analysis to identify potential risks and issues and provide recommendations for mitigation strategies.
• Offer input on contract language and institutional risk, referring legal questions to appropriate counsel.
• Stay apprised of evolving compliance regulations and incorporate those into future agreements.

Learn more:

• Our benefits, where we prioritize your well‑being and success to enhance every aspect of your life.

The Research Foundation of SUNY is an EOE and welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with a disability.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years’ progressive experience in professional setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• JD preferred
• 3 or more years of experience substantively drafting and negotiating the terms and conditions of contracts.
• Proficiency in Adobe Pro.
• Experience in higher education setting is desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Our University Community

Physical Demands

Driving Requirements

This position will never drive a university owned vehicle.

Salary Range

$80,000 - $87,500

Additional Salary Information

Additional Salary Information The salary range reflects our good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, the role and associated responsibilities, and the experience, education, and training of the selected candidate.

Work Hours

37.5 hours per week

Campus

Campus North Campus

Posting Alerts

Special Instructions Summary

Is a background check required for this posting?

No

Contact Information

Contact's Name

Contact's Name Stacey Brown

Contact's Pronouns

Contact's Pronouns she/her/hers

Contact's Title

Contact's Title HR Assistant

Contact's Email

Contact's Phone

Contact's Phone [phone]

Posting Dates

Posted

Posted 04/14/2026

Date to be filled

References

Number of references required

Number of references required 3

Reference Cutoff Date

Instructions to Applicant

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please indicate your current employment affiliation with the University at Buffalo.
  • Faculty
  • Faculty Student Association (FSA)
  • Research Foundation Employee
  • State Classified
  • State Professional
  • UB Foundation
  • TA/GA
  • Student
  • No Current Employment Affiliation
• * How did you first hear about this employment opportunity?
  • AcademicKeys.com
  • CareerExposure.com
  • CareerWomen.com
  • Chronicle of Higher Education
  • DiversitySearch.com
  • GoogleJobs.com
  • HERCjobs.org
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • IMDiversity.com
  • Indeed.com
  • LinkedIn.com
  • MBACareers.com
  • Conference
  • Personal Referral
  • UBJobs.buffalo.edu
  • Other

UB is an AA/EOE and welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Arrangements will be made if an applicant has a disability in order to provide access to the application, interview and selection process upon request. Reasonable accommodation requests must be made in a timely manner by email at [e-mail] or by phone [phone].