Contracts Manager, Sponsored Projects Services

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Town of Amherst (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 87,500; Full time

Job summary

The Contracts Manager, Sponsored Projects Services at The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. oversees review, drafting, and negotiation of research contracts and related agreements.

You will work with university faculty, legal counsel, and compliance offices to ensure alignment with policies and external funder requirements. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years in contract negotiation, strong attention to detail, and proficiency in MS Office; JD is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree + 3 years progressive experience in a professional setting.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word/Excel/Outlook).
• JD preferred; 3+ years drafting and negotiating contracts is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft, negotiate, and finalize a wide range of contracts and related agreements.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, legal counsel, compliance offices, and external partners to gather information for negotiation.
• Conduct contract analysis to identify risks and mitigation needs.
• Provide input on contract language and institutional risk; refer legal questions to counsel.
• Stay updated on evolving compliance regulations and apply them to future agreements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong written and verbal comms

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Word

Excel

Outlook

Adobe Pro

Job description

Contracts Manager, Sponsored Projects Services

Position Title: Contracts Manager, Sponsored Projects Services

Department: Sponsored Projects Services

Job Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Sponsored Projects Services (SPS), within the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development provides leadership in grants and contracts administration from proposal development through award closeout, working closely with diverse university faculty and compliance offices to ensure the responsible stewardship of external funding.

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

• 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.
• Being a part of the University at Buffalo community.

As an Equal Opportunity / Affidavit Action employer, the Research Foundation will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin and veteran or disability status.

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.

Salary Range

$80,000 - $87,500