Contracts Specialist

University at Buffalo; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

University at Buffalo is seeking a Contracts Specialist to administer, draft, review, and negotiate simple agreements in support of sponsored research. This entry-level role ensures compliance with university and sponsor policies and works with faculty, legal counsel, and external sponsors to execute contracts.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and attention to detail. It offers opportunities to grow in research contract administration and collaborate on important

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 2 years’ experience.
• Familiarity with sponsored research contracts, NDAs, MTAs.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple contracts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation, review, and negotiation of simple agreements.
• Ensure compliance with University, sponsor policies and applicable laws.
• Collaborate with faculty, department admins, legal counsel and sponsors.
• Identify potential risks and provide mitigation recommendations.
• Support processing and management of contracts for sponsored research.
• Maintain accurate records of all contracts and related documentation.

Skills

Contract drafting

NDAs

MTAs

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Sponsored Projects Services ( SPS ) within the Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development at the State University of New York at Buffalo is seeking a Contracts Specialist. The Contracts Specialist is an entry-level position responsible for administering, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating simple agreements in support of sponsored research activity at the University at Buffalo.

This role is designed to ensure compliance with institutional policies, Research Foundation guidelines, and applicable laws, while providing crucial support for sponsored research contracts. The Contracts Specialist will work under supervision but is expected to develop proficiency in handling a variety of routine contracts and agreements. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to begin or further develop their career in research contract administration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer and Draft Contracts: Assist in the preparation, review, and negotiation of simple agreements, including sponsored research agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and material transfer agreements (MTAs).
• Compliance and Policy Adherence: Ensure that all agreements comply with University, Research Foundation, and sponsor policies, as well as applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with faculty, department administrators, legal counsel, and external sponsors to gather necessary information and facilitate contract execution.
• Risk Assessment and Issue Resolution: Identify potential risks and issues in contracts and provide recommendations for resolution or mitigation strategies.
• Support Research Activity: Assist in the processing and management of contracts that support sponsored research initiatives at the University, ensuring timely and accurate contract handling.
• Document Management: Maintain accurate records of all contracts and related documentation, ensuring that proper approval processes are followed and documented.

Learn more:

• benefits, where we prioritize your well-being and success to enhance every aspect of your life.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 2 years’ experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple contracts and projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with basic legal principles and contract language, with a willingness to learn specific institutional and sponsor policies.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and contribute to the overall efficiency of the office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in contract administration, especially within higher education or research environments.
• Familiarity with sponsored research agreements or university administration is a plus.

Physical Demands

Driving Requirements

Driving Requirements

Salary Range

Salary Range $63,000 - $68,000

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

Is a background check required for this posting?

No

Contact Information

Contact's Name

Stacey Brown

Contact's Pronouns

she/her

Contact's Title

HR Specialist

Contact's Phone

716-645-4492

Posting Dates

Posted

Posted 07/17/2026

References

Number of references required

3

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
  • WNY Jobs
• * Are you a SUNY employee eligible for special consideration as a result of retrenchment?
  • Yes
  • No

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].