Grant Specialist, Contract Negotiator

Montgomery County Maryland; Manhattan (KS); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid eligible

Job summary

Kansas State University’s Office of Sponsored Programs seeks a Contract Negotiator to draft, review, negotiate and execute grants, contracts and other agreements with external sponsors. You will collaborate with investigators and university administrators to protect the University’s interests and ensure compliance.

The role requires evaluating risks with industry and foreign sponsors, advising on regulatory and compliance considerations, and supporting successful project outcomes within relevant

Qualifications

• High school diploma (or equivalent) required.
• Five years of relevant experience required.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate and execute grants, contracts and other agreements with external sponsors.
• Evaluate potential risks with industry and foreign sponsors as part of risk assessment.
• Provide analysis on contractual, regulatory and compliance considerations affecting extramural activities.
• Collaborate with investigators, university administrators and sponsors to facilitate projects while protecting the university’s interests.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Prioritization

Regulatory analysis

Business analytics

Deadline-driven

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree or JD in related field (preferred)

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Word

Adobe Acrobat

Excel

Outlook

Job description

About This Role

The Office of Sponsored Programs at Kansas State University seeks a Contract Negotiator to support the University's research and sponsored activities. This position is responsible for drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and executing grants, contracts, and other agreements between Kansas State University and external sponsors.

Additional responsibilities include evaluating potential risks associated with industry and foreign sponsors as part of K-State's overall research and sponsored activity risk assessment process. The position provides analysis and recommendations regarding contractual, regulatory, and compliance considerations that may affect extramural grant and contract activities, including export controls, research security requirements, and other sponsor-specific obligations. The Contract Negotiator works closely with investigators, university administrators, and external sponsors to facilitate successful project outcomes while protecting the University's interests and ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations.

About Us

The Office of Sponsored Programs provides a one-office approach to the full life cycle of research administration in assisting faculty, staff, and administrators in obtaining and administering funding from non-university sources to support K-State's creative and scholarly activities.

Worksite Description

This position is Hybrid eligible. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule upon completion of training, with a minimum of three days per week required on campus.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma (or equivalent)
• Five years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of work experience and education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in business administration or related field with a focus in business analytics, or JD or equivalent combination of BA or BS education and relevant experience.
• Strong communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills-experience.
• PC computer skills including Word, Adobe Acrobat, Excel, and Outlook.
• 3 years’ experience in Grants and Contract Administration.
• Five years of progressive research administration experience.
• Professional certification in the field such as Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA), or other similar research administration professional certifications.
• Familiarity with computerized reports, sponsored programs budgeting, financial accounting systems, and research suite software.
• Familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulations, OMB Circulars, and working knowledge of research compliance (IRB, IACUC, COI, IP, and other regulatory requirements).
• Familiarity with typical issues associated with university-industry contract negotiations.
• Experience in the acquisition, analysis, and application of business analytics for performing risk assessment of potential contractors and overall research administration.
• Experience in the interpretation and application of statutes and regulations.
• Ability to prioritize, exercise sound judgment and discretion, meet deadlines.
• Work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to meet inflexible deadlines on own initiative or as a contributor to a team-effort.
• Deal with difficult situations while maintaining professional decorum.
• Possess, or be able to swiftly develop, knowledge of the university's mission, processes, organization, and its culture and complex relationships with internal and external entities.
• Be able to analyze, interpret and apply complicated statutes, regulations and guidelines.
• Be able to work in a collegial manner and maintain effective relationships with a variety of persons, internal and external to the organization.
• Possess a high level of interpersonal skills in working with individuals in collateral, superior and subordinate positions.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Application Window

Applications close on: September 30, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$47,486 to $60,541