Senior Contracts Specialist

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington, Office of Sponsored Programs, seeks a Senior Contracts Specialist to review, negotiate, and execute a wide range of sponsored research agreements on behalf of the University.

Reporting to the Contracts Team Manager, you will independently manage complex agreements, ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, sponsor requirements, and university policies, while guiding faculty and departmental partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of grant/contract administration.
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance and federal regulations.
• Experience reviewing, negotiating and executing complex research agreements.
• Ability to interpret and apply sponsor requirements and university policies.

Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and evaluate award terms and conditions.
• Negotiate terms with sponsors to ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with faculty and departmental representatives.
• Maintain complete and accurate agreement files.
• Stay aware of regulatory changes and sponsor policies.
• Lead outreach and staff development activities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation skills

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

JD or Master’s Degree

Job description

Job Description

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) has an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Contracts Specialist to join their team.

About This Opportunity

The Senior Contracts Specialist supports the University of Washington’s Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), which facilitates more than 1.8 billion annually in sponsored project awards. This position is part of the Office of Sponsored Programs within the Office of Research and is responsible for reviewing, negotiating, and executing a wide range of sponsored research‑related agreements on behalf of the University.

Reporting to the Contracts Team Manager, the Senior Contracts Specialist independently manages complex agreements that enable UW faculty to conduct research while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, sponsor requirements, and University policies. The role is essential to advancing the University’s research mission by mitigating institutional risk and supporting productive collaborations with external sponsors.

This position requires a high level of independent judgment and subject matter expertise in reviewing and negotiating complex research agreements, including industry sponsored clinical trials, government contracts, collaborative research agreements, and unfunded agreements. The Senior Contracts Specialist must assess legal, financial, and compliance risks; interpret and apply varied sponsor requirements; and negotiate acceptable terms that protect the University’s interests.

The role demands the ability to prioritize and manage a dynamic workload in a deadline‑driven environment while providing informed guidance to faculty and departmental partners. The incumbent must effectively balance competing priorities, navigate ambiguity, and adapt to evolving regulatory and sponsor landscapes with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Contract Review and Negotiations – 90%
  • Review, analyze, and evaluate award terms and conditions for individual agreements;
  • Independently negotiate agreement terms with sponsors to ensure compliance with federal and state law, University policy, and sponsor requirements;
  • Collaborate with faculty and departmental representatives throughout the negotiation process;
  • Assess institutional risk and document negotiated outcomes;
  • Maintain complete, current and accurate agreement files as official records in the system of record.
• Regulatory and Government Policy – 5%
  • Stay abreast of the changing regulatory landscape;
  • Maintain awareness of changes in sponsor policies and practices;
  • Evaluate and make recommendations for changes to policies and processes; needed because of changes in regulations or overall funder policies and practices.
• Education, Development and Outreach – 5%
  • Recommend classes, courses or webinars that may be beneficial to the team or the office;
  • Prepare and present material for staff enrichment and professional development;
  • Prepare and lead outreach efforts to campus units;
  • Represent the office in interdepartmental workgroups, contributing expertise in matters with broad implications to the University mission.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree;
• 6 or more years of increasingly responsible experience and development of expertise in grant and/or contract administration;

Additional Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills;
• Knowledge of federal regulations concerning management of federal assistance funding, including the Uniform Guidance;
• Understanding of compliance requirements;
• Understanding of roles and responsibilities at a large, research university;
• Working knowledge of non‑fiscal compliance areas such as conflict of interest, research security, export controls, human subjects and animal care policies and regulations;
• Understanding of copyright law, publication policy, intellectual property rights, and data ownership;
• Knowledge of sponsor types and the differences in sponsor requirements;
• Knowledge of federal acquisition processes and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR);
• Ability to interpret, explain and apply complicated rules, regulations and policies;
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills;
• A demonstrated capacity to work with and within a diverse community.

Preferred Qualifications

• JD or Master’s Degree in related discipline, such as Business Administration, Research Administration, or Public Administration.

Working Conditions

• Individuals may work at the OSP office on the UW Seattle campus, 100% remote, or a combination (hybrid). The OSP office is a standard open‑plan office environment located in the UW Tower, a high‑rise office building on the edge of the UW Seattle campus;
• Work schedule and location flexibility is available and encouraged, within the boundaries of OSP policy;
• Individuals must provide their own transportation to/from their official residence and their official duty station(s);
• The UW does not provide employees with free parking; parking is available at the UW Tower for a fee.

Application Requirement

This recruitment requires a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be forwarded to the hiring department.

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum

$95,604.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$107,604.00 annual

Benefits

Other Compensation

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

Not Applicable

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem‑solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206‑543‑6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.