Contract Negotiator

Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services (SPARCS) has administrative responsibility for all sponsored contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements awarded to the University, which currently includes more than 3,000 awards totaling approximately $400 million annually. SPARCS facilitates the submission of proposals and the negotiation of sponsored agreements for funding to NC State University. SPARCS also administers internally and externally funded projects, negotiates other types of agreements, and is responsible for sub-award administration. This includes all aspects of externally sponsored research and scholarship, from pre-award management to non-fiscal post-award management.

Essential Job Duties

The Negotiator in the Sponsored Programs office plays a crucial role in facilitating agreements between NC State and external sponsors, ensuring the funding and execution of research, instruction, and sponsored activities. This role demands adept negotiation skills, legal acumen, and a commitment to upholding university policies and regulatory compliance.

The Office of Sponsored Programs seeks three Negotiators, each specializing in either industry contracting or government and non-profit agreements.

Responsibilities:

Agreement Drafting and Review

• Draft, review, adapt, and negotiate both NC State agreements and external sponsor agreements.

• Ensure agreements align with university policies, regulatory requirements, and the interests of all involved parties.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Collaborate with a diverse array of external sponsors, including business and industry sectors, non-profit organizations, and federal agencies.

• Liaise with representatives from Research Administration and Compliance, the Office of Contracts and Grants, the Office of Research Commercialization, and the Office of General Counsel to ensure negotiated agreements align with university and regulatory standards.

Complex Issue Resolution

• Utilize expertise and university resources to solve complex issues arising during negotiation processes.

• Conduct formal negotiations and provide advice on proposals to university customers and sponsors.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

• Assess risks associated with proposed contract terms and take action to eliminate or modify terms to reach mutually acceptable agreements.

• Prepare risk assessments and record negotiation actions in a database.

Communication and Reporting

• Keep university stakeholders informed on negotiation progress.

• Provide complete and accurate information to fulfill financial and technical reporting obligations of involved parties.

Training and Support

• Participate in training and support activities for the university community of research administrators.

• Offer guidance on the SPARCS website, update templates, develop tutorial materials, and conduct classroom or virtual training sessions as needed.

Other Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Master's degree or Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field, plus 2 years experience in the processing, negotiating, and/or administration of grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements.

Other Required Qualifications

SPARCS excitedly seeks a self-motivated individual who can work effectively both alone and as part of a team. A successful candidate will have demonstrated abilities in:

• Interpreting; applying; and educating others regarding an organization's policies, rules, regulations and/or procedures

• Excellent customer service skills;

• Problem solving skills;

• Reviewing and complying with sponsored project agreements or other relevant legal agreements;

• Utilizing the Microsoft Office suite of software applications (especially Word and Excel), Adobe Acrobat, and various internet browsers;

• Excellent written and oral communication skills; and

• Willingness to learn and work with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in research administration at a college or university is highly desirable.

• Be a "Certified Research Administrator" (CRA) or other comparable professional certification.

• Familiarity with US Law regarding Intellectual Property (IP) and Copyright (CR).

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required No