Sr. Contract Administrator

About the Job

Job Code:

9781GC

College/Unit:

Research Innovation Office

Job Code Title:

G&C Officer 1 - G&C Generalist

Department:

Technology Commercialization

Working Title:

Senior Contract Administrator

Salary Range:

95K - 100K

About the Job:

The Senior Contracts Administrator will be responsible for high-level contract administration for the Technology Commercialization (Tech Comm) office. The focus of this role will be agreement compliance, development of norms and guidance materials for Tech Comm, and coordination with multiple functional units within the University.

The Senior Contracts Administrator will be the primary point of contact and team lead for Tech Comm contract administration. The incumbent will lead discussions with other UMN departments and external parties to advance contractual agreements related to UMN Tech Comm.

This role has potential for growth and scope expansion to meet the ever-evolving needs of Tech Comm contract administration.

Responsibilities:

Contract Administration (30%)

• Administer Tech Comm agreements including:

○ Inter-Institutional Agreements

○ Complex Plant Material Testing Agreements

○ Other complex legal agreements as needed

• Collaborate with the Tech Comm portfolio managers, licensing officers, and other UMN Partners (including General Counsel, External Sales, University Relations, Sponsored Projects

• Administration, and others) to understand the evolving needs and priorities of Tech Transfer contracts

• Develop norms and best practices for Tech Comm contract terms and language

Agreement Compliance (30%)

• Review license obligations for existing license agreements

• Coordinate with Tech Comm Licensing Officers, along with the Finance and General Counsel groups to perform account reviews

• Administer contract terminations as needed

Tech Comm Process Review and Improvement (25%)

• Attend weekly decision-making meetings for patenting and marketing strategies

• Periodically attend Technology Licensing and Technology Strategy Group meetings

• Provide recommendations to Tech Comm leadership and drive change

• Analyze current contract process documentation and lead refinements as needed

Team Lead (15%)

• Provide daily work guidance to the Contracts team

• Work with Tech Comm Leadership to determine prioritization of work to align with office goals

• Develop, update, maintain and standardize process procedures for the Contracts team

Provide timely, accurate reporting of metrics on agreements executed and processed

Qualifications

Required:

BA/BS degree plus at least six years of experience.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service skills and strong attention to detail

Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues and/or emergencies arise

Able to work independently and with others and with diverse populations;

Able to handle interruptions, prioritize workload, follow-up and meet deadlines;

Innovative thinker with strong conceptual and problem-solving skills;

Proficiency using Google products and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Preferred:

Six or more years of legal administrative experience, preferably with legal agreements

Experience working in a higher education setting

Advanced degree (JD, MS, PhD, MBA)

About the Department

The Technology Commercialization (Tech Comm) office at the University of Minnesota helps University research move beyond the lab and into the marketplace. Our mission includes:

Protection of University Intellectual Property Connecting researchers with companies; Licensing technology for development of new products and services that benefit public good; Fostering economic growth; Generating revenue that supports the University's research and education goals. Visit our website to learn more!

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off

• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship

• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

• University HSA contributions

• Disability and employer-paid life insurance

• Employee wellbeing program

• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity

• Financial counseling services

• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).