Contract Negotiator

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) is responsible for administration of the extramural research grants and contracts to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-System. RSP currently manages an open portfolio of over $4 Billion with annual awards over $1 Billion. The Contract Negotiator will assist in the management of both UW-Madison's and UW-System's sponsored projects by processing and negotiating research funding and related agreements. The person in this position will also advise RSP staff, department administrators, researchers and faculty across campus on the implications of the terms and conditions with respect to the research and UW-Madison and UW-System policies.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Reviews, interprets, and negotiates complex extramural contracts, agreements, and award documents for compliance with Federal, State, and University fiscal and administrative policies on behalf of the institution (35%)
• Train, advise, develop, and instruct on extramural support policies and procedures, serving as a resource to colleges/schools and PIs/researchers on contracting issues, contracting terms and conditions, and University policies (10%)
• Assists in collaborations across disciplines and functional areas by building relationships between internal campus contacts responsible for research administration and external stakeholders (20%)
• Serves as a liaison to legal professionals and internal and external stakeholders in negotiating terms and conditions such as ownership of intellectual property, research compliance, fiscal reporting requirements, and payment schedules as needed (35%)

Department: Office of Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR), Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP), Pre-Award, Contracts Team

Compensation: The starting salary for this position is $70,000 but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications. This position will receive a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts, and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience with interpreting policies and procedures (e.g. State, Federal, University rules and regulations).
• Evidence of strong customer service philosophy.
• Evidence of fostering and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Excellent written and oral communication techniques with attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Contract negotiation experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience building consensus
• Background in Research or Experience in Research Administration

Education: Bachelor's Degree is required. JD preferred.