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Location: Raleigh, NC
Essential Job Duties:
The Contract Negotiator will support NC State University's sponsored research and other sponsored activities by developing and negotiating agreements with external sponsors. The position will work across a range of federal, state, local, nonprofit, and other organizations to help establish agreements that support the University's research, instruction, and sponsored activities while aligning with institutional policies and applicable requirements.
As the Contract Negotiator, you will apply subject-matter knowledge and sound judgment to navigate complex agreements, work with internal and external stakeholders, and help reach terms that support both the University and its research community. You will play an important role in identifying and addressing institutional risk while ensuring agreements are clear, accurate, and well organized.
Key responsibilities will fall within the following functional areas:
Contract Drafting & Negotiation:
- Draft sponsored project agreements using standard University templates for incoming and outgoing projects.
- Review and negotiate external sponsors' agreements to ensure terms are acceptable and compliant.
- Identify non-conforming contract language and negotiate modifications to align with University, UNC System, and regulatory requirements.
- Prepare and negotiate subawards with external entities, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Analyze institutional risk tolerance and conduct subrecipient risk assessments.
- Interpret legal agreements and assess the impact of proposed terms.
- Consult with University compliance offices (Office of Regulatory and Institutional Compliance, Post Award Financial Services, Research Commercialization, General Counsel) to ensure negotiated terms support University and sponsor requirements.
- Provide guidance to University clients on proposals, contract terms, and negotiation considerations.
- Communicate negotiation progress to stakeholders and ensure accurate, timely information sharing.
- Explain reporting obligations and provide complete information needed for financial and technical reporting.
- Develop training materials, update templates, and contribute guidance for the SPARCS website.
- Deliver classroom training or consultations to support research administrators across campus.
Other Work/Responsibilities:
In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.
Minimum Experience/Education:
Require post-baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor's degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications:
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues while independently managing assigned work, addressing issues, and following through to resolution.
- Manage competing priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy, completeness, and attention to detail.
- Communicate complex information clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats, adapting the message to the audience and purpose.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research administration experience within an institution of higher education.
- Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and applicable North Carolina and U.S. laws, including intellectual property and copyright law.
- Contract negotiation experience, including familiarity with negotiation software tools such as Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat markup features and contract management platforms.
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), or comparable professional certification.
- J.D. or other relevant advanced legal or professional preparation.
Required License or Certification:
N/A
AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
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