Contracts & Negotiations Manager

Department: Office Sponsored Research
Salary/Grade: EXS/10

Job Summary:

As a professional staff member of Northwestern University Sponsored Research (SR), the Contracts and Negotiations Manager is an integral part of the institutional infrastructure that supports innovative research for ten schools, colleges, Centers and Offices across three campuses (Chicago and Evanston, Illinois and Doha, Qatar) at a distinguished AAU institution.

Reporting to the Associate Director Contracts and Award Acceptance, the Contracts & Negotiations Manager (1) serves as the unit/team lead for one or more sponsored research contracting business lines; (2) drafts, analyzes, negotiates a broad range of complex sponsored research agreements and contracts using a combination of expert-level skill, experience and knowledge of University, sponsor, and federal regulations and policies; (3) delivers scheduled and ad hoc training for staff within Northwestern Sponsored Research and externally; and (4) serves as a subject matter expert and conduit to key stakeholders and collaborators for Sponsored Research office staff.

Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Specific Responsibilities:

Contracting and Negotiation

• Manages the drafting, analysis, negotiation and execution of a broad range of complex international and domestic sponsored research agreements and contracts applying a combination of expert-level skill, professional experience and knowledge of University, sponsor, and international and federal regulations (Uniform Guidance, GDPR, etc.) and policies. Agreements will include, but are not limited to master/umbrella, clinical trial, basic and applied research, industry, material transfer, data use, and confidentiality agreements with corporate, government, non-profit and other entities. Safeguards university interests and mission objectives with respect to indemnification, intellectual property, publication, export control, liability, effort reporting, and compliance issues. Ensures compliance and fiscal integrity of outgoing proposals and incoming awards through consultation with SR leaders and other university stakeholders.

Infrastructure Support

• Serves as the unit/team lead for one or more sponsored research contracting business lines (e.g. Standard Research Agreements, Non-Funded Agreements, Clinical Trial Agreements, Federal Contracts, Industry/Corporate Agreements), to ensure that contracting operations are efficient and transparent. Manages and maintains contracting positions and negotiation library (playbook) updates for assigned business line(s) and ensures Sponsored Research colleagues are aware of changes. Identifies issues in Sponsored Research contracting processes and workflows, provides recommendations to the Contracts and Award Acceptance Leadership Team for resolution and/or works with the appropriate offices to address. Establishes and improves templates, tools, and standard procedures related to Sponsored Research contracting, such as standard agreement templates, negotiation checklists, and protocols.

Training and Development

• Delivers scheduled and ad hoc training for staff within Northwestern Sponsored Research and externally. Trains incoming contracts and negotiations staff on the negotiation of agreements within specific business line. Regularly reviews and updates training materials in concert with developments in the field and direction and feedback from the Contracts and Award Acceptance Leadership Team. Responsible for contract agreement workload assignment, development and training of junior-level contract staff.

Outreach and Collaboration

• Serves as a subject matter expert and Sponsored Research conduit to key stakeholders (e.g., Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, Conflict of Interest, Innovation and Technology, Corporate Engagement, Development and Export Control) and collaborators for Sponsored Research office staff. Provides comprehensive and concise legal advice and analysis on issues related to sponsored research contracting. Engages in collaborative educational and outreach efforts across Northwestern's campuses, with research administration and contracting associations (SRAI, NCURA, NCMA, MAGI) with peer universities (i.e., Big 10, FDP, COGR, AAU, NACUO, and UIDP member institutions), industry sponsors/partners and government agencies to establish and promote sustainable best practices in contracting and negotiations.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)

• Juris doctorate degree from an accredited institution along with 4 years or more experience in contract negotiation; Or, Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and minimum 8 years of experience negotiating government, industry, and non-profit agreements and contracts.
• Progressively responsible experience in contracts, research or grants administration in a university or directly related business or organization.
• Working knowledge of federal regulations and contract management as they relate to institutions of higher education, medical centers and private organizations.
• Superior customer-focus and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of contractual and legal issues, contracting and business principles.
• Superior writing, verbal, organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage through demanding and ambiguous circumstances with professionalism and proficiency

Target hiring range for this position will be between $97,000-$103,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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