Lead Contract Negotiator

Job Summary

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), within the Office of Research & Innovation (ORI), provides leadership in grants and contracts administration throughout the lifecycle of awards, by working closely with diverse university faculty and compliance offices to ensure the responsible stewardship of external funding. Reporting to the Director, Contracts and Subawards, the Lead Contract Negotiator drafts, reviews, negotiates and executes Clinical Trial Agreements, Sponsored Research Agreements, Master Research Agreement, MOU, NDA, DUA, federal contracts, and other type of agreements related to research and sponsored activities at Drexel University. Routinely works with University partners including the Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, Applied Innovation, Research Compliance, Tax Office and Office of Privacy, Compliance and Internal Audit for review and execution of the agreements.

The Lead Contract Negotiator requires the ability to comprehend federal, state and local regulations and restrictions as well as sponsor and university guidelines. Maintain knowledge of current developments in policy, laws, regulations, and best practices regulating sponsored program agreements; contract negotiation skills; excellent computer skills in MS 365 applications; demonstrated ability to work under within tight and conflicting deadlines using organizational skills, meet deadlines, and process large amounts of information; ability to interact professionally and effectively with investigators, sponsors and cross functional teams both verbally and in writing; ability to work as a member of a large, complex support team; ability to respond quickly and effectively in verbal negotiations and resolve issues with a positive outcome, serve as a conduit to seek and affect successful creative resolutions to contract issues; must have good interpersonal skills; must be a good communicator.

Essential Functions

• Identify, define, and resolve issues related to sponsored project contracting activities in accordance with federal, other government, funding agency, and institutional policies and regulations.
• Support Drexel's research community in the administration of contracts and agreements for externally sponsored projects, funded and unfunded, providing expertise, customer service and support.
• Utilize and maintain systems and procedures related to processing of contracts and agreements.
• Consult with the Senior Contracts Negotiator regarding issues and solutions.
• Independently reviews, processes, coordinates, and leads negotiation of terms and compliance requirements.
• Routinely works with University partners including the Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, Applied Innovation, Research Compliance, Tax Office and Office of Privacy, Compliance and Internal Audit to ensure timely review and execution of contracts.
• Fully comprehend the policies, procedures and other guidelines established by the University and OR GAAP, other applicable accounting industry and regulatory principles, including Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Costs Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards), FARs, DFARs, Edgar, etc.
• Works with the Senior Contracts Negotiator to serve as university resource for principal investigators, study personnel and other university officials providing expertise and consultation related to regulatory and policy issues.
• Advise, assist, and provide training to faculty and other study personnel about policies, procedures, forms, laws, and regulations related to university agreements.
• Maintains a database to communicate the status of contracts and amendments.
• Perform special projects and other responsibilities as required.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree.
  • Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or JD

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table

Location

• Remote

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade L. Compensation for this grade ranges from $62,630.00 - $93,950.00. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.