Contract Negotiator I

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Agency

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Proposed Minimum Salary

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Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Responsibilities:

I. Contract review, analysis, drafting, and negotiation. The Contract Negotiator I (“CN”) responsibilities include (1) review and edit or draft (using approved forms/language), and negotiate terms of non-sponsored agreements including MOA/MOU's, material transfer, non-disclosures/confidentiality, leases, hotel/facility rental, interagency and intrasystem agreements, purchasing terms and conditions and service contracts; (2) draft using approved forms/language or review and edit, and negotiate terms of industry or commodity sponsored agreements; (3) ensure that contracts negotiated and routed for approval are in compliance with all laws, policies and guidelines, escalating appropriate issues to supervisor and/or legal counsel; (4) ensure proper contract close-out, extension or renewal as required; and (5) assist in document management, tracking and reporting.

CN must have ability to (1) analyze contractual language and edit with acceptable/approved alternative language as needed; (2) issue spot areas of risk and provide potential solutions; (3) provide guidance to administration and/or management on resolving issues that prevent completion of agreements; (4) manage multiple negotiations during the same timeframe; and (5) multitask and prioritize assignments.

II. Communications and customer service. CN works collaboratively with all levels of Procurement and Contracts Office, Administration, Office of General Counsel, System Real Estate Office, Office of Technology Commercialization, and Sponsored Research Services as appropriate. CN must have ability to (1) communicate effectively with all stakeholders to gather relevant facts for accurate contract revision or drafting and to facilitate and understand desired outcomes; and (2) provide guidance to administration and/or management on resolving issues that increase risk to the agency or prevent completion of agreements.

• Other duties as required.

Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Experience related to contracting in a university/research environment

Experience in sponsored research contract negotiation or administration

Experience related to contracting as state/government agency

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to review, understand, and revise business agreements and sponsored research agreements.

Ability to draft contracts and contract terms as necessary using approved forms or language. Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to negotiate contract terms resulting in a compromise.

Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work independently and as a team member.

Ability to effectively manage competing priorities and deadline-intensive, high-volume workload. Excellent organizational, time management, and analytical skills.

Detail oriented with excellent proof-reading skills.

Proficient in Microsoft Word and Outlook.

Ability to learn electronic document management systems.

Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of contract language and terms.

Knowledge and experience with Sponsored Research contracts.

Knowledge and experience with University/State Agency contracts.

Knowledge and experience in business contracting and administration.

Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Laserfiche and Maestro software.

Additional Information:

This position is prohibited from providing Legal Services which are the exclusive responsibility of the Office of General Counsel.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.