Award Negotiator /Senior Award Negotiator

Sponsored Programs Administration This position may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement dependent with unit operational needs. This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs. As an Award Negotiator, you’ll be part of the team that ensures Illinois researchers can confidently collaborate with government agencies, corporations, and international partners. You’ll negotiate a wide range of research agreements including contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and more while balancing sponsor expectations with university policies, compliance requirements, and academic freedom. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on precision, understands the value of nuance, and wants their work to fuel groundbreaking discoveries. If you're ready to contribute to a mission-driven office that values autonomy, integrity, and smart negotiation, then you can do this, and we’d love to see you apply. Job Summary Award Negotiator On behalf of the Board of Trustees, at the Urbana-Champaign campus, independently negotiate external sponsorship in the form of contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, non-disclosure agreements, material transfer agreements, collaboration agreements, teaming agreements, licensing agreements, sub-awards, and consulting agreements. Senior Award Negotiator On behalf of the Board of Trustees, at the Urbana-Champaign campus, independently negotiate externally-funded research sponsorship in the form of contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, non-disclosure agreements, material transfer agreements, collaboration agreements, teaming agreements, licensing agreements, sub-awards, and consulting agreements. Duties & Responsibilities Award Negotiator Negotiation Engagement and Advisement:Independently perform specialized negotiation of contracts and awards for sponsored projects on behalf of the University's Board of Trustees to ensure reasonable terms and conditions and compliance with international, federal and state laws and University policies and practices. Draft contract terms and conditions that provide for acceptable compromise for all parties while remaining compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Exercise authority in accepting terms and conditions, or alternatively determining the need for legal review or administrative approval. Possess the ability to manage a large portfolio of agreements with a variety of international, corporate, non-profit, federal and state sponsors. Advise faculty, administrators, and sponsored programs management on negotiations related to complex or sensitive agreement issues regarding regulatory compliance, intellectual property, publication rights, and liability. Policy & Regulation Interpretation and Application:Research, interpret and autonomously apply relevant international, federal and state laws, regulations, guidelines and standards to ensure compliance within agreements. Interpret, translate and autonomously apply University policies and procedures as they relate to specific terms within agreements. Independently identify compliance concerns through review of the project statement of work and Sponsor’s proposed contractual terms and conditions and engage with various University administrative and compliance units (OVCR, IRB, IACUC, IBC, Division of Research Safety, Human Resources, Purchasing, General Counsel, Risk Management, and Office of Technology Management) to ensure the sponsored activity and terms of the agreement adhere to policies, laws, and regulations. Electronic Systems Application & Training, Development and Presentation:Document, update, and maintain internal research administration database system, noting the specifics of each negotiation, including unresolved issues, institutional approvals and clauses of concern. Assist in developing training and tools to facilitate the ability of sponsored programs staff, University faculty, and department research administrators to obtain external sponsorship, manage sponsored awards, and maintain institutional regulatory compliance. Assist in new hire training. Office Contributions:Independently seek opportunities to increase overall office knowledge and services provided, including attending conferences and webinars. Manage multiple tasks effectively and with a high level of productivity. Independently seek opportunities for professional development. Overnight travel may be required. Perform other duties as assigned. Senior Award Negotiator In addition to the above Duties and Responsibilities for Award Negotiator: Negotiation Engagement and Advisement:Independently perform high-level negotiation of contracts and awards for sponsored projects on behalf of the University's Board of Trustees to ensure reasonable terms and conditions and compliance with international, federal and state laws and University policies and practices. Exercise authority in accepting terms and conditions, or alternatively determining the need for legal review or administrative approval. As a subject matter expert, advise internal and external constituents, and SPA colleagues on various complex agreements. Electronic Systems Application & Training, Development and Presentation:Assist in developing policy, communications, training and tools to facilitate the ability of sponsored programs staff, University faculty, and department research administrators to obtain external sponsorship, manage sponsored awards, and maintain institutional regulatory compliance. Serve as the primary liaison for onboarding new members of the Negotiation Team and assist in new hire training. Develop and deliver presentations at SPaRC, NCURA and other training opportunities. Business Office Contributions:Act as resource and back-up to the Assistant and Associate Director(s) of the Negotiation Team, coordinating communications with, and responding to inquiries from the Negotiation Team and others. Independently seek opportunities to increase overall office knowledge and services provided, including attending conferences and webinars. Manage multiple tasks effectively and with a high level of productivity. Independently seek opportunities for professional development. Perform other duties as assigned.