Contract Negotiator I

Job Title

Contract Negotiator I

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Administrative Services Staff

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

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 negotia