Contract Negotiator
About the role
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) is responsible for administration of the extramural research grants and contracts to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-System. RSP currently manages an open portfolio of over $4 Billion with annual awards over $1 Billion. The Contract Negotiator will assist in the management of both UW-Madison's and UW-System's sponsored projects by processing and negotiating research funding and related agreements. The person in this position will also advise RSP staff, department administrators, researchers and faculty across campus on the implications of the terms and conditions with respect to the research and UW-Madison and UW-System policies.
Responsibilities
- Serves as a liaison to legal professionals and internal and external stakeholders in negotiating terms and conditions such as ownership of intellectual property, research compliance, fiscal reporting requirements, and payment schedules as needed (35%)
- Assists in collaborations across disciplines and functional areas by building relationships between internal campus contacts responsible for research administration and external stakeholders (20%)
- Train, advise, develop, and instruct on extramural support policies and procedures, serving as a resource to colleges/schools and PIs/researchers on contracting issues, contracting terms and conditions, and University policies (10%)
- Reviews, interprets, and negotiates complex extramural contracts, agreements, and award documents for compliance with Federal, State, and University fiscal and administrative policies on behalf of the institution (35%)
Qualifications
Required:
- Experience with interpreting policies and procedures (e.g. State, Federal, University rules and regulations)
- Evidence of strong customer service philosophy
- Evidence of fostering and maintaining effective working relationships
- Excellent written and oral communication techniques with attention to detail
- Bachelor's Degree is required
Preferred:
- Contract negotiation experience is strongly preferred
- Experience building consensus
- Background in Research or Experience in Research Administration
- JD preferred
Compensation
The starting salary for this position is $70,000 but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications. This position will receive a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts, and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.
How to apply
To be considered, applications must be submitted online. To apply for this position, please click on the "I am a current employee" button or "I am not a current employee" button under Apply Now to start the application process. You will be required to upload a cover letter and resume. Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents in the attachment field. Your cover letter should address your qualifications as they pertain to this position. Within the cover letter, please address your education and/or experience with the following topics: Your resume and cover letter should include all relevant education and/or work experience as it relates to this position, where it was performed if applicable, and should specifically address your experience interpreting policy and procedures, experience with negotiating contracts, providing customer service, and maintaining effective working relationships. Cover letters will be used as a writing sample and to determine the best qualified applicants. This recruitment would be used to fill vacancies over the next 6 months if positions/vacancies become available.