Contract Negotiator II

About the Role

As a Contract Negotiator II at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, you will play a crucial role in drafting, reviewing, editing, and negotiating various types of contracts, including non-sponsored agreements and sponsored research agreements. You will ensure compliance with laws, policies, and guidelines, and collaborate with multiple departments to facilitate contract processing.

Responsibilities

• Independently draft, review, edit, and negotiate terms of non-sponsored agreements (e.g., non-disclosures, MOUs, material transfers, service contracts) and sponsored research agreements.
• Ensure contracts comply with laws, policies, and guidelines, escalating issues to management or legal counsel as needed.
• Correspond with vendors, sponsors, and agency personnel to explain contract clauses, risks, and legal effects.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as document management, tracking, storing, and reporting related to contract files.
• Analyze contractual language, draft alternative language, and identify areas of risk with potential solutions.
• Provide guidance to investigators, administration, and management on resolving issues that prevent agreement completion.
• Manage multiple files and negotiations simultaneously while prioritizing assignments.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to gather relevant facts and facilitate desired outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Two years of business-related contract experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• J.D. degree or legal education/experience.
• Experience in university/research environment contracting.
• Experience in sponsored research contract negotiation or administration.

Skills

• Ability to review, understand, and revise business and research-related agreements.
• Proficiency in drafting contracts and terms without forms or supervision.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and compromise skills.
• Customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadline-intensive workloads.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook; ability to learn electronic document management systems.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance (with employer contributions to premiums).
• 12–15 annual paid holidays.
• Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at least 8 hours/month vacation.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Employee Wellness Initiative.
• Access to professional development and training programs.

This position requires an on-site presence in College Station, Texas, with potential for flexible work schedules and limited partially remote work options. It is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.