Research Program Coordinator III - Contracts Coordinator

About the role

The Program Coordinator III – Contracts Coordinator provides advanced administrative and contractual support for clinical research and program operations. This position serves as a key liaison among principal investigators, research teams, sponsors, legal counsel, procurement teams, and external collaborators. The incumbent is responsible for drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing research-related agreements and ensuring adherence to federal, state, sponsor, and institutional requirements. This role requires a high degree of independence, professional judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the drafting, review, and negotiation of research-related agreements, including Confidentiality Agreements (NDAs), Data Use Agreements (DUAs), Data Transfer Agreements (DTAs), Service Agreements, Vendor Contracts, and Research Collaboration Agreements.
• Review contract terms and conditions using approved templates and redlining processes.
• Identify legal, financial, operational, and compliance risks within contract language and escalate concerns as appropriate.
• Collaborate with legal counsel, procurement, investigators, sponsors, and institutional stakeholders to negotiate equitable contract terms.
• Ensure all agreements align with federal, state, sponsor, and institutional requirements, including clinical research and HIPAA regulations.
• Track contract lifecycles, including execution, renewals, amendments, milestones, expirations, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain contract records and documentation within institutional systems.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between principal investigators, research teams, sponsors, legal counsel, and external partners on contractual matters.
• Coordinate communications and facilitate timely resolution of contractual issues.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive contract databases, records, and tracking systems.
• Monitor program timelines and ensure completion of critical contract-related deliverables and deadlines.
• Assist with the development of program resources, forms, reports, and other contract-related communications.
• Provide guidance and support to investigators and research staff regarding contract requirements.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and service delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply complex contractual language.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology and clinical research operations.
• Ability to identify risks and develop practical solutions while maintaining compliance with institutional policies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, database systems, and contract management tools.

Qualifications

• Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum Required Experience: 5 years
• Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Paralegal Studies, Life Sciences, Healthcare Administration, or a related field
• Preferred Experience: 5 years of progressively responsible experience in contracts administration, grants and contracts administration, legal affairs, or related healthcare/research environments.
• Experience reviewing