Director of Research Contracts

Director of Research Contracts

Texas A&M University

Sponsored Research Services

Proposed Minimum Salary: Commensurate

Job Location: College Station, Texas

Job Type: Staff

Job Description

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Sponsored Research Services (SRS) provides research administration services to The Texas A&M University System. We further the research goals of the university by delivering efficient and superior service to members of the Texas A&M System research community. To learn more, visit

What We Do

• Support faculty members in the preparation, review, and submission of research proposals.
• Interpret and effectively communicate sponsor guidelines to ensure compliance with all requirements.
• Budget preparation and compliance verification with sponsor regulations and Texas A&M University System Member policies.
• Coordinate and compile proposal materials in collaboration with internal and external collaborators.
• Ensure accurate final proposal preparation, review and submission while adhering to strict deadlines.

Who We Want

The Director of Contract Negotiation within Sponsored Research Services (SRS) at Texas A&M University provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the negotiation and execution of sponsored research and unfunded research-related agreements supporting a large, complex, and diverse research portfolio. This position plays a critical role in advancing the University's mission as a leading R1/R01 institution by facilitating timely, compliant, and effective research partnerships with federal agencies, industry sponsors, foundations, and collaborating institutions.

Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire's experience. A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

SRS offices are located in College Station, Texas. On-site, hybrid, and remote possibilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten years of related experience in management to include at least four years' experience in research administration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, law, public administration.
• Experience within The Texas A&M University System or another large public university system.
• Familiarity with clinical trial contracting and industry-sponsored research.
• Professional certification such as Certified Research Administrator (CRA).
• Experience with electronic research administration (eRA) and contract management systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Strategic thinking and risk assessment.
• Strong leadership and team development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to manage high-volume workload with competing priorities.
• Collaborative, service-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

• Contract Negotiation and Execution - Directs and performs advanced negotiation and execution of complex research agreements on behalf of the University. Exercises independent judgment in reviewing, drafting, and approving contractual terms, including intellectual property, indemnification, limitation of liability, confidentiality, and publication rights. Serves as the final escalation point for complex or high-risk agreements and ensures timely execution consistent with institutional policies and sponsor requirements.
• Leadership and Personnel Management - Provides administrative and functional supervision of contract negotiation staff. Assigns and prioritizes workload, establishes performance expectations, and conducts evaluations. Leads recruitment, training, and professional development initiatives. Exercises discretion in personnel matters and foster a high-performing, service-oriented team environment.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation - Provides expert consultation to faculty, principal investigators, and research administrators regarding contract terms and negotiation strategies. Represents the University in negotiations with external sponsors, including federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation, industry partners, and nonprofit organizations.
• Resolves disputes and facilitates agreement between parties.
• Process Development, Risk Management and Compliance - Develops, interprets, and implements institutional best practices for contract negotiation, standard agreement templates, and negotiation guidelines. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing sponsored research. Collaborates with legal counsel and compliance offices to assess and mitigate contractual and regulatory risk.
• Strategic Operations and Process Improvement - Leads initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reduce contract cycle times, and enhance service delivery. Analyzes data and metrics to inform process improvements and strategic planning. Participates in institutional initiatives to expand research activity and partnerships.
• Reporting, Special Projects and other duties - Prepare reports and analyses for senior leadership. Participates in audits, compliance reviews, and special projects. Represents Sponsored Research Services on institutional committees and task forces.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.