Contract Negotiator

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here.

Welcome to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) … a world unlike any other! 

• Review and negotiate agreements for VCU sponsored projects. Includes the ability to analyze and correctly interpret regulatory and contractual requirements and ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, university policies, and applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations associated with Federal and Non-Profit supported sponsored projects and clinical trials. Responsible for pre-award and post-award duties such as reviewing, preparing, negotiating, executing, and managing research agreements, contract amendments, confidentiality agreements and clinical trial agreements with Federal and Non-Profit entities;
  
• Provide guidance to the University community related to clinical and non-clinical research projects, training programs and other externally sponsored collaborations with Federal and Non-Profit entities in a manner consistent with the comprehensive mission of VCU;
  
• Provide personalized assistance (through RAMS-SPOT database, email, and/or by phone) to faculty and staff who are seeking and/or managing external funding for Federal and Non-Profit sponsored projects and clinical trial contracts. To include review of administrative actions, the drafting and negotiation of acceptable terms and timely execution of agreements and agreement modifications; 
  
• Maintains contractual records in RAMS-SPOT database and related contract tracking records 
  
• Participate in continuing education and pursue career-building training to stay current on procedures, policies, regulations and best practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with progressive work experience in research administration preferred
• Working knowledge of academic research operations and generally accepted business practices
• Online Tracking (RAMS-SPOT) or comparable sponsored program electronic database experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of federal regulations including but not limited to Uniform Guidance and Federal Acquisition
  Regulations preferred

Minimum Qualifications

• Previous experience with research administration lifecycle and terminology
• Ability to work successfully with university database for research administration
• Possess strong organization, analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Be able to work independently and with accountability
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong team and collaborative skills
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to a diverse population
• Must demonstrate the ability to creatively resolve problems related to sponsored programs administration in negotiating Federal/Non-Profit research grants, contracts and clinical trial agreements
• Experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU