Grant and Contract Administrator IV

The Grant & Contract Administrator IV serves as a senior contract negotiator for complex research agreements that support the University of Arizona’s research, education, service, and outreach missions. This position leads the negotiation of a wide range of research-related contracts with industry, government agencies, foundations, and academic partners. Working independently and with considerable latitude, this role consults with principal investigators, university stakeholders, and external sponsors to ensure that agreements align with university policy and sponsor requirements.

The position applies advanced knowledge of research compliance, contract law, and institutional policy to develop and redline contract language, craft innovative solutions, and provide strategic input. This position may also serve as a subject matter expert on university committees, lead initiatives to standardize practices, and provide guidance to junior contract analysts.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Contract Review and Analysis:

• Independently reviews and analyzes complex agreements, including research collaboration agreements, clinical trial agreements, confidential disclosure agreements, incoming subawards, data use agreements, and other agreements as required.
• Evaluates sponsor terms for alignment with university policies, applicable federal and state regulations, and risk tolerance.
• Engages internal stakeholders, (e.g., Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, Export Control, Tech Launch Arizona) to evaluate complex or ambiguous contract terms. Collaborates with these partners to develop creative solutions to novel projects.
• Advises, assists and trains faculty and other study personnel regarding policies, procedures, forms, laws and regulations related to university agreements.
• Maintains thorough documentation and database records to track contract terms, risk considerations, and negotiation outcomes.

Drafting and Redlining Contract Language:

• Independently redlines complex, non-standard contract terms, applying advanced judgment to propose alternative terms that align with university policy, mitigate risk, and protect institutional interests.
• Drafts original language for unique or collaborative research agreements where existing templates do not apply, often partnering with external institutions and legal teams to tailor terms.
• Adapts and customizes agreement templates for multi-party or novel arrangements, considering project-specific requirements, University needs and sponsor expectations.

Contract Negotiation:

• Serves as lead negotiator on a broad range of funded and non-funded research contracts, representing the University’s interests in interactions with sponsors, partner institutions, and legal representatives.
• Manages the full lifecycle of the negotiation process, often without precedent or pre-approved or templated language, and completes negotiations within expected timelines.
• Engages directly with principal investigators to understand project goals and ensure contract terms reflect the project’s needs.
• Represents the university in meetings with external sponsors (e.g., NIH, Gates Foundation, Pfizer) and independently manages the resolution of complex contract terms to reach mutually acceptable terms.

Expert Consultation:

• Maintains knowledge of current developments in policy, laws, regulations and best practices regulating university agreements.
• Represents the department on institutional committees and cross-campus initiatives, contributing subject matter expertise to policy development and process improvement efforts.
• Provides strategic recommendations to unit leadership and helps shape operational best practices.
• Offers technical guidance and informal oversight to junior team members; serves as a point of escalation for complex agreement issues.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expert-level knowledge of contract negotiation, research administration, and applicable federal and sponsor regulations
• Ability to independently negotiate complex, non-standard agreements and propose strategic alternatives that align with university policy and research goals
• Advanced redlining and drafting skills, with the ability to develop original language for unique or multi-party research agreements.
• Skilled in balancing competing priorities and managing high-volume workloads under tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for effective collaboration with faculty, external sponsors, legal counsel, and university stakeholders.
• Demonstrated knowledge of university and sponsor agency policies and procedures.
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business-related field.
• Eight years’ (8) experience in a university, legal, healthcare, or business environment in research administration, contracting, business development, or research management or equivalent combination of experience and education.

• An advanced degree such as a Master of Science in a technical field, a Master of Business Administration, or a Juris Doctor.
• Experience with UA systems, specifically UAccess Research.