The University of Notre Dame is seeking an experienced Research Contracts Team Lead – Agreement Negotiation to lead a team of research contracts professionals responsible for negotiating and finalizing a diverse portfolio of complex sponsored research and research-related agreements.
Reporting to the Director of Research Contracts within Notre Dame Research Administration & Compliance (NDRAC), this position combines hands-on contract negotiation expertise with employee supervision, team development, and operational leadership.
The successful candidate will be an accomplished research contracts professional who brings both substantial experience negotiating research agreements and proven experience supervising and managing employees, providing guidance on complex negotiations, supporting sound decision-making, and ensuring agreements protect the University's legal, financial, regulatory, and intellectual property interests. This individual will foster a collaborative, service-oriented team environment while managing competing priorities and advancing efficient, effective contracting practices.
This position requires demonstrated experience in both research agreement negotiation and employee management.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, supervise, and develop a team of research contracts professionals, providing coaching, mentoring, performance feedback, and ongoing professional development.
- Oversee the review, drafting, negotiation, and execution of research-related agreements, including federal and industry contracts, foundation agreements, master research agreements, non-financial agreements, and independent contractor agreements
- Provide expert guidance to team members on contract interpretation, negotiation strategies, risk assessment, and resolution of complex contractual issues and serve as the primary escalation point for challenging negotiations and contractual issues.
- Independently manage a smaller portfolio of complex research agreements including industry-sponsored research, federal and foundation agreements, collaboration agreements, data use agreements, and other contractual arrangements.
- Collaborate with faculty, researchers, departmental administrators, legal counsel, sponsors, industry partners, and other University stakeholders to resolve contractual issues and facilitate research activities.
- Identify and address negotiation challenges, contractual risks, and process inefficiencies while balancing institutional requirements with customer service and research objectives.
- Develop and implement consistent negotiation practices, team procedures, and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
- Support the Director of Research Contracts in assessing team performance, identifying operational needs, and advancing departmental goals.
- Maintain accurate contract documentation and ensure appropriate records management in University contract and grants management systems.
- Foster a participative leadership environment that encourages teamwork, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, legal studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5+ years of experience in research contracting, research administration, or a related field, including demonstrated experience negotiating sponsored research and other research-related agreements.
- 2+ years supervising employees or leading a team, with demonstrated ability to provide direction, coaching, and performance management.
- Expert knowledge of research agreement types, contracting principles, negotiation practices, and compliance considerations.
- Strong understanding of applicable federal and non-federal regulations and sponsor requirements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex assignments in a deadline-driven environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and contract or grants management systems.
- Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships, exercise sound judgment, and lead effectively in ambiguous or changing circumstances.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in higher education or a nonprofit research environment.
- Experience negotiating agreements involving industry partnerships, intellectual property, data sharing, research collaborations, and complex sponsor requirements.
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA), or Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) certification.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to lead and motivate a high-performing team in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.
- Strong understanding of contract risk, regulatory compliance, and institutional risk mitigation.
- Demonstrated coaching, mentoring, and employee development skills.
- Ability to navigate complex negotiations, resolve competing interests, and achieve practical outcomes.
- Commitment to customer service, collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.
- Ability to adapt to evolving priorities, work effectively under pressure, and guide others through uncertainty.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate complex contractual matters to diverse audiences.
NOTE:
To be fully considered, you must include a cover letter highlighting your research contract negotiation experience and supervisory responsibilities.
Salary up to $127,000 commensurate with experience.
Applications due by October 29, 2026
The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.
The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!
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