Senior Research Contracts Specialist

Job Summary

Join UT Southwestern as a Senior Contracts Specialist in the Sponsored Programs department. The Senior Contracts Specialist will work on the Agreements team, providing subject matter expertise and understanding related to the research related agreements through the draft, red-line and execution with our sponsors or sub-recipients and is not related to procurement or supply chain transactions. Understanding of our financial systems, eAgreements, University policy and federal regulations are important factors as well as understanding Uniform Guidance and the related monitoring of these types of research agreements. Additionally, Intellectual Property knowledge and working closely with our internal customers such as the Office of Technology Development, Clinical Research or HRPP may be required tasks of this position.

Why UT Southwestern?

At UT Southwestern, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development that align with your future goals and help to provide security for you and your family. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more that are all available on the day you start work. Recognized as the #1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth for seven consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report, we invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you’ll discover teamwork, professionalism, and consistent opportunities for growth.

Required Experience and Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, or related field and six (6) years' experience in business or public administration with emphasis on customer service in financial or contracting position.

Advanced degree (Master's or Juris Doctor) preferred.

Will require completion of State of Texas Contract Management certification (CTCM), which may be obtained after hiring. CTCM Certification not required in Sponsored Programs.

Job Duties

• Drafts and reviews contract documents. Revises contract language to meet legal requirements, including University policies, UT System policies, and applicable state and federal laws.
• Possesses one or more areas of specialized knowledge with respect to contract types (e.g. educational agreements, hospitality industry agreements, software licenses, etc.).
• Negotiates contract terms with other parties, which require communication with various levels of legal and business professionals; includes follow up on pending documentation to ensure timely completion of contracts.
• Maintains communication with University stakeholders, including faculty, administration and executive staff concerning contract negotiations, process and status; includes follow up on pending documentation to ensure timely completion of contracts.
• Interprets contract terms and conditions. Handles requests and approval processes for amendments or contract extension.
• Provides principal legal review of contracts. Determines need for the involvement of the Office of the Vice President for Legal Affairs in certain contracting matters, and works directly with that Office to facilitate and resolve such matters.
• Manages contracts after execution to ensure contractor performance compliance.
• Drafts correspondence related to the contract negotiation process.
• Participates with Supply Chain Management team members in the solicitation process prior to contract award and provides guidance to the evaluation team, as needed.
• Provides guidance and training for Contracts Specialists and Contract Administrators. Oversees the treatment of certain complex issues arising in contracting matters being handled by Contracts Specialists and Contract Administrators.
• Keeps abreast of, and has current working knowledge of, all statutes, regulations and policies related to the procurement and contracting requirements of the University.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.

Benefits

UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:
• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare – no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!