Contracts Officer II

The Opportunity
:

The Contracts Officer II is responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and other research-related agreements, which involves advanced knowledge of university policy and procedures, and state and federal regulations and law.

• Draft or review research-related contracts and other agreements, funded and unfunded, such as research and research services and consulting, memoranda of understanding, material transfer agreements, confidentiality agreements, master agreements, cooperative research and development agreements, data use, equipment loans, proprietary information, intergovernmental personnel assignments, and other agreements. Incorporate statements of work, budgets, invoicing terms, deliverable schedules, and other required terms.
• Coordinate agreement reviews by other Office of Research components, other University units, and the Office of General Counsel. Incorporate edits as required to comply with applicable policies, regulations, and law. Conduct award negotiations with sponsoring agencies and serve as primary liaison for the University with sponsoring agencies, investigators, and other University offices. Route revisions for additional approvals, as needed; route for signatures to execute agreements.
• Draft or review contract modifications received from sponsors; route for internal reviews, approvals, and signatures, as needed.
• Maintain the ability to work independently, efficiently, and accurately, and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.
• Serve as primary contact for investigators and college and department research administrators in assigned Colleges and Units in all matters related to the drafting, review, interpretation, analysis, negotiation, and execution of research contracts and other agreements in support of Office of Research sponsored program activities.
• Advise faculty, administrators, and staff in the interpretation and clarification of contract terms, appropriate business units, sponsor requirements, and applicable regulations and laws, including restrictions and other pertinent information.
• Interpret and assess contractual language regarding issues such as intellectual property rights, confidentiality, liability, indemnification, risk, publishing rights, invoice and payment terms, governing law, and confirmation of sponsor's corporate registration, and negotiate terms compliant with university policies and state law.
• Assist with the training and support of new staff members, including student workers.
• Provide notice to the Research Office award management team for the establishment of new projects; ensure all documents and information are filled for new project establishment or modifications to existing projects.
• Maintain proficiency in interpreting and applying federal regulations governing sponsored programs, including 2 CFR 200, Federal Acquisition Regulations, standard federal research terms and conditions, and agency-specific requirements.
• Remain current with developments in university-sponsored contracting and research administration through participation in professional development activities such as attendance at professional meetings, in-house webinars, and other informational sessions.
• Assist with special initiatives and projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's or Master's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219.

• 2 or more years of experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts within corporate, commercial, or academic environments.
• Proven ability to influence and persuade during contract negotiations.
• Demonstrated expertise in negotiating intellectual property (IP) clauses.
• Familiarity with contract management systems, including the Huron Grants Suite and third-party electronic platforms.
• Prior experience in research administration or related academic support roles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across various disciplines.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work…