Contracts Manager, Sponsored Projects Services

University at Buffalo

$80K — $87K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and 3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • JD preferred; 3+ years of experience in contract negotiation and drafting.
  • Experience in higher education settings is a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Review, draft, negotiate, and finalize a variety of research contracts and agreements.
  • Collaborate with faculty, legal counsel, and compliance offices to facilitate contract processes.
  • Conduct contract analysis to identify and recommend mitigation strategies for potential risks.
  • Provide input on contract language regarding institutional risk and refer legal inquiries appropriately.
  • Stay updated on compliance regulations to ensure future agreements align accordingly.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a collaborative environment with university faculty and diverse partners.
  • Engagement in meaningful work that supports research and innovation initiatives.
  • Access to resources and trainings within the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Position Information

Fiscal Year


Position Title
Contracts Manager, Sponsored Projects Services

Classification Title
Contract and Grant Specialist I

Department
Sponsored Projects Services

Posting Number
R260060

Posting Link
https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/62016

Employer
Research Foundation

Position Type
RF Professional

Job Type
Full-Time

Appointment Term

Salary Grade
E.5

Posting Detail Information

Position Summary

Sponsored Projects Services (SPS), within the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Developmentprovidesleadership in grants and contracts administration from proposal development through award closeout, working closely with diverse university faculty and compliance offices to ensure the responsible stewardship of external funding.

SPS is seeking a Contracts Manager to review and negotiate research contracts and related agreements. This position is responsible for learning Research Foundation and University requirements regarding terms and conditions and the approval process.

The Contracts Manager will manage a diverse portfolio of research agreement revisions, working independently with minimal oversight, and will work collaboratively across university units to support the negotiation and administration of research contracts in compliance with institutional policies and procedures. This position must also be able to work collaboratively within SPS and be an effective team member to further the efficiencies and capabilities of the office.

Responsibilities include:
  • Review, draft, negotiate, and finalize a wide range of contracts, including research contracts and related agreements, while ensuring compliance with institutional policies, Research Foundation policies, and applicable laws and regulations.
  • Collaborate with faculty, staff, legal counsel, compliance offices, and external partners to gather necessary information and documents to facilitate contract negotiation and execution.
  • Conduct thorough contract analysis to identify potential risks and issues and provide recommendations for mitigation strategies.
  • Offer input on contract language and institutional risk, referring legal questions to appropriate counsel.
  • Stay apprised of evolving compliance regulations and incorporate those into future agreements.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree plus 3 years' progressive experience in professional setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook.


Preferred Qualifications
  • JD preferred
  • 3 or more years of experience substantively drafting and negotiating the terms and conditions of contracts.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Pro.
  • Experience in higher education setting is desirable.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.


Our University Community

Physical Demands

Driving Requirements
This position will never drive a university owned vehicle.

Salary Range
$80,000 - $87,500

Additional Salary Information
The salary range reflects our good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, the role and associated responsibilities, and the experience, education, and training of the selected candidate.

Work Hours

37.5 hours per week

Campus
North Campus

Posting Alerts

Special Instructions Summary

Is a background check required for this posting?
No

Background Check Notification

Contact Information

Contact's Name
Stacey Brown

Contact's Pronouns
she/her/hers

Contact's Title
HR Assistant

Contact's Email
[email protected]

Contact's Phone
716-645-4492

Posting Dates

Posted
04/14/2026

Deadline for applicants
Open Until Filled

Date to be filled

References

Number of references required
3

Reference Cutoff Date

Instructions to Applicant

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