Description

Job Summary:

The Director of Research Contracts acts as the primary contact for the creation, negotiation, execution and maintenance of research related contracts and agreements on behalf of the University. Works with other TCU offices and stakeholders to ensure legal and risk constraints are met, consistent with federal and state law and University policies. Responsible for the development of processes, and systems for contract portfolio administration. Resolves complex contract issues for specialized activities and services.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Oversees research contracting issues and legal requirements, negotiates applicable regulations with 3rd parties and the terms and conditions of contracts and awards with other central TCU offices and processes as needed/impacted. This includes the Office of Research, Sponsored Programs, and Research Compliance for foreign interactions, export-controlled information, and research security requirements. Consults with Office of General Counsel, Contract Administration and University Strategy and Innovation Offices as needed.
2. Acts as the primary liaison with TCU stakeholders and central offices to ensure University legal and other rights are protected in the research contracting process, consistent with university research, compliance and intellectual property policies.
3. Develops and maintains a contract portfolio of all research and research-related agreements including memoranda of understanding (MOUs), nondisclosure agreements, material transfer agreements, subaward agreements, collaboration agreements, teaming agreements, services agreements, sponsored research, amendments, etc. Maintain versions of troublesome clauses, terms, and tools to manage the efficient drafting of language and clauses necessary for unusual agreements and situations.
4. Develops pre-negotiation strategy to determine type of contract suitable for transactions or project work and balances contract language strengths, weaknesses and risks of the nonconforming terms, with business needs and to recommend innovative methods to deal with issues.
5. Prepares and finalizes contract documents; obtains required signatures; and distributes contracts, in accordance with university policies, legal requirements, and compliance with federal and state regulations, and to meet University internal customer needs.
6. Develops, manages, updates, and shares templates for research related agreements and coordinates the implementation of updated and new procedures for assigned job functions. Maintain documentation for business and risk analysis and resulting decisions for nonconforming contract terms and tracking of agreements to be included in various required University reporting for dollar thresholds and foreign components.
7. Provide guidance and advice regarding complex business risks with external partners and sponsors. Research and provide information concerning legal and policy issues of concern to the Office of Research in areas such as contracts, torts, labor issues, civil procedures, intellectual property rights and other matters, including to advise administration on matters of potential regulatory conflicts and compliance with federal and state regulations.
8. Develops and manages polices, procedures, handbooks, training guides etc. as needed. Trains faculty and staff on research contracting policies and procedures.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 10 years of experience in the drafting, review and negotiation or research related agreements in a university research office setting

Preferred Education & Experience:

• J.D. degree
• More than 10 years related experience in the practice of law
• Comfort performing in fast-paced environments with continual change

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• None

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of and skill in deploying best practice portfolio management techniques
• Knowledge of and familiarity with contracting, legal terms, rights and responsibilities
• Skill in agreement drafting and negotiation
• Excellent communication skills.
• Skill in the use of MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc).
• Ability to develop and oversee policies and procedures.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

AA/EEO Statement:

As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.