Careers at Drexel

Job Summary

The Director of Contracts provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the review, negotiation, and execution of research-related agreements within the University’s central research administration office. This position ensures that all sponsored research contracts and agreements comply with institutional policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations. The Director serves as a key advisor to senior leadership, faculty, and administrative staff on complex contractual matters and risk management related to sponsored projects.

Essential Functions

• Strategic and Operational Leadership:
  • Oversee the daily operations of the contracts team within the Office of Research, including supervision, training, and professional development of staff.
  • Develop and implement efficient processes, templates, and policies for contract negotiation and management.
  • Establish performance metrics and ensure timely turnaround of agreements.
  • Partner with the AVP for Research Administration to align contracting operations with institutional strategic goals. 
• Contract Negotiation and Management:
  • Review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of research-related agreements, including:
    • Sponsored research agreements
    • Clinical trial agreements
    • Data use agreements (DUAs)
    • Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
    • Subawards, collaboration agreements, and service contracts
  • Ensure contract terms protect the University’s interests with respect to intellectual property, publication rights, indemnification, confidentiality, and compliance obligations.
  • Serve as the escalation point for complex or high-risk agreements.
• Compliance and Risk Management:
  • Ensure all contracts adhere to federal, state, and institutional regulations, including those related to export controls, human subjects, data security, and conflict of interest.
  • Collaborate with offices such as General Counsel, Technology Transfer, Compliance, and Finance to resolve legal, fiscal, and policy-related issues.
  • Develop and maintain internal controls for contract tracking, audit readiness, and record retention. 
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Provide guidance and training to faculty, departmental administrators, and research staff on contract-related processes and policies.
  • Communicate proactively with sponsors, collaborators, and subcontractors to facilitate timely resolution of issues.
  • Represent the University in sponsor negotiations and research administration forums. 

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Business, law, public administration, or a related field or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in contract negotiation and research administration, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal regulations governing sponsored research (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FAR, DFARS).
• Strong understanding of legal and regulatory principles related to intellectual property, risk, and compliance.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Research Contracts Professional (CRCP), or equivalent credential.
• Experience with electronic research administration systems
• Prior experience in higher education or academic medical center research administration.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table

Location

• Remote

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade N. Compensation for this grade ranges from $90,430.00 - $135,640.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

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