Award Negotiator /Senior Award Negotiator, Sponsored Programs Administration

Overview

Award Negotiator /Senior Award Negotiator

Sponsored Programs Administration

This position may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement dependent with unit operational needs.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.

As an Award Negotiator, you’ll be part of the team that ensures Illinois researchers can confidently collaborate with government agencies, corporations, and international partners. You’ll negotiate a wide range of research agreements including contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and more while balancing sponsor expectations with university policies, compliance requirements, and academic freedom.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on precision, understands the value of nuance, and wants their work to fuel groundbreaking discoveries. If you're ready to contribute to a mission-driven office that values autonomy, integrity, and smart negotiation, then you can do this, and we’d love to see you apply.

Job Summary

Award Negotiator

• On behalf of the Board of Trustees, at the Urbana-Champaign campus, independently negotiate external sponsorship in the form of contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, non-disclosure agreements, material transfer agreements, collaboration agreements, teaming agreements, licensing agreements, sub-awards, and consulting agreements.

Senior Award Negotiator

• On behalf of the Board of Trustees, at the Urbana-Champaign campus, independently negotiate externally-funded research sponsorship in the form of contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, non-disclosure agreements, material transfer agreements, collaboration agreements, teaming agreements, licensing agreements, sub-awards, and consulting agreements.

Duties & Responsibilities

Award Negotiator

• Negotiation Engagement and Advisement:
  • Independently perform specialized negotiation of contracts and awards for sponsored projects on behalf of the University's Board of Trustees to ensure reasonable terms and conditions and compliance with international, federal and state laws and University policies and practices.
  • Draft contract terms and conditions that provide for acceptable compromise for all parties while remaining compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Exercise authority in accepting terms and conditions, or alternatively determining the need for legal review or administrative approval.
  • Possess the ability to manage a large portfolio of agreements with a variety of international, corporate, non-profit, federal and state sponsors.
  • Advise faculty, administrators, and sponsored programs management on negotiations related to complex or sensitive agreement issues regarding regulatory compliance, intellectual property, publication rights, and liability.
• Policy & Regulation Interpretation and Application:
  • Research, interpret and autonomously apply relevant international, federal and state laws, regulations, guidelines and standards to ensure compliance within agreements.
  • Interpret, translate and autonomously apply University policies and procedures as they relate to specific terms within agreements.
  • Independently identify compliance concerns through review of the project statement of work and Sponsor’s proposed contractual terms and conditions and engage with various University administrative and compliance units (OVCR, IRB, IACUC, IBC, Division of Research Safety, Human Resources, Purchasing, General Counsel, Risk Management, and Office of Technology Management) to ensure the sponsored activity and terms of the agreement adhere to policies, laws, and regulations.
• Electronic Systems Application & Training, Development and Presentation:
  • Document, update, and maintain internal research administration database system, noting the specifics of each negotiation, including unresolved issues, institutional approvals and clauses of concern.
  • Assist in developing training and tools to facilitate the ability of sponsored programs staff, University faculty, and department research administrators to obtain external sponsorship, manage sponsored awards, and maintain institutional regulatory compliance.
  • Assist in new hire training.
• Office Contributions:
  • Independently seek opportunities to increase overall office knowledge and services provided, including attending conferences and webinars.
  • Manage multiple tasks effectively and with a high level of productivity.
  • Independently seek opportunities for professional development.
  • Overnight travel may be required.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Senior Award Negotiator

In addition to the above Duties and Responsibilities for Award Negotiator:

• Negotiation Engagement and Advisement:
  • Independently perform high-level negotiation of contracts and awards for sponsored projects on behalf of the University's Board of Trustees to ensure reasonable terms and conditions and compliance with international, federal and state laws and University policies and practices.
  • Exercise authority in accepting terms and conditions, or alternatively determining the need for legal review or administrative approval.
  • As a subject matter expert, advise internal and external constituents, and SPA colleagues on various complex agreements.
• Electronic Systems Application & Training, Development and Presentation:
  • Assist in developing policy, communications, training and tools to facilitate the ability of sponsored programs staff, University faculty, and department research administrators to obtain external sponsorship, manage sponsored awards, and maintain institutional regulatory compliance.
  • Serve as the primary liaison for onboarding new members of the Negotiation Team and assist in new hire training.
  • Develop and deliver presentations at SPaRC, NCURA and other training opportunities.
• Business Office Contributions:
  • Act as resource and back-up to the Assistant and Associate Director(s) of the Negotiation Team, coordinating communications with, and responding to inquiries from the Negotiation Team and others.
  • Independently seek opportunities to increase overall office knowledge and services provided, including attending conferences and webinars.
  • Manage multiple tasks effectively and with a high level of productivity.
  • Independently seek opportunities for professional development.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Physical Demands

Standard office environment.

Required Qualifications

Award Negotiator

• Bachelor's degree in legal studies, business law, business management or closely related fields. Alternate fields will be considered with equivalent experience.
• Two+ years experience in a complex business, academic or government environment.
• Demonstrated experience in contract negotiation and management.

Senior Award Negotiator

• Bachelor's degree in legal studies, business law, business management or closely related fields. Alternate fields will be considered with equivalent experience.
• Two+ years experience in research administration in a University setting.
• Demonstrated experience in contract negotiation and management.

Preferred Qualifications

Award Negotiator

• Master's degree or JD.
• Experience in sponsored program review, negotiation and finalization of awards and contracts within a University pre-award research administration office.
• Certification in research administration (CRA).
• Certification in research administration at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Illini CRA).

Senior Award Negotiator

• Master's degree or JD.
• Experience presenting contract negotiation topics.
• Two years of experience in sponsored program review, negotiation and finalization of awards and contracts within a University pre-award research administration office.
• Certification in research administration (CRA).
• Certification in research administration at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Illini CRA).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Award Negotiator

• Required: Well-developed organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to complete multiple tasks, work effectively under deadline pressure and to successfully manage competing priorities with tact and efficiency. Outstanding customer service and highly developed communication skills. Ability to work autonomously and make informed business decisions with minimal oversight. Ability to work as a member of an effective, integrated team. Willingness to learn new electronic systems, and keep up with frequent updates to existing systems. Proficiency in commonly-employed software.
• Preferred: Knowledge of policies and procedures for the conduct of sponsored programs at the University of Illinois, including international, federal, and state of Illinois policies and regulations.

Senior Award Negotiator

• Required: Knowledge of international, federal and state of Illinois policies and regulations related to sponsored programs administration. Well-developed organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to complete multiple tasks, work effectively under deadline pressure and to successfully manage competing priorities with tact and efficiency. Outstanding customer service and highly developed communication skills. Excellent presentation and teaching skills. Ability to work autonomously and make informed business decisions with minimal oversight. Ability to work as a member of an effective, integrated team. Willingness to learn new electronic systems, and keep up with frequent updates to existing systems.
• Preferred: Knowledge of policies and procedures for the conduct of sponsored programs at the University of Illinois.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $70,000 to $75,000 at the Award Negotiator level and $72,000 to $77,000 at the Senior Award Negotiator level. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Friday, August 15, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. Incomplete applications and applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Leslie Lewin Reinhart at 217-333-0034. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1031714
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu