Contract Negotiator

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Contract Negotiator processing and negotiating sponsored research agreements for UW-Madison and UW-System. Advising researchers and administrators on contract terms, compliance, and university policies.

Posted 8/12/2026full-timeMadison • Wisconsin • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $70,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing research funding agreements and compliance with Federal, State, and University regulations, while effectively communicating and building relationships with stakeholders. Proficient in contract negotiation and training on extramural support policies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Contract NegotiationResearch AdministrationPolicy InterpretationExcellent CommunicationCustomer Service

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Contract NegotiationPolicy InterpretationResearch ComplianceFiscal ReportingAgreement Review

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingAttention to DetailConsensus BuildingCustomer Service Philosophy

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeJD Preferred

Industry Keywords

Sponsored ProjectsExtramural SupportResearch AdministrationFederal RegulationsState Regulations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assist in managing UW-Madison's and UW-System's sponsored projects by processing and negotiating research funding and related agreements
Serve as a liaison to legal professionals and internal and external stakeholders in negotiating terms and conditions, including intellectual property ownership, research compliance, fiscal reporting requirements, and payment schedules
Build relationships between internal campus contacts responsible for research administration and external stakeholders
Train, advise, develop, and instruct colleges/schools and PIs/researchers on extramural support policies, procedures, contracting issues, terms and conditions, and University policies
Review, interpret, and negotiate complex extramural contracts, agreements, and award documents for compliance with Federal, State, and University fiscal and administrative policies
Advise RSP staff, department administrators, researchers, and faculty on the implications of agreement terms and conditions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience interpreting policies and procedures, including State, Federal, and University rules and regulations
Strong customer service philosophy
Experience fostering and maintaining effective working relationships
Excellent written and oral communication techniques with attention to detail
Bachelor's Degree required
Contract negotiation experience strongly preferred
Experience building consensus preferred
Background in research or experience in research administration preferred
JD preferred
Ability to ensure eligibility to work in the United States
Cover letter and resume required
Employment may require a criminal background check
References may be required to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefits package
Generous paid time off
Competitively priced health, dental, vision, and life insurance
Tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts
Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund