Contracts Manager - Military Veterans

The Contracts Manager helps protect the University of Minnesota's intellectual property by the timely and efficient completion of agreements for which the Technology Commercialization office is responsible. This includes drafting, reviewing agreement terms, and administering the execution of agreements. These agreements include Material Transfer Agreements (MTA), Human Derived Material Transfer Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), Plant Material Testing Agreements (PMTA), IP Waivers, and other agreements as needed.

The Contracts Manager works closely with members of the Technology Commercialization Office, research faculty, and outside personnel not associated with University of Minnesota. This position also consults with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) for legal guidance and with Export Controls for agreements with a foreign party.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Contracts Management (75%)

• Work with University researchers and Tech Comm staff to gather information to draft agreements
• Follow UMN policies to execute agreements
• Provide status and follow up information to researchers and Tech Comm staff
• Assess agreement requirements with guidance from OGC, negotiate non-standard agreements
• Work with OGC and Tech Comm staff to resolve legal questions regarding provisions in agreements.

Database Integrity and Reporting (15%)

• Create and maintain forms, processes and procedures for the Contracts team
• Maintain accuracy of database records for agreements and their related records
• Provide timely and accurate reporting of agreements executed and processed
• Respond promptly to inquiries on the status of agreements that are being processed

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

• Update procedures and processes for the Contracts team, including process improvements
• Attend Tech Comm office and team meetings
• Represent Tech Comm to other UMN units and other organizations
• Supervise student employees

Flexible Work Location Profile

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and the Technology Commercialization Office endorses a âœwork with flexibilityâ approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.

This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profile 3. Profile 3 employees are expected to work remotely more than 50% of the time. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location. Tech Comm management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree with at least two years of related legal administrative experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills, customer service skills and excellent attention to detail
• Able to work independently and with others
• Able to handle interruptions, prioritize workload, follow-up and meet deadlines
• Proficiency using Google products and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of related legal administrative experience or experience with legal agreements
• Certified paralegal from an accredited program
• Experience with drafting and executing legal agreements
• Experience with Material Transfer Agreements and/or Non-disclosure Agreements
• Able to work well with diverse populations
• Experience working in a higher education setting
• Resourceful and proactive when issues and/or emergencies arise
• Innovative thinker with strong conceptual and problem-solving skills