Contracts Manager

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 "work with flexibility" 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

The Technology Commercialization (Tech Comm) office at the University of Minnesota helps University research move beyond the lab and into the marketplace.

Our mission includes:

• Protection of University Intellectual Property
• Connecting researchers with companies
• Licensing technology for development of new products and services that benefit public good
• Fostering economic growth
• Generating revenue that supports the University's research and education goals
  

Visit our website to learn more!

Pay Range: $25.99 - $34.00 per hour (Annual: $54,058 - $70,720); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).