Senior Contract Administrator

About the Job

The Senior Contracts Administrator will be responsible for high-level contract administration for the Technology Commercialization (Tech Comm) office.

The focus of this role will be agreement compliance, development and implementation of licensing contractual standard operating procedures norms and creation of guidance materials for Tech Comm.

They will also assist with and coordination between Tech Comm and with other multiple functional units within the University.

The Senior Contracts Administrator will be the primary point of contact and team lead for Tech Comm contract administration.

The incumbent will lead discussions with other UMN departments and external parties to advance contractual agreements related to UMN Tech Comm.

This role has potential for growth and scope expansion to meet the ever-evolving needs of Tech Comm contract administration.

This position has been designated as 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.

Core Responsibilities :

Agreement Compliance Program Design & Management (50%)

Design Compliance Program for Licenses

Systematic review of licensee obligations for existing license agreements, including federal reporting requirements, financial obligations, non-financial obligations, and other terms

Coordinate with multiple groups including Tech Comm Licensing Officers, Technology Strategy Managers, IP Administration, Tech Comm Finance, and UMN General Counsel

Identify tools and systems (i.e. AI, data collection software, survey tools, etc.)

Design contract termination process, administer terminations as needed

Contract Administration (30%)

Administer Tech Comm agreements including :

Inter-Institutional Agreements

Complex Plant Material Testing Agreements

Other complex legal agreements as needed

Collaborate with the Tech Comm portfolio managers, licensing officers, and other UMN Partners (including General Counsel, External Sales, University Relations, Sponsored Projects Administration, and others) to understand the evolving needs and priorities of Tech Transfer contracts

Develop norms and best practices for Tech Comm contract terms and language

Tech Comm Process Review and Improvement (10%)

Attend weekly decision-making meetings for patenting and marketing strategies

Periodically attend Technology Licensing and Technology Strategy Group meetings

Provide recommendations to Tech Comm leadership and drive change

Analyze current contract process documentation and lead refinements as needed

Team Lead (10%)

Provide daily work guidance to the Contracts team

Work with Tech Comm Leadership to determine prioritization of work to align with office goals

Develop, update, maintain and standardize process procedures for the Contracts team

Provide timely, accurate reporting of metrics on agreements executed and processed

Qualifications

Required :

BA / BS degree plus at least six years of experience.

Experience administering and managing complex contracts

Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service skills and strong attention to detail

Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues and / or emergencies arise

• Able to work independently and with others and with diverse populations;
• Able to handle interruptions, prioritize workload, follow-up and meet deadlines;
• Innovative thinker with strong conceptual and problem-solving skills;

Proficiency using Google products and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Preferred :

Six or more years of legal administrative experience, preferably with legal agreements

Senior Paralegal Experience

External Audit Experience

Experience working in a higher education setting

Advanced degree (JD, MS, PhD, MBA)

About the Department

About the Department :

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!

This position has been designated as 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. UMN Tech Comm management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.

We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
30+ days ago