Grant Specialist, Contract Negotiator

The Office of Sponsored Programs at Kansas State University seeks a Contract Negotiator to support the University's research and sponsored activities.

  • 522194
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Office of Sponsored Programs
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Regular)
  • Closing at: Sep 30 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • Hybrid eligible
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About This Role

The Office of Sponsored Programs at Kansas State University seeks a Contract Negotiator to support the University's research and sponsored activities. This position is responsible for drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and executing grants, contracts, and other agreements between Kansas State University and external sponsors.

Additional responsibilities include evaluating potential risks associated with industry and foreign sponsors as part of K-State's overall research and sponsored activity risk assessment process. The position provides analysis and recommendations regarding contractual, regulatory, and compliance considerations that may affect extramural grant and contract activities, including export controls, research security requirements, and other sponsor-specific obligations. The Contract Negotiator works closely with investigators, university administrators, and external sponsors to facilitate successful project outcomes while protecting the University's interests and ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations.

About Us

The Office of Sponsored Programs provides a one-office approach to the full life cycle of research administration in assisting faculty, staff, and administrators in obtaining and administering funding from non-university sources to support K-State's creative and scholarly activities.

Worksite Description

This position is Hybrid eligible. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule upon completion of training, with a minimum of three days per week required on campus.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma (or equivalent)
  • Five years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of work experience and education.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in business administration or related field with a focus in business analytics, or JD or equivalent combination of BA or BS education and relevant experience.
  • Strong communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills-experience.
  • PC computer skills including Word, Adobe Acrobat, Excel, and Outlook.
  • 3 years’ experience in Grants and Contract Administration.
  • Five years of progressive research administration experience.
  • Professional certification in the field such as Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA), or other similar research administration professional certifications.
  • Familiarity with computerized reports, sponsored programs budgeting, financial accounting systems, and research suite software.
  • Familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulations, OMB Circulars, and working knowledge of research compliance (IRB, IACUC, COI, IP, and other regulatory requirements).
  • Familiarity with typical issues associated with university-industry contract negotiations.
  • Experience in the acquisition, analysis, and application of business analytics for performing risk assessment of potential contractors and overall research administration.
  • Experience in the interpretation and application of statutes and regulations.
  • Ability to prioritize, exercise sound judgment and discretion, meet deadlines.
  • Work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders.
  • Ability to meet inflexible deadlines on own initiative or as a contributor to a team-effort.
  • Deal with difficult situations while maintaining professional decorum.
  • Possess, or be able to swiftly develop, knowledge of the university's mission, processes, organization, and its culture and complex relationships with internal and external entities.
  • Be able to analyze, interpret and apply complicated statutes, regulations and guidelines.
  • Be able to work in a collegial manner and maintain effective relationships with a variety of persons, internal and external to the organization.
  • Possess a high level of interpersonal skills in working with individuals in collateral, superior and subordinate positions.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Three professional references with contact information

Application Window

Applications close on: September 30, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$47,486 to $60,541

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship: 

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.