About this role
Title: Senior Manager of Contracts Location: Midtown Org Unit: Contracts Work Days: Weekly Hours: 35.00 Exemption Status: Exempt Salary Range: $151,900.00 - $174,400.00 *As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices Position Summary The Senior Manager of Contracts leads complex sponsored research negotiations and oversees the team’s substantive review within Weill Cornell Medicine’s Office of Sponsored Research Administration, which executes over 2,000 agreements annually.
The Senior Manager resolves matters requiring departures from established negotiation positions, coordinates institutional decisions, and advises leadership on contractual risk. Working with the Associate Director and General Counsel, the Senior Manager develops review standards and guides staff through difficult contractual issues to protect institutional interests and support the timely conduct of research. Job Responsibilities Responsible for serving as the primary escalation point for contractual issues that remain unresolved after initial team review or require departures from established negotiating positions.
Determines the negotiation approach for complex agreements and disputed contractual terms. Ensures proposed terms that create precedent or exceed delegated authority receive appropriate institutional review and approval. Develops substantive review standards and negotiation guidance with the Associate Director and General Counsel. Recommends changes to approval requirements and clarifies decisions managers and staff may make independently. Evaluates contractual risk and negotiated outcomes across the contracting portfolio.
Directs corrective action to address recurring issues and inconsistent application of institutional positions. Responsible for coordinating with legal counsel, privacy, compliance, technology transfer, and research finance departments to resolve complex contractual obligations. Resolves matters involving intellectual property, publication rights, liability, and data or material use. Ensures accepted exceptions are documented and communicated to the team. Evaluates performance and develops staff judgment through coaching on difficult contractual provisions and negotiation strategy.
Monitors changes in sponsor requirements, regulations, and research activities to inform training priorities. Assesses portfolio trends to identify persistent barriers, emerging demands, and gaps in team capacity. Makes recommendations to departmental leadership regarding staffing, resource allocation, and operational improvements. Maintains current knowledge of federal, state, sponsor, and institutional regulations governing sponsored research. Includes human subject protections, animal care and use (IACUC), FDA regulations, export controls, conflict of interest requirements, privacy laws, research security mandates, and intellectual property regulations.
Delivers strategic guidance to staff and institutional stakeholders regarding regulatory changes and operational impacts on contracting. Leads the definition and prioritization of contracting business requirements for WRG Sponsored Programs (InfoEd) enhancements. Evaluates whether implemented system changes improve workflow, reporting, and contractual oversight. Performs other advanced duties and responsibilities as required.
Education Bachelor's Degree in related field required Juris Doctor or relevant master’s degree is strongly preferred Experience A Juris Doctor or relevant master’s degree is strongly preferred.
Approximately 7 or more years of experience in sponsored research contracting, including three years supervising staff.
A record of resolving complex negotiations and advising on contractual risk is required.
Prior work in an academic medical center or university is preferred.
- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrated research integrity policy knowledge (Conflicts, IRB, DSMB, IBC, IACUC, etc).
- Demonstrated proficiency working with the implementation of an electronic research administration system and a broad range of ITS skills.
- Exceptional communications and negotiation skills.
- Leadership and management capabilities.
Licenses and Certifications Working Conditions/Physical Demands Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “any person, any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA). We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.