Contracts Associate (Research Administration & Sponsored Programs)

We are seeking a Contracts Associate manages a portfolio of grant, contract, and institutional agreement activities within the research administration office's purview. Leads the drafting, review, negotiation, and execution of domestic and foreign agreements, ensuring favorable terms and conditions that support the university's research, educational, and training missions. Agreement types include, but are not limited to, sponsored research agreements, service agreements, material transfer agreements, non-disclosure agreements, data use agreements, memorandum of understanding, collaboration agreements, student and scholar placements and exchanges, internships, visitor agreements, and degree and non-degree educational programs.

• Negotiate and draft sponsored agreements for assigned departments.
• Serve as the primary negotiator on complex, high risk, educational and research agreements, including terms related to FERPA, data privacy, branding, intellectual property, confidentiality, export controls, research security, and liability.
• Collaborate proactively with academic leadership and business development to structure agreements that align with university goals while protecting the academic mission, school interests, and institutional risk posture.
• Design, maintain, and evolve standard agreement templates, fallback positions, and playbooks to improve cycle time, consistency, and negotiation outcomes.
• Work with compliance offices, Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV), and the Office of General Counsel to resolve conflicts regarding award terms and conditions.
• Serve as liaison to funding agencies for pre-award problem resolution, agreement negotiations, and post-award matters.
• Provide advice and counsel to faculty and staff during proposal development and submission.
• Manage a portion of pre-award activity. Interpret, communicate and provide detailed advice to faculty and staff regarding proposals, interpretation of rules, regulations and compliance issues, and assist in applying them to specific applications, awards, and issues. Review proposals for completeness and compliance.
• Serve as signature authority on proposals. Review contract or grant documents with faculty, staff and leadership to advise on proposal and award strategy.