Contracts Manager

Position Overview

The Contracts Manager plays a key role in advancing research, teaching, service, and creative activity at Illinois State University. In this fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, you will support a wide range of sponsored projects by securing agreements. This position offers continuous learning and a strong foundation for career growth in research administration.

What You’ll Do

As a member of Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP), the Contracts Manager provides direct day-to-day contract service and is the primary contact for related inquiries. In this collaborative role, you will work with faculty, staff, and external partners to review, negotiate, and finalize agreements.

You will:

• Review, negotiate, and execute sponsored project agreements
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to assess terms and secure approvals
• Apply federal and state regulations and University policies to ensure compliance
• Independently analyze agreements and ensure consistent classification of compliance requirements
• Develop expertise in research administration, compliance, and contract negotiation

Why This Role Matters

Your work directly supports Illinois State University’s mission and research enterprise—helping bring innovative ideas to life while ensuring responsible stewardship of sponsored funds. You will also build a versatile, in-demand skill set that supports long-term career advancement.

This position is IN PERSON for the first year.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's or equivalent degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics, public administration, project management, or a field related to the position.
2. At least three years of successful contract or grants experience OR research administration experience, preferably in higher education, education, non-profit, or government setting, including at least one year of experience reviewing contractual language or terms and conditions.
3. Ability to:
4. a. manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, accurately, and quickly, with supervision only needed on the most complex transactions.
5. b. keep attention to detail simultaneously with attention to the larger component maintaining
6. c. work in a deadline-driven environment
7. d. make independent ethical, knowledge-based decisions and act with integrity
8. e. produce accurate timely work products when working under pressure
9. f. maintain confidentiality.
10. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Demonstrated knowledge of 2 CFR 200, and a general working knowledge of FAR and contract law.
2. Master's degree

University Benefit Highlights:

• Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
• Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
• Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
• Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
• Paid benefit time

For more University Benefit information: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Information regarding eligibility for participation in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program can be reviewed here https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/insurance/