Grant Specialist, International Contract Negotiator - Kansas Staffing : Job Details

Kansas State University is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented professional to join its Office of Sponsored Programs as a Grant Specialist with a specialized focus on international contract development and specialized research and sponsored program agreements. This position is responsible for all aspects of preaward research administration, with a primary focus on the development and negotiation of complex international subaward agreements and prime contracts. The successful candidate will have experience with critical contracting issues such as governing law, intellectual property rights, insurance, liability, indemnification, foreign currency considerations, and ensuring consistency with federal and state laws, regulations, and university policies. Additional responsibilities include providing support for contracting principles required during proposal preparation and processing, as well as budget development and compliance with sponsor requirements from a subcontracting perspective. The role also involves conducting risk assessments of potential industry and foreign sponsors, with attention to export control regulations, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and international business practices. This position is a key resource for faculty and administrators, offering consultation on subcontracting principles and specialized research agreements. Please note: If the right candidate applies, we are willing to hire at the Lead Grant Specialist / Senior Contract Negotiator level, commensurate with experience.

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.

This position is Hybrid eligible. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule, with three days per week required in the office on campus.

What You'll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree
• One year of relevant experience
• This position may use an educational equivalency as determined relevant by a hiring manager

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three years of experience in Grants and Contract Administration
• Professional certification in the field such as Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre- Award Research Administrator (CPRA), Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM), 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
• PC computer skills including Word (Track Changes function), Excel, and Outlook
• Strong communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills-experience
• 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
• 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
• Able to analyze, interpret and apply complicated statutes, regulations and guidelines
• Must 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 2, 2025

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range: