Reports To: Corporate Counsel
Location: Durham, NC (hybrid work)
Employment Status: Full-time
Position Summary
The Contracts Specialist manages the preparation, negotiation, and administration of contracts, with primary focus on research partnerships involving universities and organizations in the semiconductor industry. This role upholds compliance with company policies, mitigates risk, and supports business operations by drafting, reviewing, and maintaining contractual agreements. The Contracts Specialist leads the end-to-end lifecycle of contractual agreements.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize contracts, including, but not limited to, master agreements, research service agreements, vendor agreements, MOUs, NDAs.
- Ensure all contracts comply with company policies, federal regulations, company contractual obligations, and legal requirements.
- Manage the timely routing, approval, and execution of contract documents in accordance with internal controls.
- Collaborate with internal teams (i.e.: legal, finance, and operations) to manage contract execution and amendment in a timely manner.
- Identify and mitigate potential risks in contract terms and conditions.
- Maintain an organized contract filing system, tracking key dates, renewals, and obligations.
- Oversee input and maintenance of accurate research and contract information and data into the company’s contracts database.
- Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, vendors and contractors, fostering strong and productive partnerships.
- Assist in contract modifications and compliance monitoring.
- Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on contract-related matters.
- Prepare reports as requested by management.
- Other duties as assigned by management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple contracts concurrently
- Strong understanding of contract drafting, risk assessment, and negotiation techniques
- Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
- Knowledge of standard contractual terms
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for internal and external interaction
- Ability to explain contractual concepts to non-legal stakeholders
- Able to work independently
Experience & Education Required
- Bachelor’s degree. JD, paralegal certification or equivalent legal training a plus
- 5+ years of experience in contract administration, legal support, procurement, or related field
- Experience with contract management tools beneficial
Preferred Experience & Education
- Prior experience negotiating research contracts with academic institutions
- Working knowledge of IP rights, data sharing agreements, and software licensing frameworks
- Experience navigating government or federally funded contract requirements, such as OTA, FAR or OMB guidelines
- Background in non-profit, academic consortia, or industry partnerships in STEM fields preferred
Physical Demands / Work Environment
- Sedentary/stationary position. Must be able to remain in stationary position for prolonged periods (up to 90% of time) with occasional movement around office environment
- Frequent computer use, including extended screen viewing (at least 90% of time), repetitive keyboard use, and some phone activity
- Hybrid work model requires work onsite and optional remote work
- Communication skills: listening, verbal, written, and presentations
- May require occasional travel for training or professional conferences
