Position Information

Position Title

Contracts Specialist

Research Project

Department/Unit

Research Services

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number

S131-26

Employee Group

DPMG

Position Type

Term

Duration of Contract (if applicable)

1 year

Employment Type

Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE)

1.0

Salary

$61,491 - $82,262 per annum

Classification

ADM-05

Provisional Statement

This is a provisional classification. Formal regular review classification procedures may be initiated at any time by the incumbent or supervisor after the incumbent has worked a minimum of six months in the role.

About Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

Dalhousie University, under the leadership of the Vice-President Research & Innovation, administers over $270M annually in research funding. Reporting to the Associate Legal Counsel, the Contracts Specialist manages, reviews and negotiates a large number of incoming draft contracts, and on occasion, may draft contracts for consideration and review. They work independently or collaboratively, as required, within a busy office and client environment, seeking and receiving support and direction from the Associate Legal Counsel.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, review and negotiate a high volume of research contracts, and conduct detailed reviews of legal documents/agreements, providing comments and advice to the researcher for consideration.

• Communicate with the contract partner/funder, as necessary, to discuss and resolve issues; partners include funding agencies, provincial and federal government organizations, other universities, industry, foundations/not-for-profits, etc.

• Respond to inquiries and questions from the Dalhousie research community, including researchers and administrators on contract matters and issues.

• Work within the legal contract online administrative system established by the Legal Counsel Office, ensuring all files, correspondence and legal documents are appropriately labeled, stored, tracked and available for access by the Office of Research Services and Legal Counsel Office.

• Liaise with Research Accounting, Financial Services as necessary on contract accounts.

Note

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree plus five years’ experience in a related role, such as contracts administration (or equivalent combination of training and experience).

• Demonstrated experience negotiating contracts, interpreting legal clauses, and clarifying associated risks.

• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with the ability to approach stakeholders with tact, sensitivity, diplomacy, and flexibility.

• Experience developing contracts and/or contract templates.

• Demonstrated ability to be thorough and detailed orientated with excellent time management skills to deal with time sensitive material.

• Proficient skills in MS Office (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint), video calls, electronic file transfer, internet and email.

Assets

• An understanding of the University environment.

• Experience in a research environment.

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:

• Respect & Inclusion

• Adaptability

• Knowledge & Thinking Skills

• Communication

• Service

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

1

Open Date

05/12/2026

Close Date

05/26/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/20978