Staff Careers

The Contract Specialist, reporting to the Assistant Director, is a highly responsible professional position, who provides technical and administrative support to maintain the contract operations for the University. The Contract Specialist requires experience in procurement and contract execution. This position will manage contract management software to execute the day-to-day processing and reviewing of University agreements/contracts. This position provides front-line customer service to assigned departments and is responsible for keeping appropriate levels of management informed of issues and coordinates/initiates required actions. Duties include negotiating contract terms and conditions with each party, analyzing potential risks involved with certain agreements/contracts and helping employees and leadership better understand the information outlined in the agreements/contracts.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge and utilization of both efficient processes and good business management to ensure timely and proper delivery.
• Review, among other types, template contracts, affiliation agreements, and nondisclosure agreements for appropriate legal language and makes recommendations to interested parties regarding changes.
• Perform cost and price analysis for all negotiated contract actions.
• Review contract terms and conditions accurately, interpreting the specifications, terms, and conditions, and participating in negotiations of assigned contracts.
• Responsible for the maintenance of assigned aging and expired contracts; follows up with customers to ensure contract milestones are met.
• Notify contractors by telephone, face-to-face meetings, and/or in writing, on potential or actual breaches of contract terms and conditions.
• Works closely with the Assistant Director to develop, implement, and improve procedures for contract management and administration in compliance with policies, procedures and best practices.
• Ensure agreements don’t lapse and renewals are executed in a timely and proper manner.
• Prepare documentation for approval of contracts and agreements.
• Ensure that contracts and agreements are correctly entered into the Contract Management Software.
• Ensure the Contract Management Software is up to date and contract data is complete
• Drafts contract terms and conditions for Purchase Agreements, Software License Agreements, Professional Services Agreements, Maintenance and Support Agreements, and other agreements.
• Provide administrative support to include, preparation and generation of assigned reports, typing, editing, and proofreading documents.
• Serve as the primary contact for customers on contractual matters with the Assistant Director.
• Ensure that executed contracts are communicated to all relevant parties to provide contract visibility, awareness and interpretation to support implementation.
• Work with internal departments and external stakeholders concerning specific contract questions, issues, and problems.
• Works with internal departments and external stakeholders on contract language.
• Maintain files and records of all contracts and complies with the record retention policy.
• Develop, prepares and presents training concerning the contract process and best practices.
• Participate in special projects as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Business Law (or closely related field)
• 3-5 years of full-time verifiable contract management experience with a public/University institution.
• Must have strong oral and written communication skills
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Must have strong interpersonal skills, customer service orientation, and the ability to influence, collaborate with, and build strong partnerships inside and external to the University

• Current certifications in contracts or procurement, such as but not limited to: Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), Certified Public Procurement Officer, Certified Public Procurement Buyer are desirable.

$65,000 - $75,000