Contracts Specialist I

JOB SUMMARY

The Contracts Specialist I drafts, reviews, negotiates standardized agreements (such as CDAs, MTAs, DUAs, and service agreements) in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations and University and departmental policies and procedures.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs initial review of standardized agreements for University compliance; reviews incoming contract packages for completeness and availability of necessary information, and solicits additional information from interested parties when necessary; uses standard contract language appropriately; with oversight and input from manager or senior peers, conducts pragmatic analysis of legal, institutional, and departmental goals to determine how best to achieve desired results in the terms of the agreement
• Negotiates agreements with external sponsors and collaborating entities to the benefit of University; creatively solves problems posed in specific agreements by analyzing and interpreting federal and state law and University policies as well as information from other sources, such as senior staff; assesses contracts for, and ensures compliance with, University policy and state and federal regulations; coordinates the review of non-standard terms and conditions with the appropriate University offices, such as the Office of the General Counsel
• Manages workflow to achieve and maintain performance standards established by senior management; maintains all required written documentation and correspondence in the contract management database, and regularly updates said database with pertinent developments; monitors agreement termination dates, renewal and cancellation deadlines in contract management database
• Generates reports and performs other administrative tasks as assigned
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the basic principles of contract preparation and routing
• Knowledge of the basic methods and techniques of contract negotiation
• Knowledge of general procurement practices and regulations
• Proofreading skills
• Legal research skills
• Administrative skills
• Interpersonal/human relations skills
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Report preparation skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Attention to detail

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Certificate in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, or Contract Management

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree
• Previous database experience
• Juris Doctorate