Contracts Specialist

Apply now Job no:517696
Position type:Staff Full Time
Campus:UMass President's Office
Campus Location: Hybrid/2 Days On Site Shrewsbury, 3 Days Remote
Department: Unified Procurement Serv Team
Categories:Business & Financial Services, UPST, Procurement
Advertised:Jan 27 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Contracts Manager, the Contract Specialist is responsible for reviewing and preparing contract agreements per standard policy.  The specialist executes low- to mid-dollar routine contracts and/or standard form contracts and related documentation in accordance with established policies and procedures. 

The Contracts Specialist will provide contract support to Buyways end-users and be able to interact effectively with procurement specialists, supplier/vendor managers, and external vendors/suppliers.  

Read our feature in the Supply Chain Digital magazine to understand the impactful work you will be part of when you join our UMass team!

Essential Functions:

• Redlining contract documents to ensure compliance with university policy & maximize favorable business terms
• Reviews requests and prepares routine responses to proposals, bids, and contract modifications; may also prepare simple requests for proposals (RFPs).
• Analyzes contract requirements, special provisions, terms, and conditions to make sure they comply with relevant laws, regulations, corporate policies, and department procedures.
• Drafts and negotiates simple contractual instruments commensurate with skills and grade level.
• Communicates contract policy and practice to internal business teams.
• Reviews, approves and executes contracts in accordance with corporate and/or department guidelines.
• Prepares and administers routine correspondence, negotiation memos, and contract documentation to ensure timely and coordinated submittal.
• Prepares, organizes and maintains records and files documenting contract performance and compliance.
• May conduct research to support contract audit and or facilitate department contracting trends.
• Performs contract closeout activities.
• Assists mid- to high-level contract professionals when working with internal or external business teams on issues and developments related to assigned contracts.
• Assists staff with the use of business applications that are used to manage contracts.

Other Functions/Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

MinimumQualifications:

• Associates degree in Accounting, Business or related field or equivalent experience
• 3 years of general business or contract-related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience “redlining” contract documents
• Experience working in an institution of higher education
• Experience with People Soft
• Basic knowledge of corporate policies and procedures
• Basic knowledge of contracting concepts and public contract acquisition law and regulations
• Good to strong analytical and communication skills
• Ability to draft simple contractual documents in accordance with prescribed templates and guidelines

Working Conditions:

• Typical office environment
• Hybrid work schedule available

Additional Information:

Salary commensurate with experience up to $70,000.