Sr. Contract Specialist

UConn Careers • Storrs, CT

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general direction of the University Director of Procurement Contracting & Compliance or designated administrator, the Senior Contract Specialist is responsible for the oversight and administration of all contracting activities relating to a variety of needs for all University of Connecticut campuses. The Senior Contract Specialist is accountable for performing and managing the most complex tasks within the business support services portfolio of professional, specialized, and business support contracts. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts, preparing reports, supervising professional staff, and serving as a primary liaison with the Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Attorney General (when required), outside legal counsel and senior University administrators and officials.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and six (6) years of related professional experience in contract law, purchasing/procurement of business support service related commodities in a comparable environment, OR Master’s degree or JD and four (4) years of related professional experience in contract law, purchasing/procurement of business support service-related commodities in a comparable environment OR Associate’s degree and eight (8) years of related professional experience in contract law, purchasing/procurement of the business support service-related commodities in a comparable environment.
• General working knowledge of accepted procurement and contracting practices and the ability to negotiate contract language to meet the needs of the University while also ensuring compliance with the requirements of the State of Connecticut.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with experience working effectively across teams and with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in related discipline or Juris Doctorate (JD).
• Knowledge of contract theory, procurement principles, regulations and applicable federal and state procurement statutes, policies and regulations.
• Experience drafting complex contracts.
• Strong supervisory, leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and facilitate solutions in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of contract management and procurement systems.

Responsibilities

• Manages and performs challenging and complex duties related to development and negotiation of contracts (e.g. contracts for the purchase of goods or services, professional services agreements including consulting and research, personal service agreements, and event-related rental agreements).
• Develops and implements complex contracts through vendor negotiations and in consultation with university officials, departmental clients, and the Office of General Counsel.
• Serves as a liaison between the Office of General Counsel and vendors and acts as a resource to the University community regarding statutory requirements, Board of Trustees, and the Office of the Attorney General requirements, procedures and guidelines.
• Supervises and reviews the work of professional staff, clerical staff, students and/or consultants as assigned; delegates work assignments and work schedules to most effectively meet department/unit needs; and trains and develops staff as needed.
• Responsible for the preparation and legal review of contracts and agreements that are submitted to the Office of General Counsel; drafts technical language relating to the business services category, or other category as assigned.
• Monitors and tracks vendor agreements, contracting status and related documents for compliance with federal and state statutes/regulations, Board of Trustees policies, Office of the Attorney General guidelines, University procedures and contract terms and conditions.
• Develops and maintains requisite knowledge of contracting requirements and expertise in procurement laws, principles, and practices, including federal and state statutes/regulations, the Uniform Commercial Code, the State Code of Ethics, Board of Trustees policies, Office of the Attorney General guidelines and University procedures.
• Contributes to the improvement of internal contracting procedures, makes recommendations as needed to improve efficiency and effectiveness of processes, and communicates such recommendations to leadership and departmental staff.
• Conduct training seminars for staff pertaining to University compliance for all related contractual issues.
• Actively serves on university committees to develop policies and procedures that enhance and promote the mission of Procurement and the overall mission of the University.

Benefits

• The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.
• For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/ .
• Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees