Contract Specialist - Office of Budget & Finance - UTK

The Contracts Office at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, invites applications for a full-time Contract Specialist position. This position reports to the Director, Campus Contracts. The Contract Specialist is responsible for reviewing contracts to ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and university policies. It assists with the administration of the contract process for the campus and provides training to departments and assists in drafting contracts. This position is required to analyze legal terms and aspects of complex contracts and work with vendors and other outside parties to resolve contractual issues with outside agencies. The Contracts Specialist is responsible for knowledge and identifying problematic terms in order to protect the interests of the University of Tennessee.

• Review and revise contracts for legal terms and compliance including State and Federal laws, University policies, and other requirements in accordance with fiscal and state policies.
• Responsible for knowledge and identifying problematic terms.
• Manage and process contracts through the university's contract system and obtains all necessary required authorized approvals internal and external to the university.
• Identify Certificate of Insurance requirements and works with vendor to obtain necessary documents.
• Verify debarred vendors Coordinate review of IT software agreements with OIT.
• Respond to contract questions from vendors.
• Work with department representatives with the contract entry process and workflow related questions.
• Perform data analytics on contracts for reporting purposes.
• Assist in drafting contracts and memoranda for exceptions to policies.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two years of experience in a professional office environment is required.

• Experience: At least one year of experience interpreting and/or drafting technical or contract language is required.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment.
  • Skills to organize and maintain an effective systematic work environment.
  • Ability to read and accurately interpret legal language, regulations, and policies.
  • Ability to negotiate contracts with third parties including attorneys and suppliers.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and maintain effective working relationships with third parties and university departments.
  • Ability to work under pressure to meet time sensitive deadlines for a high volume of detailed material.
  • Knowledge and skills to work in Microsoft Office, Adobe Pro or similar document readers, and contract software platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in contract administration at an institute of higher education or governmental agency.

• Knowledge of Tennessee law, contracting procedures, and standard insurance coverage.

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN – in-person, on-site.

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR10
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit an application with the following attachments:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References
• Any additional pertinent materials