Contract Specialist

The Contract Specialist is a key position that helps and supports procurement operations by drafting reviewing and negotiating mid-level and complex agreements that comply with institutional state and federal requirements. Working under the direction of a manager this role helps to support the full contract life-cycle; ensures supplier and sub-consultant compliance; and maintains accurate documentation including insurance records and licenses. The Contract Specialist works closely with internal managers and external suppliers to address contract-related inquiries mitigate legal and financial risks and ensure agreements effectively support organizational objectives. This position also contributes to process improvements and promotes best practices in contract administration and strategic sourcing.

When you join the Finance & Budget organization you become part of a smart driven team that thrives on solving complex challenges. We align our business practices with the universitys priorities and cultivate talented teams who find purpose in creating simpler more effective systems that drive institutional success. Our focus is clear: developing our people transforming our work and elevating our role.

This position will allow for flexible/hybrid work arrangements. Some duties can be performed remotely but others will require an in-person presence on the Tucson Arizona campus.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health dental and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation sick leave and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services please click here.

• Draft review and support negotiation of contracts for goods and services for the university in compliance with institutional state and federal requirements under moderate guidance.
• Support the full contract life-cycle including preparation review renewal and termination activities to ensure optimal outcomes and regulatory compliance.
• Under moderate guidance analyze contract terms provisions and regulatory requirements to identify and resolve legal financial and operational risks affecting university operations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders including legal finance procurement and departmental teams to develop contractual solutions supporting institutional goals.
• Serve as a point of contact with suppliers vendors and external partners to facilitate contract implementation and ensure deliverable expectations are met.
• Support supplier management and performance review processes to monitor compliance resolve disputes and contribute to continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with university policies Arizona Board of Regents codes and procurement laws while maintaining accurate audit-ready documentation and records.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance the efficiency transparency and effectiveness of contract management operations and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Support contract tracking and reporting activities by utilizing university contract management systems and related enterprise platforms to monitor key milestones renewal dates and compliance requirements.
• Provide support and informal guidance to stakeholders on contract administration procedures templates and university procurement policies to promote consistent application of contract management practices.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of public higher education procurement and contracting laws and regulations including state statutes administrative rules and institutional policies.
• Knowledge of federal regulations governing sponsored research and grant-funded contracts including Uniform Guidance and applicable agency requirements.
• Knowledge of complex contract types and agreements common at R1 institutions such as research collaboration agreements subawards clinical trial agreements technology and data use agreements and high-value service contracts.
• Knowledge of competitive solicitation processes and exceptions applicable to research and specialized acquisitions.
• Knowledge of risk management intellectual property data security export controls and confidentiality requirements in a research environment.
• Knowledge of audit transparency and records retention requirements applicable to public research universities.
• Skill in drafting reviewing and negotiating complex and non-standard contracts with sponsors vendors research partners and academic collaborators.
• Skill in interpreting and applying federal state and institutional requirements to research-related and operational procurements.
• Skill in collaborating with faculty principal investigators research administration legal counsel and compliance offices.
• Skill in analyzing risk and negotiating terms related to intellectual property data ownership publication rights indemnification and liability.
• Skill in managing multiple high-value procurements and contract actions with competing deadlines and regulatory requirements.
• Skill in maintaining thorough documentation to support audits sponsor reviews and public records requests.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in complex high-risk contracting situations while ensuring compliance with public-sector and sponsor requirements.
• Ability to balance academic research needs with statutory regulatory and institutional constraints.
• Ability to communicate complex contractual concepts clearly to faculty and researchers with varying levels of procurement expertise.
• Ability to identify and mitigate financial legal and compliance risks throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced decentralized research environment.
• Ability to adapt to evolving research regulations funding agency requirements and institutional priorities.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelors degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience.