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

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!