Contract Specialist 1

Job Summary The University of Connecticut seeks to hire a Contract Specialist to support the Procurement Contracting & Compliance team with a variety of contracts in support of the needs of the campus community. Under the general direction of the University Director of Procurement Contracting & Compliance and/or the Senior Contract Specialist, this role will utilize existing policies, procedures, and statutes to draft and negotiate terms and conditions for a variety of university contracts. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Include But Are Not Limited To Drafts and negotiates contract language for various contracts under assigned commodities. Responsible for the administration of all contractual activities for University Procurement Contracting & Compliance, as they relate to the needs of the University community. Collaborate with internal customer departments and colleagues within Procurement, as needed, to draft clear contracts that accurately capture the negotiated business terms. Represents the department with authority to act on behalf of the University Director, when expressly authorized. Ensures proper controls over contracting procedures for sound fiscal and administrative management and compliance with state ethics codes. Responsible for preparation and legal review of contracts and agreements submitted to the Office of the General Counsel and Office of the Attorney General. Monitors and tracks contracts and related documents for compliance with State and Federal statutes, Board of Trustees policies, Office of the General Counsel/Attorney General guidelines, internal procedures formulated by the University, and contract terms and conditions. Prepares and manages reports; maintains knowledge of, and interprets, applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations, Board of Trustees policies, Office of the General Counsel/Attorney General Guidelines, and the State’s Code of Ethics; provides information, instruction and/or training, as needed or requested, in relation to university compliance with contractual matters. Inform customers and/or vendors on new and/or current procurement procedures and guidelines. Analyzes technical data, i.e., scope of work and pricing information, vendor performance, and compliance with finalizing contracts. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business, or a related field and four years of related professional experience in a comparable environment OR an Associate’s degree in business, or a related field and six years of related professional experience in a comparable environment OR eight years of professional contracting experience in a comparable environment. General working knowledge of accepted procurement practices and the ability to negotiate contract language to address the risks related to each type of arrangement which may be used in a wide range of varying and unique commodity groups and/or services. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Excellent computer skills with strong technical skills to work with multiple software programs including Microsoft Office. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision under tight deadlines while managing multiple projects. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s or advanced degree in related discipline. Knowledge of contract theory, principles, laws, regulations and applicable federal and state procurement statutes, and policies. Experience developing and executing complex contracting strategies that maximize workflow efficiencies, process improvements, and operational performance. Experience with contracting in the State of Connecticut. Ability to assess organizational needs, communicate those needs to the vendor community, negotiate as needed, and evaluate contracts to determine technical compliance and resolve discrepancies. Knowledge of contract management systems automated procurement systems (e.g., Jaggaer). APPOINTMENT TERMS This is a full-time position at the Storrs campus working Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.…

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