Sr Contract Specialist

Job Summary

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 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.

• Manage and perform challenging and complex duties related to development and negotiation of contracts, including purchase of goods or services, professional services agreements, personal service agreements, and event-related rental agreements.
• Develop and implement complex contracts through vendor negotiations and in consultation with university officials, departmental clients, and the Office of General Counsel.
• Serve as a liaison between the Office of General Counsel and vendors and act as a resource to the University community regarding statutory requirements, Board of Trustees, and the Office of the Attorney General guidelines and procedures.
• Supervise and review the work of professional staff, clerical staff, students and/or consultants as assigned; delegate work assignments and work schedules to most effectively meet department/unit needs; and train and develop staff as needed.
• Prepare and legally review contracts and agreements submitted to the Office of General Counsel; draft technical language related to the business services category or other assigned category.
• Monitor and track 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.
• Maintain requisite knowledge of contracting requirements and expertise in procurement laws, principles, and practices, including federal and state statutes/regulations, Uniform Commercial Code, State Code of Ethics, Board of Trustees policies, Office of the Attorney General guidelines and University procedures.
• Contribute to the improvement of internal contracting procedures, make recommendations to improve efficiency and effectiveness of processes, and communicate such recommendations to leadership and departmental staff.
• Conduct training seminars for staff pertaining to University compliance for all related contractual issues.
• Actively serve on university committees to develop policies and procedures that enhance and promote the mission of Procurement and the overall mission of the University.

• 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.

• Advanced degree in related…