University Contract Administrator

at  University of Oregon

Job no: 534408
Work type: Officer of Administration
Location: Eugene, OR
Categories: Administrative/Professional, Business Administration/Management, Legal/Law, Planning/Project Management
Department: Purchasing and Contracting Services (PCS)
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $58,000 - $75,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA08-Fiscal Year 2024-2025

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

Purchasing and Contracting Services (PCS), a department within the VPGC’s management portfolio, serves as the central coordination point for conducting procurement activity, negotiating contracts, and making purchases on behalf of the University of Oregon. As such, the Chief Procurement Officer is the primary contracting and procurement officer for the University of Oregon.
PCS is a fast-paced, high-volume workplace that places a premium on the ability to: (1) find ways to reduce enterprise costs and/or improve enterprise operational effectiveness related to procurement and contracting; (2) avoid or solve problems by developing practical solutions informed by best practices, strategic planning, legal advice, and policy objectives, as well as political, public relations, and programmatic considerations; (3) manage University projects that have enterprise contracting and procurement components; and (4) educate campus stakeholders and conduct outreach to the business community, including Disadvantaged Business Entities (DBEs).

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Associate Director of Procurement and Contracting, the University Contracts Administrator is a senior level contracting position responsible for handling a wide variety of transactions. The University Contracts Administrator works in concert with the PCS Management Team to develop and implement policies, processes, and procedures that support timely contracting services and achieve the best interests of the University. The University Contracts Administrator acts in the decentralized business environment of a public university and assists University departments to conceptualize, negotiate, draft, review, process, and finalize contracts with third parties for the acquisition of goods and services and for other purposes. In carrying out these functions, the University Contracts Administrator must understand the University policy, practice, administrative rules, and state and federal laws applicable to contracting and the priorities of the University.
This position works independently and is expected to carry out University-level contract assignments with minimal oversight from their supervisor. They are responsible for University-wide custom contracts and financial commitments which have potentially serious impacts if managed improperly. Since they act on management’s behalf to carry out contract assignments and manage projects, they will interact with individuals at all levels of the organization. A strong ability to demonstrate inclusivity, empathy, tact, and diplomacy is therefore necessary.
This position will have the authority to sign legal instruments with third parties that legally bind the university, up to a maximum limit of $500,000.
Additionally, the University Contracts Administrator will serve as the primary contract administrator for a Regional Business Hub or PCS, as assigned. As the primary contract administrator for a Regional Business Hub or PCS, the University Contracts Administrator will track contract compliance, manage the contract life cycle, and track vendor performance to contracts for non-construction related goods and services. Additionally, the University Contracts Administrator will act as the primary project manager for informal and formal complex, high risk public solicitation events. The University Contracts Administrator will also conduct requirements gathering for sourcing/solicitation events and complex non-construction related contracts for PCS or Regional Business Hub customers.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience managing projects
• Familiarity with Oregon laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to contracting, leasing, and contract- related purchasing.
• Experience working in a purchasing/contracting office within higher education or public sector experience.
• Experience administering contracts and tracking vendor performance
• Certification in a relevant professional field
  FLSA Exempt: Yes

Please refer the Job description for details