University of Arizona

University of Arizona

Contract Specialist

Tucson, AZ, US

Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 6 days ago
NegotiationProcurementContract ManagementIntellectual PropertyResearchCollaboration

About the role

  • 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.
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of public higher education procurement and contracting laws and regulations, including state statutes, administrative rules, and institutional policies.

Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Skills

  • Knowledge of competitive solicitation processes and exceptions applicable to research and specialized acquisitions.
  • Knowledge of audit, transparency, and records retention requirements applicable to public research universities.
  • 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 managing multiple, high-value procurements and contract actions with competing deadlines and regulatory 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.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • Skill in maintaining thorough documentation to support audits, sponsor reviews, and public records requests

This listing is sourced directly from University of Arizona's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.