Senior Contract Coordinator

Position Summary

This position manages a wide range of complex contracting and procurement responsibilities with a focus on contract drafting and negotiation within the central purchasing and contracts office of the University of Illinois Chicago and serves as a subject matter expert and mentor for other contract professionals within the department. Using established standards of good business practice and sound fiscal management, the Senior Contract Coordinator prepares and manages complex contracts in the best interest of the University for a wide-range of commodities and services. The Senior Contract Coordinator will also lead and participate in special projects/initiatives and serve as a subject matter expert to the University community.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists colleges and departments in the development, review, negotiation and execution of complex contracts for goods and services. Determines the best method for contracting for procured goods and services in accordance with procurement laws, regulations and guidelines.

• Develops, negotiates and coordinates execution of complex procurement, revenue generating, and no fund contracts to ensure that: a) pricing and contractual terms and conditions are in the best interests of the University; b) Illinois State Procurement Code and Rules, and other necessary laws, rules regulations and University policies are employed throughout the contract process; and c) legal and statutory requirements are incorporated into all agreements.

• Acts as liaison with colleges and departments to provide assistance and guidance during the contracting phase of procurements, to resolve complex issues necessary to secure University-preferred terms and provisions for incorporation into resultant procurement-related contracts.

• Collaborates with and develops an effective working relationship with Office of University Counsel, University Risk Management, Privacy, and other functional groups to ensure contractual terms and conditions are acceptable and serve to mitigate potential contractual risks.

• Documents the contracting process, including assisting in drafting and updating contract terms and templates and related procurement contracting activities to properly document complex procurement projects and improve efficiencies in the contract process, ensuring rules, regulations, policies, and procedures are followed. May prepare recommendations for Board of Trustees approval and/or award.

• Provides guidance to University units regarding standard contracting procedures, as well as state, federal and University rules and regulations.

• Provides technical assistance to contractors to resolve deficiencies affecting the administration and approval of contracts. Reviews requests for change orders or amendments and prepares documents to implement contract revisions, and performs other contract administration and compliance related activities.

• Reviews purchase orders for accuracy and approves orders as allowed by level of authorization.

• Reviews requests for change orders or amendments and prepares documents to implement contract revisions.

• Assists with the training and education of contracts and purchasing staff, as well as staff in University colleges and departments.

• Conducts research associated with market trends of commodities, services, and reviews price index publications in order to assess fair market values of goods and services. Creates business intelligence and metrics that would yield viable processes, planning, and decisions focused on cost-savings.

• Serves as a University contact for vendors regarding contracting and procurement policies and procedures and maintains information regarding products, prices, service proposals and contracts, and facilitates vendor networking.

• Provides technical assistance to contractors to resolve deficiencies affecting the administration and approval of contracts, and performs other contract administration related activities.

• Prepares various reports related to contracting and procurement activities as requested by management.

• Performs other related duties and responsibilities appropriate for a Senior Contract Coordinator.

• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of five years of experience in contracting, procurement, or other related business administration experience and/or skills related to the job duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate or law degree preferred
• Knowledge of the Illinois Procurement Code and University procedures related to contracting and procurement, or demonstrated ability to learn based on prior experience in a highly regulated business or transactional environment.
• Knowledge and experience with contract development, negotiation principles and practices, legal aspects of contracts, and State laws and University procedures related to procurement and contracting, or similar complex rules and regulations.
• Ability to prioritize and work on multiple comprehensive projects concurrently to meet deadlines and deliver excellent customer service.
• Ability to analyze situations, exercise independent judgment in performance of work assignments, and recommend solutions to resolve issues and achieve desired outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills to competently interact and establish and maintain effective working relationships with University and departmental officials/staff and external parties.
• Solid organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as well as web applications.
• Knowledge about general office operations and procedures to contribute toward the success of operations and services administered by the department, and ensure the accuracy of information provided to offices/persons seeking assistance from this office.
• Ability and understanding to maintain electronic and paper filing systems that protect and preserve confidential information and records to demonstrate compliance in departmental operations.
• Ability to establish objectives, implement procedures, and develop methods to measure results obtained. Proficiency with business, eProcurement or contract management applications. Experience with JAGGAER eProcurement software) and/or Banner preferred.
• Knowledge and respect of policies and procedures outlined for the University of Illinois and department.

Working Conditions:

General office environment. Regular travel not expected but may occur occasionally around previously scheduled events. Requires work in a stationary position for extended periods of time and operation of computer and other office equipment.

Salary Range $67,000-$93,000, commensurate with experience.

For fullest consideration, please apply at https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/9850?c=uic and include a letter of interest, current resume by June 14, 2024.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit: https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation