Contract Specialist

About the Job

Position Overview:

This position ensures that all contracts entered into on behalf of the University of Minnesota's Medical School adhere to University policies and practices, that the University receives appropriate and fiscally responsible terms, and all agreements between the University and its suppliers are fair and equitable. The Contract Specialist will provide contract management support for all types of contracts, including, but not limited to, purchasing, sales, software, and software as a service. This includes reviewing and promoting the use of University standard contracts as well as reviewing and negotiating non-standard contracts in collaboration with various internal stakeholders, such as the Office of General Counsel and the requesting unit.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

80%: Contracts Administration

• Serves as the main liaison between the Medical School unit making a contract request, the Office of the General Counsel, other internal stakeholders, and the external entity to ensure that contracts are routed, reviewed, and negotiated accurately.
• Coordinates the review of contracts to ensure appropriate internal stakeholder reviews are completed and contract terms align with University policy and state and federal regulations.
• Assesses and reviews contracts for business risk that contain non-standard business and legal terms and conditions within guidelines set by the Office of General Counsel and Central Purchasing as outlined in University policy.
• Acquires appropriate University signatures in accordance with delegations of authority and facilitates acquisition of external signatures.
• Facilitates negotiation and follows up with external entities. Provides expertise on University template terms and conditions and communicates with external entities.
• Assists with issue resolution and advances issues to appropriate stakeholders (Central Purchasing, Office of General Counsel, University Information Security, etc.) as needed.
• Maintains appropriate knowledge related to University policies and standard contracts.
• Maintains database of contract review requests, including fully executed copies and previous negotiation results.

15%: Unit Support

• Provides guidance and fields questions regarding University contracting policies and procedures.
• Educates unit representatives on the appropriate types of contracts to use based on the unit's needs.
• Identifies and escalates the need for exceptions, as needed.
• Proactively recommends and assists with implementation of improvements to simplify contract processes in support of units.

5%: Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years, paralegal training/experience preferred.
• Experience in contract negotiation, including drafting, reviewing and editing legal documents
• Project management experience and ability to independently manage and prioritize workload

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work with technology-related contract terms and conditions, such as user licensing, license tiers, integrated resellers, etc.
• Knowledge of legal concepts, terminology, principles and procedures
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and accurately, both verbally and in writing
• Working knowledge of applicable University policies, procedures, forms, contracts and contract processes.
• Demonstrated outstanding analytical skills and detail orientation
• Demonstrated highest level of integrity and professionalism
• Ability to read and understand pricing structures, written financial policies and regulations, contracts, and other relevant documentation.
• Desire to work in a collaborative environment with University and unit leaders, as well as colleagues in other financial departments.

About the Department

The Medical School Finance Cluster provides Accounts Payable services for the University of MN Medical School. We are a small division within the Medical School with a staff of 4. The Accounts Payable team manages and processes the payments within the Medical School Departments.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $33.65-$36.06 per hour ($70,000-$75,000 annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Work Location: Hybrid

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.