Contracts Specialist

Job Summary:

The Contracts Specialist plays a critical role in the development, management, and oversight of departmental contracts. Operating independently and collaboratively within a dynamic and diverse professional environment, this position ensures the integrity and compliance of all contractual processes. The Contracts Specialist is expected to perform duties at an advanced and expert level, maintaining full accountability for contract review, approval, and monitoring, while contributing to the strategic growth and success of departmental goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Contract Development and Management

• Serves as the Subject Matter Expert in contracts development and management and responsible for articulating complex contract issues and communicates effectively to diverse stakeholders including faculty, staff and leadership (Chair and Vice Chair for Finance and Administration).

• Responsible for working with CU Medicine and other funding agencies for the creation and management of external contracts.

• Study the legalities of contracts and help to negotiate terms and conditions with faculty and third parties, before drafting agreements to outline terms of service and project deliverables.

• Provide contract analysis and summaries and ensure contract execution accomplished in accordance with company policy.

• Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of all University and CU Medicine regulations, rules, and laws governing the procurement and contracting process

• Develop departmental tax allocation process on all clinical and contract income.

• Craft, evaluate, negotiate and execute a wide variety of different contracts covering a range of transactions.

• Create and maintain relationships with partners and university personnel and serve as the singular point of contact for matters concerning contracts.

• Maintain records for correspondence and documentation in relation to established contracts and those in progress.

• Monitor contracts and move forward with close-out, extension or renewal.

• Solve any contract-related problems that may arise with other parties and internally within the department.

• Update and maintain internal tracking database with detailed descriptions of the agreement with financial terms and actionable dates.

• Work with procurement team to ensure timeliness of supplier setup and payment schedules.

• Provide support to procurement team with processing of contract agreements and supporting documentation.

• Provide direction on necessary steps needed to finalize agreements and outline all expenses related to the agreement.

• Provide expertise to faculty members related to compensation and scope for agreements.

• Collect hours for monthly payments and process compensation in a timely manner.

• Bill internal and external entities based on terms of arrangement.

• Investigating and identifying solutions for contractual issues

• Negotiating contractual terms and conditions

• Oversee contracts from drafting all the way to execution

• Key point of contact between a business and third parties to ensure timely review and approval of any variations

• Streamlining communication and automating processes

• Ensure that all contracts adhere to university and state laws, thereby preventing legal complications down the line.

• Utilizing digital tools and platforms, streamline workflows, making the contract process more efficient and less time-consuming

• Provide detailed accounting for faculty and finance staff to outline current status of agreements and balance information on a scheduled and ad-hoc basis.

• Uphold university policies and procedures for all agreements and communicate with all parties to remain compliant.

• Developing and implementing procedures and policies

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement.

• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting in compliance with University and State policies and guidelines

• Provide financial guidance and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.

• Account Monitoring & Compliance

• Review and monitor all departmental accounts for valid and allowable expenditures.

• Ensure financial transactions comply with institutional policies and federal guidelines.

• Investigate discrepancies and resolve issues related to account activity.

• Maintain documentation and audit trails for all financial transactions.

• Maintain accurate records and financial databases.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including procurement, grants, and research administration.

Work Location:

Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine is dedicated to delivering superlative patient care, providing an environment where training and education thrive and innovation and discovery are fostered.

The Department of Emergency Medicine is based at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora Colorado. The campus is a state of the art medical campus home to the University of Colorado Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, the Colorado School of Public Health; as well as the University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado both of which serve as major training sites for the Denver Health Residency in Emergency Medicine.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 10/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, business, finance, accounting, or a directly related field from an accredited institution and 3-5 years of professional experience in financial analysis, accounting, or contract management.

  • A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in government or higher education financial practices.

• Strong understanding of GAAP and federal financial regulations.

• Experience and Proficiency in financial reporting tools and accounting software.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

• Outstanding customer service skills.

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Amy Wayne, amy.wayne@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by 09/30/2025

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $60,006-$76,326

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.