The Contract Specialist requires experience in procurement and contract execution. This position, with supervision, uses contract management software to execute the day-to-day processing and reviewing of University agreements. This position provides front-line customer service to assigned departments and is responsible for keeping appropriate levels of management informed of issues and coordinates/initiates required actions. Their duties include negotiating contract terms and conditions with each party, analyzing potential risks involved with certain contract agreements and helping employees and leadership better understand the information outlined in the contracts.

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Reviews, among other types, template contracts, affiliation agreements and non-disclosure agreements for appropriate legal language and makes recommendations to interested parties regarding changes.

2. Responsible for setting customer expectations and level of service; provide assistance to internal customers in developing statements of work and agreements.

3. Negotiates specifications, terms, and conditions for assigned contracts.

4. Has signature authority, with supervisor approval, for template agreements and zero-dollar agreements.

5. Responsible for the maintenance of assigned aging and expired contracts; follows up with customer to ensure contract milestones are met.

6. Works with internal departments concerning specific contract questions, issues, and problems

7. Works with third parties, vendors, and contractors on contract language.

8. Performs other duties and assists in procurement projects as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Minimum Qualifications

Associates degree in business related field or Paralegal Certificate required; or relevant equivalent experience. One to three years’ experience in contract administration, procurement, paralegal, sourcing, or other business related field. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Experience in a large, multi-layered organization. Familiarity with contract administration principles. Familiar with contract management software. Ability to articulate and defend the unique Christian educational mission and vision of Liberty University and its subsidiaries to a wide variety of individuals and groups. Individual must not be in default on any federal student or parent loan. Individual must not be convicted of, or pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of federal, state, or local government funds, -or- be administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving federal, state, or local government funds (CFR 668.14(b)(18)(i)). To obtain LU-approved driver certification, individuals must be 21 years of age or older, possess a valid driver’s license with a minimum of five (5) years of documented driving history, and maintain a clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelors Degree in Business, Finance, or other related field. Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) or Certified Public Purchasing Officer. Fluent in Spanish or American Sign Language.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

Ability to effectively understand and communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, in a clear, articulate, and professional manner, conveying complex ideas and information. Possess public communication skills for professional representation of Liberty University.

Problem Solving

Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature. Strong organizational skills, with ability to manage changes in priorities as need arises.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

Frequently requires sitting for extended periods to perform deskwork and efficiently and accurately interface with computer systems via keyboard and mouse. Regularly required to hear and speak to effectively communicate orally, including use of phone, video conferencing software, instant chat, and other communication methods. Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the workplace. Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop to conduct business. Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment to typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office environment, including a mix of cubicles and offices, with moderate noise levels.  Additional time may be spent in Internal Customer work areas and warehouse environments.

Time Type

Full time

Location

Lynchburg - In Office

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.