Contract Administrator II

Engineering a world of possibilities. Colorado School of Mines (Mines) in Golden, Colorado, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Contract Administrator to join our Office of Research Administration (ORA). The role is hybrid and requires commuting to Golden, CO, at least twice per week. Responsibilities Contract and Grant Review and Negotiation: Negotiate unacceptable terms with research sponsors; suggest or insist on alternative language or deletion; collect relevant information and ensure approval of all terms and conditions; perform cost negotiations with sponsors, justifying costs and explaining university policies; maintain awareness of contractual language on IP, confidentiality, liability, indemnification, risk, publishing rights, invoices, payment terms, governing law, and sponsor corporate registration; identify terms compliant with university policies and state law; prioritize research agreements to meet funding agency deadlines. Contract and Grant Management: Determine if changes to a research project require prior sponsor approval; coordinate with faculty to create and submit change requests; submit and approve requests for no‑cost time extensions, budget deviations, and pre‑award spending; perform initial reviews on deficit spending requests to assess financial risk under current policy; work with faculty, ORA staff, and other departments to address project concerns. Subcontracts: Initiate, negotiate and manage research subcontracts; review subcontractor proposals; select applicable subcontract templates and prime contract flow‑down terms; negotiate subcontracts; maintain documentation to meet federal and state audit requirements; manage annual review of subrecipients; collaborate with departments to establish payment mechanisms for subcontractor invoices. Communication & Outreach: Maintain communication with faculty to ensure all information for sponsored research agreements is outlined; interpret and explain federal, state, and Mines regulations and policies to faculty and Mines personnel so they understand the contracting process; maintain ongoing contact with sponsoring agencies and external personnel for negotiation and management; meet with faculty to answer questions and assist with sponsored research agreements. Institutional Data Repository: Ensure accurate data entry into the data repository, including contract and project information and notes; upload all fully executed agreements, modifications, and sponsor prior approvals into the system. Training & Process Improvement: Provide formal and informal training to faculty and departmental staff on school policy, procedures, and sponsoring agency rules; support the Contract Administrator unit with contract language and university initiatives; actively participate in office‑wide process evaluation and re‑engineering; critically evaluate procedures for efficiency and recommend improvements. Qualifications Baccalaureate degree in business or related field. 3 or more years in research administration. Knowledge of implementation of government regulations. Customer‑service skills and ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies. Ability to meet multiple deadlines and solve problems using independent judgment. Ability to use databases, presentation software, and enterprise financial systems. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Skill in establishing and fostering a cooperative work environment. Preferred Qualifications Contract negotiation experience. Knowledge of university environment and policies. Master’s degree. Salary and Benefits Contract AdministratorII: $72,000–$80,000per year. Flexible health and dental care plans. Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year, including a week‑long winter break for the entire campus. Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution. Tuition benefits: six credits per year for employees, 50% discount for dependents. Free RTD Ecopass. Access to discount programs through the State of Colorado. Free tickets for Mines Athletics home games. Access to the on‑campus Recreation Center, outdoor recreation center, and Colorado State Employee Assistance Program. Upcoming on‑campus daycare center. How to Apply Complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status). Upload a cover letter. Upload a resume or CV. Submission is reviewed beginning June8,2026. The posting remains open until filled and may close without notice. For best consideration, apply by June7,2026 at 11:59p.m. References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made. Successful completion of a background investigation is required. Reasonable Accommodation Requests It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io for assistance. Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position. Equal Opportunity Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender, ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses. Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures and programs and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce. #J-18808-Ljbffr