Job Description Summary
Position Overview and Key Responsibilities:
The University of Maryland is seeking a highly skilled contracting professional to join the department of Procurement & Strategic Sourcing. The Senior Contract Administrator will serve as the dedicated procurement lead for all Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) research procurements, managing the full “cradle to grave” life cycle, from original business need identification through contract award, administration, and closeout.
The Senior Contract Administrator will be expected to navigate complex requirements, including federal sponsor regulations, conflict of interest considerations, and intricate federal flow-down clauses, while reconciling them with University policies and procedures and implementing compliant solutions with limited oversight. Responsibilities include procuring highly complex and cutting-edge research contracts that may involve services, capital equipment, and advanced information technology (hardware and software). Many of these procurements may have confidential or classified components requiring heightened discretion. The Senior Contract Administrator will manage all facets of competitive and non-competitive solicitations, applying a wide range of procurement methods in compliance with University, State of Maryland, and federal regulations.
The position is a high-level individual contributor role responsible for evaluating and negotiating terms and conditions, interpreting sponsor flow-downs, and coordinating with key offices including the Office of Research Administration, University Counsel, and Central Administration on unique or non-standard agreements. The Senior Contract Administrator will serve as the primary point of contact with ARLIS leadership, research faculty, and other external partners, addressing and resolving contractual performance issues such as cure notices, suspensions, terminations, or stop-work orders. Dependent upon the project and issue this may require interaction with sponsors and/or subrecipients and the Office of Research Administration representative.
Importantly, this position is embedded on-site with ARLIS, requiring the ability to independently assess risk, resolve complex procurement challenges, and advance critical research contracts without direct day-to-day supervision from Procurement leadership. This independence, combined with the complexity of federal research contracting, positions the role at the Senior level within the University’s contracting framework.
Physical Demands:
Sedentary Work: Primarily desk-based, requiring prolonged periods of sitting while performing tasks such as typing, filing, and using a computer. Repetitive Motion: Frequent use of a keyboard, mouse, and phone, which may involve repetitive hand and wrist movements. Occasional Lifting: Ability to lift and carry office materials, files, and supplies up to 20-25 pounds (e.g., boxes, office equipment). Standing and Walking: Occasional walking to meetings, interacting with staff or faculty, and attending departmental events or presentations. Visual and Mental Acuity: Requires the ability to focus on financial reports, spreadsheets, and documents for extended periods and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Communication: Frequent verbal communication with staff, faculty, and campus administrators, requiring clear speech and the ability to hear and respond appropriately in meetings and discussions.
Licenses/ Certifications:
Must be able to obtain a U.S. security clearance. If selected, you must meet the requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to a government security clearance investigation that includes criminal and credit history checks, as well as verification of U.S. citizenship, birth, education, employment, and military history.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Five (5) years of professional professional procurement or contract administration experience.
Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of federal, state, and local procurement regulations, laws, and guidelines.
Knowledge of risk assessment and mitigation techniques related to contract management.
Knowledge of organizational policies, purchasing systems, and procurement software tools.
Skill in preparing, reviewing, and editing complex contract documents and specifications.
Skill in negotiating contract terms and resolving disputes or issues with vendors.
Skill in interpreting and applying contract terms, legal documents, and regulatory requirements.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Suite products.
Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
Ability to manage contract files and records in accordance with retention and audit standards.
Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.
Ability to analyze situations and determine the best recourse for response.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive or proprietary information.
Additional Job Details
Preferences:
Masters or Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or related field.
Seven years progressively responsible professional experience in procurement and contract administration in sponsored research or government contracting, preferably in an academic setting.
Professional procurement certification such as Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), Certified Professional Public Officer (CPPO), and Project Management Professional (PMP) experience is desired.
Background and understanding of requirements for technology and sponsored programs contracting and subcontracting.
Background in educational, institutional, or public sector procurement.
Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance preferred.
Required Application Materials:
Resume, Cover Letter, and List of References
Posting Close Date:October 6, 2025
Open Until Filled: Yes
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position
Financial Disclosure Required
Yes
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
VPF - Procurement & Business Services - Procurement IT & Telecommunication
Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular
Salary Range
$102,680.00 - $123,216.00
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regardingdisclosablebackground check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
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