Contracts Administrator

We are looking for a Contracts Administrator to support cooperative purchasing initiatives within the education sector. This long-term contract position focuses on creating, administering, and maintaining awarded contracts while building strong relationships with vendors, members, and internal stakeholders. The role requires an organized individual who can manage multiple priorities, support public-facing activities, and help ensure contract processes remain compliant, accurate, and efficient.

Responsibilities:
• Lead the development of contract specifications and statements of work for new cooperative purchasing opportunities.
• Administer awarded agreements by monitoring compliance, coordinating amendments or extensions, and reviewing vendor cost and pricing information.
• Facilitate communication between participating members and vendors to address service concerns and support effective contract performance.
• Organize and support vendor orientations, training sessions, seminars, conferences, and other outreach events, including logistics such as venue selection and catering arrangements.
• Conduct market research through discussions with vendors, industry professionals, and end users to identify current product standards and best practices.
• Ensure solicitations are publicly posted in appropriate channels and support bid opening activities in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Maintain accurate contract files and update program, vendor, and member information within departmental databases and software tools.
• Partner with internal teams to track vendor performance, prepare contract documentation for approvals, and support timely renewals of annual agreements.
• Represent the program in presentations, trade events, and stakeholder meetings as needed, including occasional travel.
• Provide cross-functional support to colleagues, share guidance when needed, and handle additional assigned duties while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least five years of purchasing or contract administration experience in either the public or private sector.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contract administration, contract management, negotiation, bid solicitation, and pricing analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn and use departmental software systems effectively.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, maintain accurate records, and prioritize competing tasks.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with cooperative contracting is preferred.
• Exposure to areas such as construction, engineering, materials, furnishings, finishes, or building envelope projects is preferred.