Contract Administrator

Job Description Summary
The Office of Research Administration (ORA) provides pre-award and non-financial post award administrative services for sponsored projects at the University of Maryland. In addition, ORA collaborates closely with a number of other central offices to help ensure the effective overall coordination of research administration services, systems, policies and procedures.The Contract Administrator (CA) will review grant and contract proposals for compliance with University policies and sponsor application guidelines and regulations prior to submission. The CA interprets pre-award and post-award university and sponsor guidelines for faculty and staff and acts as the liaison between University principal investigators, departmental administrators and sponsoring agencies to resolve problems and answer inquiries regarding policies of the University, funding agencies or subawardees. The CA will advise departmental administrators and faculty on agency guidelines and policy changes. The CA analyzes sponsored awards (grants and contracts) for compliance and consistency with federal and state laws and regulations, University policies and practices, research compliance restrictions and guidelines, financial and academic requirements, and agency policies and procedures and negotiates any necessary changes with the sponsor. This position is also responsible for entering proposal and award data into the University's research administration system of record. The CA assists in solving problems related to the administration of awards throughout their life cycle.

Certifications:
Certified Research Administrator (CRA)
Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA)

Preferences:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Working knowledge of the Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and other regulations governing sponsored awards.
Working knowledge of Subaward principles and procedures.
Ability to use analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrate excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
Ability to be extremely organized with a high attention to detail.
Ability to demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness preferred
Contract review and negotiation background preferred

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three (3) 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 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

Required Application Materials: Resume and Cover Letter

Best Consideration Date: 11/07/2025

Posting Close Date: N/A

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
VPR-Research Administration

Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular

Salary Range
$67,080.00-$80,496.00

Benefits Summary

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 regarding disclosable background 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.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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