Contracts Specialist

Green Mountain Higher Education Consortium (GMHEC) seeks an experienced Contracts Specialist to oversee and manage member contract negotiation, review, and administration. GMHEC currently serves three members including Champlain College, Middlebury College and St. Michael’s College. This role will ensure that the member’s contractual agreements with vendors, partners, and external entities comply with legal and institutional requirements, align with organizational goals, and mitigate potential risks. The ideal candidate will have strong contract management expertise in a higher education environment, will possess strong organizational skills, and the ability to effectively collaborate with various academic and administrative departments.

Key responsibilities include:  

1. Contract Development & Negotiation  

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements across departments, including, but not limited to, academic programs, business operations, facilities, and technology.
• Ensure terms and conditions are favorable and aligned with institutional policies; negotiate changes as necessary to protect the institution’s interests.
• Coordinate with stakeholders, including legal, finance, and procurement, to develop and finalize contract terms.

2. Contract Compliance & Risk Mitigation  

• Ensure contracts comply with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and applicable laws, such as FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR, and state/federal regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments on contract terms, identifying potential liabilities and proposing mitigative actions. 
• Work closely with legal counsel to address compliance issues and oversee adherence to legal standards in all contract processes.

3. Partner Relationship Management  

• Maintain strong working relationships with external partners, as necessary, to facilitate smooth contract execution and service delivery.
• Resolve disputes, address contract issues, and act as a liaison between vendors and institutional stakeholders to ensure terms are met.
• Work closely with GMHEC procurement to ensure efficient utilization of vendors across consortium, including opportunities for shared contractual services.

4. Contract Lifecycle Management  

• Oversee the entire contract lifecycle, from initial request and drafting to execution, monitoring, renewal, or termination.
• Maintain an organized system for tracking contracts, deadlines, and deliverables, ensuring timely reviews, renewals, and necessary amendments.
• Develop and manage a centralized contract database, ensuring all contracts are properly stored, tracked, and accessible to authorized personnel.

5. Internal Collaboration & Training  

• Collaborate with administrators, faculty, and department heads to understand their contractual needs and ensure alignment with institutional priorities.
• Provide guidance and training to staff on contract policies, procedures, and best practices for managing contract-related risks.
• Work with member finance and budget teams to ensure that contracts align with budgetary constraints and financial projections.

6. Process Improvement & Policy Development  

• Evaluate and improve contract management processes to enhance efficiency, compliance, and risk control.
• Develop, implement, and communicate institutional policies and procedures for contract management, including a formalized approval and sign-off process.
• Stay informed on industry best practices, emerging regulations, and trends in contract management within higher education.

7. Reporting & Documentation  

• Prepare regular reports on contract status, performance metrics, and compliance issues for senior leadership.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for each contract, including negotiation records, approvals, amendments, and performance reports.

Qualifications & Skills  

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Legal Studies, Public Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree or J.D. preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of contract management experience, with preference for experience in a higher education or public sector environment.

Certifications: Professional certifications such as CPCM (Certified Professional Contract Manager), CCM (Certified Contract Manager), or similar are advantageous.

Knowledge of Higher Education Contracts: Familiarity with contracting in a higher education setting, including research, grants, student services, vendor contracts, and compliance standards.

Legal & Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of applicable federal and state regulations, such as FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR, and state procurement laws.

Attention to Detail: Exceptional attention to detail in drafting, reviewing, and monitoring contracts.

Analytical Skills: Proficient in assessing contract risks and developing solutions to address potential liabilities.

Communication & Negotiation Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to negotiate effectively and clearly present complex contract terms.

Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple contracts and deadlines efficiently.

Compensation:

$60,000 – 80,000, plus remote or hybrid/flexible work, and robust benefits package. 

Salary : $60,000 - $80,000