Contracts Administrator

Description

Southern New Hampshire University is a team of innovators. World changers. Individuals who believe in progress with purpose. Since 1932, our people-centered strategy has defined us — and helped us grow a team that now serves over 180,000 learners worldwide.

Our mission to transform lives is made possible by talented people who bring diverse industry experience, backgrounds and skills to the university. And today, we're ready to expand our reach. All we need is you.

Make an impact — from near or far

At SNHU, you'll have the option to work remotely in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

We ask that our remote employees have access to a reliable internet connection and a dedicated, properly equipped workspace that is free of distractions. Employees must reside in, and work from, one of the above approved states.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Contracts Manager, the Contracts Administrator is responsible for drafting, reviewing, negotiating contracts and facilitating the contract process following university policy, ensuring stewardship of university financial assets. You will function collaboratively and maintain a customer service focus while working with departments throughout the university. Additionally, you will work toward continuous improvement in the contracts process, provide contract management reviews, serve as administrator of the contracts software system, and creates and delivers training. #LI-Remote

What you'll do:

Contracts Administration and Negotiation

• Independently manage an assigned queue of contract requests, serving as the primary point of contact for internal departments throughout the contract review and processing lifecycle.
• Perform comprehensive technical review of contracts, at the low to moderate risk level, for compliance to university contract standards.
• Administer the contract review process with department point of contact.
• Lead contract negotiations with suppliers.
• Liaise and work with various university departments including Office of General Counsel, Office of Information Technology Solutions and Information Security, Marketing, and Human Resources.
• Ensure contract terms provide appropriate risk mitigation and protection of university assets by providing advanced term negotiations, utilizing decision-making skills, and contract standards for when to escalate for additional review.
• Communicate status and updates to departments.
• Uphold the university's policies and procedures related to contracts.
• Summarize risks and exposures to authorized signors so they can make risk-informed decisions.
• Work with other Procurement Services teams to verify bidding requirements and new supplier due diligence.

Contracts Management

• Support the maintenance and accuracy of contract data used for Procurement Services reporting.
• Review and process purchase requisitions related to contracts, ensuring required contract documentation and approvals are in place prior to processing.
• Work with the Contracts Manager and Procurement Operations to maintain and update contract-related dashboards and reports that support contract tracking, renewals, workload visibility, and other team needs.
• Help identify reporting needs and developing practical data, reporting, and process solutions for the contracts team.
• Maintain accurate and complete contract records and metadata within contract management and procurement systems to support reporting, renewals, compliance, and institutional visibility.

Technology

• Be an administrator for the contracts lifecycle management solution including maintaining application security and maintaining data standards.
• Work with the procurement team to suggest and assess technology improvements, support the development and testing of improved functionality.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Workday ERP and support the procurement team in the development of interconnected system-to-system functionalities through process ideation and testing.
• Leverage approved AI and technology tools to support contract review, research, summarization, reporting, and other contract management activities while maintaining appropriate review and oversight of outputs.
• Help implement AI-enabled contract management tools and identify opportunities to use AI to improve efficiency, consistency, and contract review processes

Training

• Leverage approved AI and technology tools to support contract review, research, summarization, reporting, and other contract management activities while maintaining appropriate review and oversight of outputs.
• You will create and deliver individualized and group training on the University's contract management system and contracts process to Department users. Serves as a resource regarding the University's contracting process for the University community.
• Adapt to evolving technology, processes, and institutional requirements and actively participate in testing, training, and implementation of new contract management tools and functionality.

Team

• Develop strong working relationships with various internal stakeholders to service both day-to-day and project-related needs. Contribute to continuous process improvement and innovation to enhance.
• Independent and self-directed in day-to-day function but secures support from Procurement Services leadership team before taking critical action.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What we're looking for:

• Three or more years of experience.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent of experience in lieu of degree.
• Understand fundamentals of contract law, contracting authority, and working with counsel.
• Knowledge of accounting, finance, and marketing as they relate to procurement. Able to explain value concepts such as total cost of ownership.
• Experience optimizing contracts process and developing a contract management program.
• Experienced negotiator.
• Previous experience using contracts software.
• Must be flexible and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong technology skills including knowledge of Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Self-motivated, managing time and priorities in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment with minimal direction.
• Maintains customer focus by establishing relationships built on trust and respect.

We believe real innovation comes from inclusion - where different experiences, perspectives and talents are celebrated. So if you're wondering whether SNHU is right for you, take the leap and apply. You might be just the person we're looking for.

If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to fully engage in any part of the application or hiring process, please complete the Accommodation Request form or contact us at 603-626-9447. A member from the Employee Accommodation Support Center will be in contact with you within two business days to discuss your request.

Compensation

Exceptional benefits (because you’re exceptional)

You’re the whole package. Your benefits should be, too. As a full-time employee at SNHU, you’ll get:

• High-quality, low-deductible medical insurance

• Low to no-cost dental and vision plans

• 5 weeks of paid time off (plus almost a dozen paid holidays)

• Employer-funded retirement

• Free tuition program

• Parental leave

• Mental health and wellbeing resources