Contracts Manager

Widener University is currently seeking a Contracts Manager to oversee the administration and management of all University's contracts. This role is a member of the Contracts & Risk Management team within the Fiscal Operations & Risk Management department. The Contracts Manager role involves ensuring compliance with contractual terms, mitigating risks, and maintaining strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners. The Contracts Manager will work closely with departments across the University to ensure that all contracts meet University legal and business standards. This position requires an individual who is detail-oriented and has strong organizational skills. The selected candidate should be comfortable with identifying and pursuing problem solving and education, as well as have the ability to effectively write and communicate in a concise manner to a variety of stakeholders.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential duties:

• Review and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents including but not limited to: clinical affiliation agreements; grant and subaward contracts; contracts for the procurement of goods and services; and memorandums of understanding.
• Develop and maintain a set of standard contracts for the University.
• Utilize standard university policies and procedure to review and confirm contracts are in compliance with University standards, and relevant laws and regulations.
• Maintain and manage the contract lifecycle from initiation through to completion.
• Develop and implement systems for tracking and monitoring contract status, performance and compliance.
• Provide input and consult on best practices related to on potential workflow, process, and system improvements, toward the goal of decreasing turnaround times and increasing efficiency.
• Ensure timely renewal or termination of contracts as necessary.
• Identify potential risks associated with contracts and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Ensure all contractual obligations are met and manage any disputes or breaches that arise.
• Work closely with counsel, strategic financial planning, procurement, and other departments to ensure contract terms align with University goals and policies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contract-related inquiries and issues.
• Maintain accurate and organized contract records and documentation.
• Prepare regular reports on contract status, compliance, and performance for senior management.
• Develop and implement best practices for contract management and administration.
• Stay updated on industry trends and legal requirements to ensure contracts are current and compliant.
• Manages workflow and related communication to and from the University community.
• As possible, participates with new system and application implementations.

Secondary responsibilities:

• Customer and departmental inquiry response and status updates
• Attend meetings as a representative of the Fiscal Operations department
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum of three years (3) of progressive experience in contract management, contract administration, or a related field.
• Proven experience in negotiating, and managing contracts.
• Strong understanding of contract law and legal terminology.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple contracts and projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in contract lifecycle management software
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.
• Strong decision-making abilities and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Legal Studies highly preferred
• Experience in Higher Education

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• This role may require periodic overtime as needed (quarterly and year-end closings etc.)
• This role may be eligible for a flexible work arrangement.
• Occasionally lifting less than 15lbs.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Usual office environment; routines sitting at a desk occasionally standing, bending, stooping or kneeling.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener's Flexible Work policy.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D