Contract Specialist: Finance and Administration - UTK

The Contracts Department at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, seeks qualified candidates for a full-time Contract Specialist position. Under the supervision of the Contracts Director, the Contract Specialist shall be accountable for examining contracts to verify compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies. The position encompasses support for the administration of contractual procedures across the campus and participation in the preparation of contractual documents. The incumbent is required to evaluate legal provisions and considerations within complex contractual agreements and engage with vendors and external stakeholders to address and resolve contractual disputes with outside organizations.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibility of this position is to review contracts to ensure adherence to laws, regulations and University policies.  This position assists with the administration of the contract process for the campus and assists in drafting contracts. This position is required to analyze legal terms and aspects of complex contracts and work with vendors and other outside parties to resolve contractual issues with outside agencies. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree 

• Experience: 

  • Minimum of two years of experience in a professional office environment is required. 

  • At least one year of experience interpreting and/or drafting technical or contract language is required.

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

  • Ability to exercise independent judgment. 

  • Skills to organize and maintain an effective systematic work environment. 

  • Ability to read and accurately interpret legal language, regulations, and policies.

  • Ability to negotiate contracts with third parties including attorneys and suppliers. 

  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and maintain effective working relationships with third parties and university departments. 

  • Ability to work under pressure to meet time sensitive deadlines for a high volume of detailed material. 

  • Knowledge and skills to work in Microsoft Office, Adobe Pro or similar document readers, and contract software platforms.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Education: Master’s degree in business administration

• Experience: Experience working in contract administration at an institute of higher education or governmental agency.  

• Knowledge of Tennessee law, contracting procedures, and standard insurance coverage.

Work Location 

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Full-time remote work

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: M10

• Anticipated hiring range: $56k - $60k 

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before 11/6/2026.