Contract Specialist

Big Ten Academic Alliance

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

At the Big Ten Academic Alliance, we are at the forefront of higher education academic collaboration and advancing institutional excellence. We are seeking a Contract Specialist who will play a critical role in supporting stakeholders in the Center for Library Programs and Procurement across our 19 member institutions. This position is critical to the growth of collaborative projects across our institutions. Big Ten Academic Alliance staff are employees of the University of Illinois and receive employee benefits. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse community who values and celebrates the unique contributions of everyone and who will contribute to the creation of a welcoming and supportive environment for all.

Job Summary
In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing contracts within the organization. Your role will involve ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as well as organizational standards, while fostering positive vendor and stakeholder relationships. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of contract law, negotiation experience, and the ability to collaborate across departments to facilitate successful contract execution. You will serve as the in-house contract processing expert of the Big Ten Academic Alliance and make a lasting impact on our member universities.

Duties & Responsibilities -

Contract Management:

• Ensure all contracts adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, including federal, state, and organizational policies.
• Analyze and prioritize contract terms and conditions, identify potential risks, and propose mitigation strategies. Maintain consistency of standard clauses within the organization.
• Manage procurement contracts and library service agreements, anticipating extensions, potential amendments, and/or other contractual process triggers.
• Maintain the repository of all Big Ten Academic Alliance contracts, including library licensing contracts, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Extract, compare, and prepare key contract metadata for analysis.
• Collaborate with UIUC legal counsel when necessary to review complex contracts and mitigate legal risks.

Stakeholder and Vendor Relationship Management:

• In partnership with the Vice President for Library Programs, the Vice President for Finance and Administration, and their staff, cultivate and maintain positive relationships with vendors and stakeholders, fostering open communication and resolving any contract-related issues.
• With professionalism and persistence, seek creative solutions that benefit all involved parties including Big Ten Academic Alliance members, vendor representatives, and other key stakeholders identified by Alliance leadership.
• Work with vendors, customers, and stakeholders to ensure conformity between vendor offers, BTAA standard contract terms, and customer requirements.
• Perform analysis to evaluate vendor performance against contractual obligations and key performance indicators, sharing with the appropriate BTAA teams.
• Manage Contract Administrative Fees (CAF) data collection and processing in partnership with the business office.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work with the Vice President for Finance and Administration to prioritize and manage the contractual processing cycle.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their contractual needs and provide guidance.
• Communicate contract-related information and updates to relevant stakeholders within the organization.

Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to streamline contract processes and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Organize and maintain contract data through appropriate tagging and systematic record-keeping.
• Develop and update contract templates, standard operating procedures, and guidelines.
• Lead documentation efforts for corporate policies.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.
• Three (3) years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience.
• Demonstrated experience in contract management
• Demonstrated experience with contract law, legal terminology, and/or negotiation techniques.

Working Conditions -

Location: Champaign, Illinois. As part of our innovative and flexible work culture, this position operates within a hybrid work environment, allowing a combination of remote and on-site work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree and relevant certifications
• Experience with electronic routing applications.
• Prior use of Microsoft SharePoint and Teams environments.
• Experience with contract management software.
• Advanced experience with document markup and tagging using Adobe Acrobat or other PDF management software.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Adaptability: Respond to change positively and adjust style to the needs of the situation.
• Attention to Detail: Thoroughly accomplish tasks with concern for all involved areas.
• Collaboration: Develop cooperation and teamwork while working towards solutions that benefit all involved parties.
• Drive for Results: Demonstrate concern for achieving or surpassing results against internal or external standards.
• Initiative: Proactively act on opportunities and issues to capitalize or resolve them.
• Innovation: Apply original thinking to improve processes, methods, systems, or services.
• Open Communication: Encourage open expression of ideas and opinions.
• Organizational Loyalty: Exhibit appreciation for the Big Ten universities and their academic and research missions.
• Prioritization Skills: Demonstrate the ability to prioritize tasks effectively when under pressure and facing numerous urgent responsibilities.
• Problem Solving: Build a logical approach to address problems or opportunities effectively.
• Professionalism: Think carefully about the likely effects of words, actions, and behavior on others.
• Reliability: Demonstrate high dependability in all aspects of the job.
• Service: Demonstrate a strong commitment to meeting the needs of co-workers, managers, and external constituents.
• Technical Expertise: Apply specialized knowledge, skills, and judgment effectively.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Excel and Microsoft Office Products.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5010 - Business/Administrative Associate position. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The budgeted salary range for this position is $70,000 - $81,000 annually. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on December 17, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. For full consideration, application materials should include a cover letter, current resume (including month/ year employment dates), contact information for three professional references, and transcripts or proof of degree(s). Please ensure your resume highlights your qualifications/experience for this position. This may include professional, academic, volunteer, or other applicable experience that aligns with the responsibilities and requirements of this role.

In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at steiling@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1033564
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu