Contract Administrator II

Engineering a world of possibilities. Colorado School of Mines (Mines) in Golden, Colorado, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Contract Administrator to join our Office of Research Administration (ORA). The role is hybrid and requires commuting to Golden, CO, at least twice per week.

• Contract and Grant Review and Negotiation:
  Negotiate unacceptable terms with research sponsors; suggest or insist on alternative language or deletion; collect relevant information and ensure approval of all terms and conditions; perform cost negotiations with sponsors, justifying costs and explaining university policies; maintain awareness of contractual language on IP, confidentiality, liability, indemnification, risk, publishing rights, invoices, payment terms, governing law, and sponsor corporate registration; identify terms compliant with university policies and state law;
  
  prioritize research agreements to meet funding agency deadlines.
• Contract and Grant Management:
  Determine if changes to a research project require prior sponsor approval; coordinate with faculty to create and submit change requests; submit and approve requests for no‑cost time extensions, budget deviations, and pre‑award spending; perform initial reviews on deficit spending requests to assess financial risk under current policy; work with faculty, ORA staff, and other departments to address project concerns.
• Subcontracts:
  Initiate, negotiate and manage research subcontracts; review subcontractor proposals; select applicable subcontract templates and prime contract flow‑down terms; negotiate subcontracts; maintain documentation to meet federal and state audit requirements; manage annual review of subrecipients; collaborate with departments to establish payment mechanisms for subcontractor invoices.
• Communication & Outreach:
  Maintain communication with faculty to ensure all information for sponsored research agreements is outlined; interpret and explain federal, state, and Mines regulations and policies to faculty and Mines personnel so they understand the contracting process; maintain ongoing contact with sponsoring agencies and external personnel for negotiation and management; meet with faculty to answer questions and assist with sponsored research agreements.
• Institutional Data Repository:
  Ensure accurate data entry into the data repository, including contract and project information and notes; upload all fully executed agreements, modifications, and sponsor prior approvals into the system.
• Training & Process Improvement:
  Provide formal and informal training to faculty and departmental staff on school policy, procedures, and sponsoring agency rules; support the Contract Administrator unit with contract language and university initiatives; actively participate in office‑wide process evaluation and re‑engineering; critically evaluate procedures for efficiency and recommend improvements.

• Baccalaureate degree in business or related field.
• 3 or more years in research administration.
• Knowledge of implementation of government regulations.
• Customer‑service skills and ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines and solve problems using independent judgment.
• Ability to use databases, presentation software, and enterprise financial systems.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Skill in establishing and fostering a cooperative work environment.

• Contract negotiation experience.
• Knowledge of university environment and policies.
• Master’s degree.

Contract Administrator II: $72,000–$80,000per year.

• Flexible health and dental care plans.
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year, including a week‑long winter break for the entire campus.
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution.
• Tuition benefits: six credits per year for employees, 50% discount for dependents.
• Free RTD Ecopass.
• Access to discount programs through the State of Colorado.
• Free tickets for Mines Athletics home games.
• Access to the on‑campus Recreation Center, outdoor recreation center, and Colorado State…