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.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!