Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Contract Administration

The Contracts Administrator is responsible for the comprehensive review, analysis, negotiation, drafting, and administration of non-research contracts to ensure compliance with applicable statutory, regulatory, and University policy requirements; serves as a delegated final approver for assigned agreements and provides expert guidance on contractual, risk, and compliance matters; works collaboratively with internal stakeholders, including legal counsel, risk management, procurement, and information security; evaluates contract risk, negotiates terms and conditions, determines acceptable risk positions, and facilitates execution of agreements; supports compliance initiatives, policy development, training, and process improvement efforts across the University.

• Review, analyze, and process a wide range of non-research contracts (e.g., consulting agreements, NDAs, software/courseware agreements, leases, service agreements)
• Ensure all contract terms comply with University policies, legal requirements, and risk management standards
• Serve as final approver for delegated contracts, including authority to revise, approve, and route agreements for authorized signature
• Draft contracts and agreements from inception using standard or customized language
• Review research-related agreements for required institutional approvals prior to execution
• Maintain contract documentation, records, and tracking systems
• Negotiate contract terms with external entities and legal counsel to resolve unacceptable provisions
• Evaluate and determine acceptable risk positions, including indemnification, liability, insurance, and termination clauses
• In consultation with leadership and legal counsel, determine best and final offers and support acceptance or rejection decisions
• Assess when financial or internal risk sign-offs are appropriate for unresolved contractual risks
• Review and approve insurance and liability requirements for contracts, leases, and events
• Serve as a primary point of contact for contract-related inquiries from faculty, staff, and administrators
• Collaborate with internal partners (e.g., legal counsel, risk management, information security, accessibility, procurement)
• Provide guidance on contract interpretation, risk mitigation, and compliance requirements
• Escalate complex or high-risk matters to senior leadership as appropriate
• Support compliance initiatives, including audits, risk assessments, and monitoring of contract-related activities
• Review and manage compliance processes related to specialized areas (e.g., courseware, accessibility, data security)
• Maintain and update compliance documentation, databases, and reporting tools
• Identify trends, risks, and process gaps; recommend and implement improvements
• Draft and issue formal correspondence related to contractual matters
• Assist in resolving contract disputes and addressing breaches of contractual obligations
• Prepare internal memoranda and documentation for leadership and legal review
• Develop and deliver training on contract processes, compliance requirements, and best practices
• Assist in the development and revision of University policies, procedures, and standard contract templates
• Support procurement and contract administration systems, including requisitions, bidding processes, and contract tracking tools
• Assist in developing tools, templates, and resources to improve efficiency and compliance
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 11
• Minimum – $68,200.00
• MidPoint – $85,200.00
• Maximum – $102,300.00

• Consulting
• Contract management
• Legal research
• Legal writing
• Negotiation
• Policy analysis
• Presentation Skills
• Procedure development
• Report writing
• Risk Management
• Supplier evaluation