Contract Administrator

Recruitment Number 1524 Number of Vacancies 1 Working Title Contract Administrator Classification Title Administrative Manager Proposed Salary to be Offered $65,000-$75,000 Appointment Percentage (Budget) 100 Position Summary

The Contract Administrator will review, develop, negotiate, analyze, and revise contracts and agreements related to the business at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL). This position will provide recommendations to support decision-making, planning, and policy formulation to university leadership and consult with the UW System Office of General Counsel as needed.

The Contract Administrator plays a key role in maintaining the university's electronic contract repository to facilitate the university's ability to adequately oversee contracting practices. This position develops university procedures and is responsible for evaluating current processes and procedures to gain efficiencies within the contracting process.

This position reports to the Controller and performs other duties and services as part of the Business Services unit.

Position Type Staff/Administrative Pay Basis Annual FLSA Exempt Contingent Upon Funding No Is this position eligible for employment sponsorship, (H1B or PERM)? No Required Qualifications

• Minimum of Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal, Legal Assistant, or Court Clerk emphasis.

• Experience as a paralegal or legal assistant.

• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and research techniques.

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills as well as time management skills.

• Knowledge of Microsoft applications.

• Ability to review legal documents and provide recommendations.

• Evidence of the use of logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a business-related field.

• Knowledge of contract law and legal procedures.

• Experience in higher education or governmental agencies.

• Experience in contract writing and negotiation skills.

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time in an office environment.

Working conditions and environment

• Minimal travel is needed but will include attendance at scheduled contracts and risk-related meetings and conferences.

• Possible extended hours, on a periodic basis, to meet the needs of the campus.

Miscellaneous Information

Information about your benefits

Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university.

Highlights include:

• excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• paid holidays and sick days.
• sick leave may be converted at retirement to pay for health insurance post-work at UWL.
• after 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.
• benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.

Benefit eligibility is determined at point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.

Information about UWL and the Surrounding Region

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a top-rated, comprehensive University of Wisconsin campus, located in the beautiful Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin. Known for scholarship, academic rigor, physical activity and a close-knit community, UWL remains dedicated to its century-old mission to train the whole person - "the mind and body."

UWL has earned a strong reputation nationally for factors such as graduation rates, return on investment and great outcomes for low-income students. It is the No. 2 public college in Wisconsin on Forbes' 2023 America's Top Colleges list. And it is Wisconsin's top-ranked public university with fewer than 25,000 students, according to U.S. News & World Report's list of the Best National Universities.

UWL offers 130-plus degree programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels in the arts, social sciences and humanities; science and health; business; and education. UWL has three colleges: the College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Humanities, the College of Business Administration, and the College of Science & Health, as well as the School of Education and the School of Visual & Performing Arts. UWL has about 450 full-time faculty and instructional academic staff, including 83% with doctoral or terminal degrees.

UWL has strong student success programs that have contributed to a strong retention rate. This fall, students returned to UWL at one of the highest rates on record with 86.5% of the 2022-23 first-year class retained - the highest mark in a decade and the fifth-highest mark in the past 50 years.

UW-La Crosse's strategic plan Sustaining Excellence continues to move our community forward through its four pillars: increasing community engagement, achieving excellence through equity and diversity, investing in our people, and advancing transformational education. More information about the ongoing work of Sustaining Excellence is available at www.uwlax.edu/info/strategic-plan.

The UW-La Crosse campus is in southwestern Wisconsin, nestled in a residential area of the City of La Crosse and positioned as part of a larger metro area with a population close to 140,000. The area, known as the 7 Rivers Region, is famous for its exceptional natural beauty, which includes the Mississippi River on one side, majestic bluffs on the other, and views of rolling farmland and forested valleys in between. Abundant water, woodlands and varying terrain provide ample opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation. Only a couple of hours from Minneapolis or Madison, La Crosse enjoys the affordability and charm of small- town living with larger city benefits. Three colleges, two world-class medical institutions, the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, a restored 19th century downtown business district, and a number of galleries and art centers have made La Crosse a regional center for culture, entertainment, medical care, shopping, sports and recreation. More information about the La Crosse metro area can be found at Explore La Crosse and Choose La Crosse.

Learn more about UW-La Crosse here: https://www.uwlax.edu/human-resources/services/talent-acquisition-and-employment/finalist-welcome/

AA/EO Statement

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. We strongly encourage women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply. UWL, in compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status.

DEI Statement

UW-La Crosse's diversity and inclusion efforts are guided by our adherence to Inclusive Excellence. We define Inclusive Excellence as "… our active, intentional and ongoing commitment to bridge differences with understanding and respect so all can thrive." The goals of Inclusive Excellence are to increase the retention of diverse faculty, staff, and students while encouraging a campus climate that is inviting and welcoming to all. UW-La Crosse strives to promote acceptance of all facets of diversity from racial/ethnic diversity to diversity of thought and experience. UW-La Crosse ranks 6th nationally among the Top LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges for 2018-19 by AffordableCollegesOnline.org (ACO).

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://www.uwlax.edu/police/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9999.

Redbook Position Yes Division/College Administration and Finance Division Description of College / Department / Program / Division / Unit

Business Services provides a challenging and dynamic work environment for professionals to serve the diverse stakeholders of the university. We seek out highly qualified individuals and develop them into results-oriented leaders. As part of an institution of learning, we encourage the personal and professional growth of our staff by providing engaging projects and development opportunities. Additionally, the unit fosters a supportive climate by encouraging team members to work collaboratively, and we provide flexibility through an attractive leave package and a hybrid remote work model.

The Division of Administration and Finance is committed to providing quality campus services to faculty, staff, students, and external constituencies to support the university's mission of teaching, research, and public service. The division includes Facilities Planning & Management, Budget, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, and Police & Parking Services.

Duties/Responsibilities

These are the job duties required for the position.

Responsibility Statement Contract Activities Duties to Support Responsibility

• Develop, negotiate, review, and analyze the contents of UWL contracts and agreements, ensuring the university's interests are represented. This includes but is not limited to, Academic Support Services Agreements, Academic Affiliation Agreements, Sponsored Research Contracts, Memoranda, Leases, Purchase Agreements, Facility Use Agreements, Technology Transfers, and other documents needed to carry out university objectives.

• Assist in the development and maintenance of an accurate, comprehensive, and easily accessible electronic contract repository to facilitate the university's ability to adequately oversee the contracting practices

• Develop and maintain knowledge of the functions of various departments to be able to recommend a course of action when entering into contracts or agreements.

• Work with departments to ensure there is a fully executed electronic image of all contracts and agreements.

• Recommend contract language and terms for agreements or contracts that comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations along with UWS and UWL policy and procedures.

• Develop and maintain working relationships with outside agencies and individuals entering into UWL contracts and agreements.

• Consult, as appropriate, with the UW System Office of General Counsel to evaluate proposals and opinions and provide advice to university leadership.

• Advise leadership concerning terms, conditions, and legal issues of UWL contracts and agreements.

• Assist with dispute resolutions as necessary.

• Review related policies and procedures and recommend updates as needed.

Responsibility Statement University Resource Duties to Support Responsibility

• Collaborate with the Assistant to the Controller, Grant Accountant, and the Business Services Leadership team.

• Serve as a resource for the development and maintenance of the university's export control program.

• Conduct university training and provide ongoing support in contracting policies and procedures.

• Communicate revisions to procedures and policies related to contracts to the campus community, including updating web pages and resources.

• Provide support to the academic departments.

• Review related policies and procedures, recommend updates, disseminate information, and provide training to the campus community.

Responsibility Statement Projects and Other Duties as Assigned Duties to Support Responsibility

• Assist campus departments in establishing appropriate business processes necessary for fiscal management and integrity.

• Attend professional development opportunities, including UW System conferences related to contract administration.

• Serve on campus committees to provide advice on matters of contracting.

• Participate in campus events to increase awareness of the contracting process and risk management.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Detail Information

Posting Date 06/20/2024 Continuous Recruitment Yes Continuous Recruitment First Review Date 07/08/2024 Close Date Special Instructions

Application deadlines

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed 'First Review Date'. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment

Position Contact Name Mark Haakenson Position Contact Email mhaakenson@uwlax.edu