Contract Specialist: Finance and Administration - UTK

Overview

The Contracts Department is seeking a full-time Contract Specialist for the Knoxville, TN campus. This role reports to the Contracts Director and is responsible for reviewing contracts to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies. The position supports campus-wide contract administration procedures and assists in preparing contractual documents. You will evaluate legal provisions within complex agreements and work with vendors and external stakeholders to address and resolve contractual disputes.

Responsibilities

• Review contracts to ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and University policies
• Assist with administration of the campus contract process
• Assist with drafting contracts
• Analyze legal terms and aspects of complex contractual agreements
• Work with vendors and other outside parties to resolve contractual issues with external agencies

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Experience:
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a professional office environment
  • At least one (1) year of experience interpreting and/or drafting technical or contract language
• 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
  • Working knowledge of 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:
  • Knowledge of Tennessee law, contracting procedures, and standard insurance coverage

Location

• Knoxville, TN
• Full-time remote work

Compensation & Benefits

• UT market range: M10
• Anticipated hiring range: $56k - $60k

Application Instructions

Submit the following with your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Completed applications with all requested materials must be submitted on or before 11/6/2026 for full consideration.