Jobs and Careers

Contract Administrator

State of South Carolina

Richland County, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 11 Aug 2026

About the role

Posting number: 9753643

Department: University of South Carolina

Job classification: Administrator

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration

Summary

Contract AdministratorDepartment: DEV Development OfficeAdvertised Salary Range: Part/Full Time: Full TimeAbout UofSCFrom the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.Inclusive Excellence StatementAdvertised Job SummaryUnder very limited supervision, reporting to the Associate Vice President for Talent and Administrative Services, the Contract Administrator manages the full lifecycle of the Division's contracts, vendor agreements, and procurement-related activities with the University and Educational Foundation. Provides strategic oversight of contract planning, solicitation development, vendor engagement, fiscal monitoring, and compliance administration. Ensures all contractual activities are conducted in accordance with federal regulations, state laws, University policies, Educational Foundation requirements, and the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code while supporting operational effectiveness, fiscal accountability, and uninterrupted service delivery across the Division.

Examples of duties

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities- Knowledge of contract administration, procurement processes, and vendor management principles.- Knowledge of applicable federal regulations, state laws, the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code, and institutional policies governing contracts and purchasing activities.- Knowledge of budgeting, financial monitoring, invoice processing, and fiscal accountability practices.- Skill in managing the full lifecycle of contracts, including solicitation, negotiation, execution, monitoring, renewal, and closeout.- Skill in analyzing contractual terms, interpreting regulations, and resolving contract-related issues.- Strong organizational, project management, and recordkeeping skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with vendors, leadership, legal counsel, purchasing professionals, and program staff.- Proficiency in financial and procurement systems, contract management tools, and Microsoft Office applications.- Expertise in contract compliance monitoring, risk assessment, and vendor performance management.- Ability to provide strategic guidance on procurement and contractual matters while ensuring operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility.- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and foster productive stakeholder relationships in a complex organizational environment.- Ability to lead, advise, and communicate effectively with employees at all levels, as well as external customers and suppliers.Ability to assign appropriate priorities to work activities based on organizational goals and situational pressures.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications- A bachelor's degree and 4 years of experience in state government or higher education setting.- Familiar with the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code and active application in the work environment.

Supplemental information

Job Close Date09/14/2026Special Instructions to ApplicantPositions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.We are only accepting applications submitted by September 14, 2026.The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:- Health and Life Insurance- Retirement Programs- Paid Tuition- Dependent Scholarships- Annual Leave- Sick Leave- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)- Paid Parental Leave- Professional Develo