Sr. Contract Specialist (Technology)

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the University Director of Procurement Contracting & Compliance or designated administrator, the Senior Contract Specialist is responsible for the oversight and administration of all contracting activities relating to the technology needs for all University of Connecticut campuses.  The Senior Contract Specialist is accountable for performing and managing the most complex tasks within the technology portfolio of contracts, including but not limited to contracts for IT hardware, software, maintenance/support and consulting services.   Responsibilities include, but are not limited to drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts, preparing reports, supervising professional staff, and serving as a primary liaison with the Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Attorney General (when required), outside legal counsel and senior University administrators and officials.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include but are not limited to:

• Manages and performs technically challenging and complex duties related to the development and negotiation of technology contracts (e.g., contracts for the purchase or licensing of computer hardware, software, SaaS, cloud storage, system maintenance/support, and IT consulting services).  
• Develops and implements complex technology related contracts through vendor negotiations and in consultation with university officials, departmental clients, and the Office of the General Counsel.  
• Serves as a liaison between the Office of General Counsel and vendors, and acts as a resource to the University community regarding statutory requirements, Board of Trustee and Office of the Attorney General requirements, and procedures and guidelines.
• Supervises and reviews work of professional staff, clerical staff, students and/or consultants as assigned; delegates work assignments and work schedules to most effectively meet department/unit needs; and trains and develops staff as needed.
• Responsible for the preparation and legal review of contracts and agreements that are submitted to the Office of General Counsel; drafts technical language relating to the technology category.
• Monitors and tracks vendor agreements, contracting status and related documents for compliance with federal and state statutes/regulations, Board of Trustees policies, Office of the Attorney General guidelines, University procedures and contract terms and conditions.
• Develops and maintains requisite knowledge of technology contracting and expertise in procurement laws, principles, and practices, including federal and state statutes/regulations, the Uniform Commercial Code, the State Code of Ethics, Board of Trustees policies, Office of the Attorney General guidelines and University procedures.
• Contributes to the improvement of internal contracting procedures, makes recommendations as needed to improve efficiency and effectiveness of processes, and communicates such recommendations to leadership and departmental staff.
• Conducts training seminars for staff pertaining to University compliance for all related contractual issues.  Actively serves on university committees to develop policies and procedures that enhance and promote the mission of University Business Services and the overall mission of the University.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree and six (6) years of related professional experience in contract law, purchasing/procurement of technology-related commodities in a comparable environment, OR Master’s degree or J.D. and four (4) years of related professional experience in contract law, purchasing/procurement of  technology-related commodities in a comparable environment OR an Associate’s degree and eight (8) years of related professional experience in contract law, purchasing/procurement of  technology-related commodities in a comparable environment.
2. General working knowledge of accepted procurement and contracting practices and the ability to negotiate contract language to meet the needs of the University while also ensuring compliance with the requirements of the State of Connecticut.
3. Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with experience working effectively across teams and with a wide range of stakeholders.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
5. Strong computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Advanced degree in related discipline or Juris Doctor (JD).
2. Knowledge of contract theory, technology principles, data privacy and security laws, regulations and applicable federal and state procurement statutes, policies and regulations.
3. Experience with drafting complex