Howard University · 1 month ago
Contract Specialist-1
DC-Baltimore Area
Full-time, Contract
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$76K/yr - $85K/yr
5+ years expHoward University is a prestigious institution dedicated to the well-being and professional growth of its community. They are seeking a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the operational procedures related to contractual agreements for goods and services procured by the University, ensuring compliance with policies and laws.
EducationMarket ResearchUniversities
Responsibilities
Prepares documentation and legal draft of contracts/agreements, ensuring contract/agreement requirements are met, and works directly with Compliance Office and Office of General Counsel (OGC) to ensure contract/agreement language and requirements are appropriate and complies with Howard University and Hospital policies and procedures, and federal and state laws, to resolve compliance issue
Maintains confidentiality and protects sensitive data at all times, including patient & student, and proprietary information
Coordinates work with various departments and serves as a liaison between HU and vendors to oversee the intake, review and finalization of all contracts that bind the University
Maintain University Contracts and systems to ensure timely renegotiation and consistency of language/terms in order to provide maximum legal coverage
Examines operational scope of contracts, working collaboratively with user departments to ensure compliance
Serves as a consultant and educator to management and administrative staff relating to contract/agreement compliance requirements and issues
Review and analyze contracts not requiring legal review and identify language issues and/or concerns
Coordinates review of issues list with management staff. Negotiate all required language changes and review final documents to ensure all changes are appropriately made. Prepare correspondence necessary to accomplish the finalization of contracts being processed
Create contract files, negotiate changes, coordinate full and final execution of all contract documents, maintain Master Contract Filing system, administration and maintenance of the Contract Management Database, to include; monitoring, follow- up and resolution of all renewal notifications; scan and add all finalized contracts, amendments and insurance certificates to the database
Monitors Contracts Administration e-mail and responds to customer inquiries in a professional, courteous and prompt manner no later than one business day after receipt of inquiry
Maintains the highest degree of confidentiality with respect to information relating to business transactions and HU employees, patients, guests, physicians, co-workers and vendors
Assists in the preparation of training manuals and training documentation for on-going contracts training, ensuring that manuals are updated appropriately with the newest version of procedures
Assists with training faculty, staff, and students on legal issues in grants and contracts administration
Promotes adherence to the Health Sciences Compliance Program, the Howard University Code of Ethics and the Health Sciences Standards of Conduct
Attends annual and periodic mandatory Compliance Program training including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy training
Participates in activities that promote adherence to federal healthcare program requirements
Actively participates in Health Sciences Compliance Program activities. Adheres to the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures. Maintains confidentiality of patients, families, faculty, students, and staff
Performs other job related duties within the assigned timeframes assigned by Director
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field of study
5 to 8 years experience in an academic, healthcare environment or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and training
Comprehensive knowledge of Government Contracting and related laws, regulations and guidelines such as FARS
Comprehensive knowledge of the terminology related to the sponsored research agreements
Comprehensive knowledge of basic contracting phases such as pre-award award and post-award
Comprehensive knowledge of principles, practices and methodologies of accounting including grant administration and budget policies and procedures
Knowledge of computer skills: spreadsheet, database, word processing, and presentation software as well as other standard office equipment
Ability to use technology – contract management software and a standard suite of office software applications
Ability to organize information, generate reports and maintain data regarding contracts and contract process requests in a database
Sensitive to the interrelationship of both people and functions within the department
Strong team building and interpersonal skills
Strong project and relationship management skills
Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relations with staff, University officials and the general public
Good communication skills
Customer service orientation
Must be able to read and interpret the underlying purpose of contractual agreements, including the concepts of offer and acceptance and bargained-for transaction
Must be comfortable communicating instructions and process information to customers of all levels within the organization, including executive leaders
Preferred
Experienced with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR/DFAR) a plus
Possession of a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), a Certified Research Administrator, or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification is preferred
Benefits
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture
Company
Howard University
Howard University is a federally chartered, private, coeducational, and nonsectarian university.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Howard University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (22)
2024 (34)
2023 (31)
2022 (29)
2021 (14)
2020 (12)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$29.9MKey Investors
Gilead SciencesAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic SurgeonsNational Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
2024-02-27Grant
2023-12-01Grant· $0.02M
2023-01-10Grant· $0.15M
Leadership Team
Ta-Nehisi Coates
Sterling Brown Endowed Chair, Department of English
Recent News
2025-12-17
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