The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well‑being and professional growth. Here is what we offer:
- 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
Join Howard University and thrive with us!
Howard University is seeking a Contract Specialist who has primary responsibility for the operational procedure and process associated with contractual arrangements/agreements for goods and services procured by the University.
SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY
None
NATURE AND SCOPE
Internal contacts include the Office of the General Counsel, executives, administrators, managers, faculty, staff and students of the University departments, units and offices. External contacts include Federal, state, local and other governmental sponsors of research/training programs at Howard University, private foundations, vendors, auditors, inspectors and other representatives working on behalf of program sponsors, representatives from other universities, institutes and other organizations with whom Howard University works on sponsored research/training programs and industry trade organizations (such as the National Contract Management Association and the National Council of University Research Administrators).
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Prepares documentation and legal draft of contracts/agreements, ensuring contract/agreement requirements are met, and works directly with the Compliance Office and Office of General Counsel (OGC) to ensure contract/agreement language and requirements are appropriate, comply with Howard University and Hospital policies and procedures, and federal and state laws, resolving compliance issues.
- Maintains confidentiality and protects sensitive data at all times, including patient, student, and proprietary information.
- Coordinates work with various departments and serves as liaison between Howard University and vendors to oversee the intake, review, and finalization of all contracts that bind the University.
- Maintains University contracts and systems to ensure timely renegotiation and consistency of language/terms for 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 regarding contract/agreement compliance requirements and issues.
- Reviews and analyzes contracts not requiring legal review, identifying language issues or concerns.
- Coordinates review of issues list with management staff, negotiates required language changes, reviews final documents, and prepares correspondence to finalize contracts.
- Creates contract files, negotiates changes, coordinates full and final execution of all contract documents, maintains Master Contract Filing system and Contract Management Database, monitors renewal notifications, scans and adds finalized contracts, amendments, and insurance certificates to the database.
- Monitors Contracts Administration email, responds to customer inquiries promptly (no later than one business day).
- Maintains highest degree of confidentiality regarding business transactions and Howard University employees, patients, guests, physicians, co‑workers, and vendors.
- Assists in preparing training manuals and documentation for ongoing contracts training, ensuring manuals are updated with newest 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 HIPAA Privacy training.
- Participates in activities that promote adherence to federal healthcare program requirements.
- Actively participates in Health Sciences Compliance Program activities, adhering to HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures and maintaining confidentiality of patients, families, faculty, students, and staff.
- Performs other job‑related duties within assigned timeframes as directed by the Director.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Sensitive to the interrelationship of people and functions within the department; applies strict confidentiality regarding budget issues.
- Strong team building, interpersonal, 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 and customer service orientation.
- Must interpret contractual agreements, including concepts of offer, acceptance, and bargained‑for transaction.
- Knowledge of the healthcare industry and University purchasing practices, procedures, and techniques desirable.
- Comfortable communicating instructions and process information to customers at all levels, including executive leaders.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Government Contracting laws, regulations, and guidelines such as FAR/FARS.
- Knowledge of terminology related to sponsored research agreements.
- Understanding of basic contracting phases: pre‑award and post‑award.
- Knowledge of accounting principles, grant administration, budget policies, and procedures.
- Computer skills: spreadsheet, database, word processing, presentation software, and standard office equipment; ability to use contract management software and standard office suites.
- Ability to organize information, generate reports, and maintain contract data in a database.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field of study.
- 5 to 8 years of experience in an academic or healthcare environment, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and training.
- Experience with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR/DFAR) is a plus.
- Possession of a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Research Administrator, or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification preferred.
Compliance Salary Range Disclosure
Compensation Range: $76,500 – $85,000