Assistant Director of Contract Administration

New Jersey Institute of Technology; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, NJ seeks an Assistant Director of Contract Administration to provide strategic leadership for the university's contract governance, lifecycle management, and supplier onboarding. You will oversee complex agreements, collaborate with Legal, Risk Management and Finance, and drive standardized processes across campus.

The role demands a strong background in contract law, negotiation, and risk mitigation, with the ability to manage high-volume contracts

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Law, Public Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in contract management, procurement, or related field, including progressively responsible leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing complex agreements across diverse contract types.
• Strong knowledge of contract law principles, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and working with all levels of leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for University-wide contract management, including governance, lifecycle processes, and stakeholder engagement.
• Serve as the primary authority and escalation point for complex contractual matters, negotiations, and risk assessment.
• Oversee the intake, review, negotiation, execution, and lifecycle management of all University agreements.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Procurement, Legal, Risk Management, Finance, and academic/administrative departments.
• Ensure compliance with University policies, applicable laws, and regulatory requirements.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Law, Public Administration, or related field

Tools

Workday Strategic Sourcing

Contract lifecycle management system

Enterprise platforms

Job description

Title

Assistant Director of Contract Administration

Reports To

Senior Executive Dir of Procurement & Contract Administration

Position Summary

Under the general leadership of the Senior Executive Director of Procurement & Contract Administration, the Assistant Director of Contract Administration is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of the University's contract administration function. This role leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of University-wide contract governance, lifecycle management processes, and stakeholder advisory services.

The Assistant Director will oversee all aspects of contract management across the institution, supporting a broad portfolio of agreements including expense-related contracts, revenue-generating agreements, and non-monetary agreements (e.g., MOUs, MOAs, NDAs) across academic, administrative, and programmatic areas.

This position serves as the University's central authority for contract strategy, negotiation, and risk management, working in close collaboration with Procurement Services, the Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, Finance, and other stakeholders. The Assistant Director will ensure contracts are structured to protect the University's interests while enabling operational effectiveness and supporting institutional initiatives.

In addition, the Assistant Director will oversee supplier onboarding as a function aligned with contract administration, ensuring coordination of supplier setup, compliance documentation, and insurance requirements with contractual obligations. This alignment supports efficient contract execution and reflects the integration of contract and supplier processes within the University's enterprise systems.

The role also plays a key role in policy development, process standardization, and organizational change management. The incumbent must be capable of leading a University-wide program, influencing stakeholders at all levels, and managing increasing contract volume and complexity in a dynamic environment.

Essential Functions

• Provide strategic leadership for University-wide contract management, including governance, lifecycle processes, and stakeholder engagement
• Serve as the primary authority and escalation point for complex contractual matters, negotiations, and risk assessment
• Oversee the intake, review, negotiation, execution, and lifecycle management of all University agreements
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Procurement, Legal, Risk Management, Finance, and academic/administrative departments
• Ensure compliance with University policies, applicable laws, and regulatory requirements
• Develop and implement contract management strategies that support institutional goals and operational efficiency
• Drive continuous improvement of contract processes, systems, and tools

Contracting & Negotiations

• Lead negotiation and execution of complex agreements across a wide range of contract types, including expense, revenue-generating, and non-monetary agreements
• Provide strategic advisory services to University leadership and stakeholders on contract terms, risk allocation, and business implications
• Evaluate and manage non-standard terms and conditions in coordination with the Office of General Counsel and Risk Management
• Establish negotiation strategies that balance institutional risk, operational needs, and stakeholder priorities
• Support departments in structuring agreements that align with University policies and objectives

Contract Governance & Program Leadership

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive contract governance framework for the University
• Establish and enforce standard contract templates, clause libraries, and policy-aligned practices
• Lead the evolution of contract lifecycle management processes across all agreement types
• Oversee integration of contract management within enterprise systems, including Workday Strategic Sourcing
• Monitor trends, risks, and regulatory changes impacting contract management and adjust practices accordingly

Supplier Onboarding and Compliance

• Provide oversight of the supplier onboarding function, ensuring alignment with contract management processes and requirements
• Ensure supplier onboarding activities (e.g., tax documentation, compliance certifications, insurance review) are coordinated with contract execution
• Collaborate with Procurement Services, Accounts Payable, Risk Management, and other stakeholders to streamline onboarding workflows
• Establish standards and processes to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and ensure compliance across supplier onboarding activities
• Support integration of supplier onboarding and contract management within enterprise systems (e.g., Workday Strategic Sourcing)

Standardization, Systems & Process Improvement

• Drive the development and implementation of standardized contract processes, tools, and workflows
• Lead system optimization and alignment of contract management processes within enterprise platforms
• Develop training, guidance materials, and communication strategies to support campus-wide adoption
• Use analytics and data-driven insights to improve contract cycle times, efficiency, and compliance
• Implement change management initiatives to support evolving contract management practices

Stakeholder Engagement & Advisory

• Provide guidance on contract strategy, risk mitigation, and compliance considerations
• Build strong relationships with academic and administrative units to support contract needs
• Facilitate collaboration across departments to ensure efficient contract execution
• Educate stakeholders on contract policies, processes, and best practices

Data, Reporting & Performance Management

• Develop and manage metrics, dashboards, and reporting tools to track contract activity and performance
• Monitor contract volume, cycle times, and risk trends to inform decision-making
• Provide reporting and insights to leadership to support strategic planning and operational improvements
• Establish KPIs to measure effectiveness of contract management processes and governance

Pre-Requisite Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Law, Public Administration, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in contract management, procurement, or related field, including progressively responsible leadership experience
• Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing complex agreements across diverse contract types
• Strong knowledge of contract law principles, risk management, and compliance frameworks
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and working with all levels of leadership
• Proven ability to manage high-volume, complex contract environments
• Experience with Workday Strategic Sourcing, contract lifecycle management system and enterprise platforms
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and documentation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.

Compensation

$120,000 - $140,000

At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Range

Non-Aligned -10

NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, or other items.

Flsa

Exempt

Time Type

Full time

Pay Rate

Salary

Additional Information

As an EEO employer NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women.

Employment at NJIT is subject to the provisions of New Jersey First Act which mandates new employees, who are not NJ residents, to establish primary residence in New Jersey within one year of their appointment to certain positions. The law does not apply to any individual employed at NJIT on a temporary or per semester basis as a visiting or adjunct professor, teacher, lecturer, researcher or administrator. For more information on the act please click here.

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