Contract Administrator

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave and holidays

Health insurance options

Retirement benefits

Well-being program

Tuition waiver

Job summary

James Madison University is seeking a detail-oriented Contract Administrator to oversee VIVA, Non-JMU Cooperative Contracts, and university term contracts. You will manage contract lifecycle, establish and renew contracts, and ensure procurement compliance while supporting financial stewardship.

This on-site role includes budget reconciliation, reporting, and collaboration with vendors, state agencies, and university departments to maintain accurate records and support audits.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of budgeting, financial management, accounting, and reconciliation processes.
• Knowledge of public procurement principles, practices, terminology, and contract administration.
• Experience reviewing, interpreting, and administering contracts, including ensuring compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate information, identify issues, and develop effective solutions.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with a variety of stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Access, and the ability to learn and apply new systems and technologies.
• Experience working with enterprise financial, procurement, and contract management systems such as PeopleSoft Finance, eVA, Cobblestone, Consortia Manager, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the administration of VIVA contracts and university contracts, ensuring compliance with university policies, procurement regulations, and contract requirements.
• Manage contract lifecycle activities, including contract reviews, renewals, amendments, expirations, documentation, and records management.
• Support procurement processes related to the establishment, renewal, and termination of contracts and the issuance of purchase orders.
• Administer and reconcile VIVA's annual budget, including allocations, expenditures, reimbursements, invoicing, financial reporting, and fiscal year-end activities.
• Monitor contract and financial performance, identify issues, and collaborate with stakeholders to resolve compliance, payment, and operational concerns.
• Maintain accurate contract and financial records, prepare reports, and support audits and regulatory requirements.
• Provide oversight of Non-JMU Cooperative Contracts, including contract maintenance, renewals, records retention, and staff training.
• Serve as a resource to university departments, consortium members, vendors, and state agencies on contract administration and procurement matters.
• Support the university's SWaM initiatives, continuous process improvement efforts, and cross-functional administrative and technology operations through collaboration, training, and backup support.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial management

Reconciliation

Public procurement principles

Contract administration

Analytics

Time management

Communication

MS Office (Excel/Word/Access)

Tools

PeopleSoft Finance

eVA

Cobblestone

Consortia Manager

Job description

Working Title: Contract Administrator

State Role Title:Financial Services Specialist I

Position Type:Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Finance

Department: 100222 - Procurement

Pay Band:4

Pay Rate:Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $50,000-$55,600

Is this a JMU only position?No

Is this a grant-funded position?No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position?Yes. This successful candidate must complete a statement of personal economic interest prior to their first day of employment.

Beginning Review Date:10/13/2026

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

James Madison University is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative professional to oversee contract administration activities for the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA), Non-JMU Cooperative Contracts, and selected university term contracts. This position plays a key role in supporting the procurement lifecycle, including contract establishment, renewal, termination, and purchase order administration, while ensuring compliance with University procedures and Commonwealth of Virginia procurement requirements.

The successful candidate will manage fiscal accounting and reconciliation for VIVA's annual budget, including allocations, reimbursements, invoicing, budget monitoring, and financial reporting. This role works closely with consortium members, vendors, university departments, and state agencies to support effective contract management, financial stewardship, and operational excellence.

This position is on‑site.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the administration of VIVA contracts and university contracts, ensuring compliance with university policies, procurement regulations, and contract requirements.
• Manage contract lifecycle activities, including contract reviews, renewals, amendments, expirations, documentation, and records management.
• Support procurement processes related to the establishment, renewal, and termination of contracts and the issuance of purchase orders.
• Administer and reconcile VIVA's annual budget, including allocations, expenditures, reimbursements, invoicing, financial reporting, and fiscal year‑end activities.
• Monitor contract and financial performance, identify issues, and collaborate with stakeholders to resolve compliance, payment, and operational concerns.
• Maintain accurate contract and financial records, prepare reports, and support audits and regulatory requirements.
• Provide oversight of Non‑JMU Cooperative Contracts, including contract maintenance, renewals, records retention, and staff training.
• Serve as a resource to university departments, consortium members, vendors, and state agencies on contract administration and procurement matters.
• Support the university's SWaM initiatives, continuous process improvement efforts, and cross-functional administrative and technology operations through collaboration, training, and backup support.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of budgeting, financial management, accounting, and reconciliation processes.
• Knowledge of public procurement principles, practices, terminology, and contract administration.
• Experience reviewing, interpreting, and administering contracts, including ensuring compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to evaluate information, identify issues, and develop effective solutions.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with a variety of stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Access, and the ability to learn and apply new systems and technologies.
• Experience working with enterprise financial, procurement, and contract management systems such as PeopleSoft Finance, eVA, Cobblestone, Consortia Manager, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.