Contract Administrator

State-of-South-Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement programs

Tuition benefits

Scholarships for dependents

Annual leave

Sick leave

13 paid holidays

Parental leave

Professional development

Job summary

The University of South Carolina is seeking a Contract Administrator to manage the full lifecycle of contracts, vendor agreements, and procurement activities within the DEV Development Office. You will ensure compliance with federal regulations, state laws, University policies, and Foundation requirements while supporting operational efficiency and fiscal accountability.

Under limited supervision, you will provide strategic oversight of contract planning, solicitation development, vendor

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 4 years of experience in state government or higher education setting.
• Familiarity with the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code.
• Experience with contract lifecycle management, negotiation, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full lifecycle of contracts, including solicitation, negotiation, execution, monitoring, renewal, and closeout.
• Ensure compliance with the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code and university policies.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal stakeholders to support procurement activities.
• Monitor fiscal accountability, budgeting, and reporting related to contracts.

Job description

Contract Administrator

Department: DEV Development Office

Advertised Salary Range: Part/Full Time: Full Time

About UofSC: From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

Advertised Job Summary

Under very limited supervision, reporting to the Associate Vice President for Talent and Administrative Services, the Contract Administrator manages the full lifecycle of the Division's contracts, vendor agreements, and procurement-related activities with the University and Educational Foundation. Provides strategic oversight of contract planning, solicitation development, vendor engagement, fiscal monitoring, and compliance administration. Ensures all contractual activities are conducted in accordance with federal regulations, state laws, University policies, Educational Foundation requirements, and the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code while supporting operational effectiveness, fiscal accountability, and uninterrupted service delivery across the Division.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of contract administration, procurement processes, and vendor management principles.
• Knowledge of applicable federal regulations, state laws, the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code, and institutional policies governing contracts and purchasing activities.
• Knowledge of budgeting, financial monitoring, invoice processing, and fiscal accountability practices.
• Skill in managing the full lifecycle of contracts, including solicitation, negotiation, execution, monitoring, renewal, and closeout.
• Skill in analyzing contractual terms, interpreting regulations, and resolving contract-related issues.
• Strong organizational, project management, and recordkeeping skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with vendors, leadership, legal counsel, purchasing professionals, and program staff.
• Proficiency in financial and procurement systems, contract management tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Expertise in contract compliance monitoring, risk assessment, and vendor performance management.
• Ability to provide strategic guidance on procurement and contractual matters while ensuring operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and foster productive stakeholder relationships in a complex organizational environment.
• Ability to lead, advise, and communicate effectively with employees at all levels, as well as external customers and suppliers.
• Ability to assign appropriate priorities to work activities based on organizational goals and situational pressures.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and 4 years of experience in state government or higher education setting.
• Familiar with the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code and active application in the work environment.

Job Close Date09/14/2026

Benefits

including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.