Contract Administrator 3 (Hybrid)

University of California Merced; California; Hybrid; USD 89,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full UC benefits

Job summary

University of California, Merced is seeking a Contract Administrator to handle complex contracting and procurement tasks across business, lab services, and utilities agreements. You will collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners, applying UC policies and strong negotiation skills to optimize terms and value.

The role is hybrid, one-year contract, with eligibility for full UC benefits. Review of applicants begins around October 14, 2025, with posting remaining open until filled.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in business administration, public administration or related area.
• 3 years of demonstrated professional procurement/contracting experience or paralegal project management experience, or 7 years of equivalent experience/education/training.
• Strong negotiation, drafting and communication skills.
• Familiarity with UC policies and procurement processes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Performs complex contracting and procurement tasks including business, lab services, and utilities agreements.
• Negotiates terms and drafts contract documents with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Ensures policy compliance and supports the division of Finance and Administration.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Vendor management

Policy compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration or related area

Job description

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $89,400- $94,000.

Job Closing Date

Initial applicant review will begin on or around October 14th, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is hybrid.

This position is a one-year contract and is eligible for full UC benefits.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

About The Job

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Procurement Officer, the Contract Administrator applies professional contracting concepts, industry standards, and organizational objectives to complete complex contracting and project assignments focused on special projects and programs, business contracts, sales and services, lab services, and utility-related agreements, as assigned. Implements plans and strategies to support effective and efficient contracting for business contracts and related contracts and procurements. Supports procurement and contracting efforts in other categories as assigned. Determines how to use resources to meet schedules and goals. Identifies risks and responds accordingly. Collaborates with internal and external teams to select and implement effective and efficient strategies for the procurement and contracts team. Works on contracting assignments where analysis of options requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises good judgment in selecting the best contracting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to obtain results. Serves as a subject matter expert for procurement and contracting, business and partnership agreements, and special projects based on both Office of the President policies and local campus initiatives. Demonstrates exceptional customer service and professionalism. Effectively develops and maintains professional working relationships with campus stakeholders, peers, and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepares, manages and administers business contracts agreements, and procurement documents to support policies from the Regents of the University of California and the local campus administration of such policies, as needed. Works with University Stakeholders and Supply Chain Team Members on UC policy compliance, reporting and training as needed to support procurement.
• Utilizes professional knowledge and expertise to effectively prepare, negotiate and execute complex contract documents working closely with internal stakeholders, core lab managers, non profits, K – 12 school districts, other universities, and corporations to effectively develop and incorporate appropriate contract terms and detailed scope of services as appropriate to maximize the value and potential performance of each contract for the University of California, Merced.
• Provides management and administrative support to the Division of Finance and Administration and other campus departments as needs may arise.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration or related area. (Required)
• 3 years of demonstrated professional procurement/contracting experience or paralegal project management experience, or 7 years of equivalent experience/education/training. (Required)

Critical Knowledge And Skills

• Thorough knowledge of internal departmental / unit operating policies, applicable state and federal regulations and general contract terms.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of specific contracting assignments.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills; and ability to deal effectively with broad and diverse constituencies ensuring strong customer service orientation and skills.
• Strong organizational, presentation and negotiation skills.
• Strong listening and political acumen skills.
• Strong knowledge of the organization, including its infrastructure, goals, mission, rules, policies, guidelines, etc. (Preferred)

Background Check

Background check will be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke And Tobacco Free Policy

The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify

All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/