Contract Specialist

UM27 Coppin State University (CSU); United States; On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Retirement plan contributions

Paid leave and federal holidays

Job summary

Coppin State University seeks a Contract Specialist to procure contracts for goods and services, ensuring best value and compliance with USM policies. The role reports to the Associate Director of Procurement and may supervise staff.

Responsibilities include developing solicitations, issuing orders, managing contract renewals or bids, and performing cost analyses. Requires a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years in procurement with strong communication and negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience.
• Three+ years of progressively responsible procurement experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop solicitations and evaluate bids.

Responsibilities

• Develops solicitations and requests for quotes and ensures best value and competition.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders and contracts within authority.
• Manage contracts through renewal, rebid, or termination as needed.
• Perform cost, price, or revenue analysis and evaluate offers.

Skills

Procurement experience

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Databases

Job description

Job Posting: JR101653 Contract Specialist (Open) Department: Procurement & Business Svcs , PM Position Type: Regular Open Date: 09-22-2026 Close Date: 10-13-2026 $80,000.00 Annually

The Contract Specialist’s primary responsibilities are to procure contracts for a variety of needed commodities and services for the University at the lowest price consistent with competitive best value in accordance with USM Procurement Policies and Procedures. The role researches, evaluates, establishes and administers contracts within guidelines and fiscal prudence. This position may supervise personnel and reports to the Associate Director of Procurement.

Responsibilities:

• Have a thorough understanding of the mandatory regulations, policies, and programs the University is subject to (Federal, State, University System of Maryland).
• Supports the technical guidance of university personnel on the procurement process.
• Acts as a resource to others.
• Develops solicitations and requests for quotes templates/form and solicitations based on best value and price, obtaining full and open competition utilizing proper and complex procurement methods (simplified, cooperative, competitive sealed bidding or proposals, sole source, etc).
• Leads and assists departments in development of needs, including market research, selecting vendors, and evaluating specifications.
• Performs cost, price, or revenue analysis, and evaluate offers as appropriate.
• Confirm funding and required approvals.
• Ensures that current policies and procedures are incorporated into templates and forms, updated as necessary to reflect current practices.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders and contracts within signature authority, and for approval of Director.
• Ensure contracts are renewed, updated, or rebid in advance of renewal or expiration.
• Perform contract management including validating business/insurance documentation, award, kick off meetings as necessary, resolution of disputes, timely issuance of renewal or termination, contract close out, contractor transition planning and management, serving as liaison between suppliers and department.
• Negotiate terms and conditions of contracts requiring signoff.
• Document procurement files completely, accurately, and in compliance with all policies, procedures and standards.
• Implement and document the State of Maryland Socioeconomic, Preferred Provider, and Green Buying programs as they apply to purchases.
• Assist in supporting adhoc reporting for management, auditors, Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) requests, etc.
• May supervise (buyers or administrative staff levels), mentor, or coordinate work of others.
• Positions that supervise are responsible for performance evaluation and correction, timesheet, and goal formulation.
• May independently manage or administer programs, processes, projects, or resources.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• File financial disclosure with the State of Maryland Ethics Commission.

Minimum Qualifications:

• EDUCATION Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent additional years of experience is required. Master's Degree is preferred but not required.
• EXPERIENCE Three or more years of progressively responsible experience related in Procurement. Experience at an institution of higher education is preferred. Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirements on a year-by-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education, and or experience may be substituted. Experience in procurement of contractual services and USM Policy & Procedure preferred.
• KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Must have strong human relations as well as excellent oral and written communications skills. Ability to support effective partnerships with customers and supplier partners. Ability to perform with a high degree of diplomacy, integrity, confidentiality and professionalism. Experience in making presentations, facilitating consensus, and an understanding of the academic environment. Working knowledge of current computerized systems/software appropriate to Procurement including word processing, spreadsheets and database management. Demonstrated ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, make, and implement effective decisions. Ability to adapt to change, think critically with limited information, as well as continuously seek quality service and process improvements to support the Department’s mission and strategic vision. Knowledge of best practices in the field. Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently. Ability to prioritize new and ongoing projects and conduct research.

Coppin State University offers a competitive benefits package to include health insurance options (medical, dental, vision), life and disability insurance, retirement plan contributions, as well as paid leave and federal holidays for all regular employees.

Please see the link below to view the benefits that Coppin State University has to offer. https://www.coppin.edu/benefits

Coppin State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability status or veteran status.

View the EEOC Know Your Rights poster for more information regarding your rights under the law.

If you experience difficulties utilizing the online application system or you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. Please note that only inquiries regarding a request for reasonable accommodation or system issues will be responded to when contacting this e-mail account. Reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Coppin State University is a fully accredited institution and a member of the University System of Maryland. Founded in 1900, Coppin, a Historically Black Institution in a dynamic urban setting, serves a multi-generational student population and provides education opportunities while promoting lifelong learning. The university fosters leadership, social responsibility, civic and community engagement, cultural diversity and inclusion, and economic development. Coppin offers 36 Bachelor's, 13 Master's degree programs and 1 Doctoral degree program.