Senior Contracts Officer

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Blacksburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a Senior Contracts Officer in the Procurement Department to manage complex contractual agreements, ensure regulatory compliance, and support strategic sourcing initiatives.

The role emphasizes risk mitigation, strong supplier relationships, and timely execution of contracts in a fast-paced environment with an on-campus presence for meetings. Overtime exempt, regular schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, law, public administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in contract administration, procurement, or legal services.
• Strong knowledge of public procurement regulations and contract law.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in contract management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex contractual agreements and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives and mitigate risk.
• Foster strong supplier relationships to advance the university's mission.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align contracts with university needs.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical skills

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Contract management systems

Job description

Job Description

Senior Contracts Officer serves as a key member of Virginia Tech's Procurement Department, responsible for managing complex contractual agreements and ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal regulations. This role supports strategic sourcing initiatives, mitigates risk, and fosters strong supplier relationships to advance the university's mission.

Hybrid work environment with on-campus presence required for meetings and collaboration.

Fast‑paced, deadline‑driven setting with multiple priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, law, public administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in contract administration, procurement, or legal services.
• Strong knowledge of public procurement regulations and contract law.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in contract management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (e.g., JD, MBA) or professional certification (e.g., CPPB, CPPO, CPSM, or VCCO).
• Experience in higher education or public sector procurement.
• Familiarity with Virginia Higher Education Procurement Practices.

Compensation and Work Details

• Pay Band: 5
• Salary range: $60,000 - $70,000
• Hours per week: 40
• Appointment Type: Regular
• Overtime Status: Exempt – Not eligible for overtime
• Review Date: August 3, 2026

Additional Information

• The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
• Accommodation: If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Marisela Garza at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.