Senior Contract Specialist

Senior Contract Specialist

Under the direction of the Director of Procurement and Contract Management, the College Contract Specialist plays a critical role in mitigating institutional risk while managing the full lifecycle of contracts, from initiation and negotiation to renewal and closeout, while driving process improvements through technology, including AI-powered tools. This position works in close partnership with the College Contract Managers and directly supports the college's procurement function by ensuring contracts are aligned with purchasing strategies, timelines, and compliance requirements. The Specialist also develops contract templates, training materials, and educates end users on best practices, contributing to a more efficient, compliant, and informed contract environment. Responsibilities also include oversight of the college's insurance policies and requirements as part of the institution's broader risk management strategy.

Responsibilities :

• Contract Lifecycle Management : Oversee the full contract lifecycle, including initiation, execution, renewal, and termination. Maintain and update the college's contract database for accuracy and accessibility. Review and redline vendor contracts; draft and manage various contractual documents including Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) License Agreements Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of the Comptroller Standard State Contracts Other institutional agreements as needed. Analyze and evaluate contract terms and conditions to ensure alignment with college policies, legal standards, and applicable state regulations. Identify and mitigate risks in contract language, including indemnification, liability, termination clauses, and intellectual property provisions. Streamline contract workflows using technology solutions such as AI and automation platforms. Develop standardized contract templates to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Procurement Support : Collaborate with the procurement team to ensure contracts support purchasing strategies and timelines. Track contract expirations and renewals, and support the Director's monthly and annual procurement and contract planning calendar. Ensure contracts are properly funded and aligned with procurement goals before execution. Provide documentation and analysis to support sourcing decisions and vendor evaluations.
• Vendor Negotiations : Negotiate favorable terms and conditions with vendors. Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners.
• Training and Education : Create training materials and resources to support contract management best practices. Educate end users across departments on contract procedures, compliance, and risk mitigation. Partner with College Contract Managers to align contract practices with institutional goals. Coordinate with departments to ensure seamless transitions during contract renewals and expirations.
• Insurance Management : Manage the college's insurance policies, including auto, international travel, professional liability, cyber, and other institutional coverages. Coordinate annual insurance renewals and ensure timely submission of required documentation. Liaise with insurance brokers, carriers, and internal stakeholders to assess coverage needs and resolve claims. Monitor and evaluate risk exposure across contracts and institutional operations. Collaborate with legal counsel and risk management personnel to ensure compliance with insurance and indemnification requirements. Maintain documentation related to insurance certificates, claims, and policy updates in the contract database. Collect and manage vendor Certificates of Insurance (COIs) as required, ensuring compliance with institutional and contractual requirements.
• Administrative and Operational Support : Provide support to the Business Office as needed, including documentation and reporting. Assist with special projects and cross-functional initiatives related to procurement and contracts.

Requirements :

Minimum Qualifications :

Preferred Qualifications :

Equivalence Statement : Applicants who do not meet the qualifications as noted above are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience has prepared them with the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required for the responsibilities of this position.

Background Check : Candidates will be required to pass a CORI and SORI check as a condition of employment.

Salary : Anticipated starting salary range is $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 annually with a complete fringe benefit package including competitive health insurance, dental insurance, basic life insurance, long-term disability insurance, paid sick, vacation and personal leave, educational benefits for employee / spouse / dependents, and excellent retirement benefits.

Anticipated Start Date : November 2025

Application Instructions :

To apply : To be considered for this position click on the "Apply Now" button, you will be prompted to set up a new account or login to an existing account. You will be able to upload the following required documents for consideration : Cover Letter, describing your qualifications and / or how you may be best suited for the role Resume / CV Review of applications will begin 5 business days from the posting date and will continue until the position is filled. Please note that finalist candidates will be asked to provide contact information for three (3) professional references, including current supervisor (or at least two previous supervisors) Deadline : Open until filled

Northern Essex Community College is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statues and college policies. The College prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or sexual violence shall be referred to the College's Affirmative Action Officer / Title IX Coordinator, Elizabete Trelegan (Assistant Director of Human Resources, B-219, 978-556-3928 / etrelegan@necc.mass.edu), the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.

Prospective employees are encouraged to review the College's Annual Security Report (ASR), in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, which can be found on the disclosure page of the College's website at : / / http : / / www.necc.mass.edu / clery /