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Contract Officer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Indiana University

Contract Officer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

* Reviews, negotiates, drafts, revises, and processes contract agreements, including sub-agreements ... officers, research administrators and others; counsels faculty, staff, and researchers on the ...

Marion Health

Ambulatory Practice Officer

Marion, IN · On-site

The Officer fosters an environment that empowers interdisciplinary teams to achieve high-quality ... Maintain accurate records of provider participation status and contract terms. * Collaborate with ...

Marion Health

Ambulatory Practice Officer

Marion, IN · On-site

The Officer fosters an environment that empowers interdisciplinary teams to achieve high-quality ... Maintain accurate records of provider participation status and contract terms. * Collaborate with ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Officer JobsContract Officer Jobs in Indiana

Contract Officer information

See Indiana salary details

$22.4K

$72.3K

$173.7K

How much do contract officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract officer in Indiana is $72,251.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,100.00 and $93,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract officer?

Contract Officers are professionals responsible for managing, negotiating, and overseeing contracts between organizations and external vendors, suppliers, or service providers. They ensure that all terms of the contracts comply with legal and regulatory requirements and that both parties fulfill their obligations. Contract Officers often play a key role in procurement, risk management, and dispute resolution, ensuring that the organization's interests are protected throughout the contract lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Officer, you need a solid understanding of contract law, procurement processes, and risk management, typically backed by a relevant degree such as business, law, or public administration. Familiarity with contract management software (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa), e-procurement systems, and sometimes certifications like CPCM or CFCM are often required. Strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and clear communication abilities set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure compliant, cost-effective contracts that protect organizational interests and foster strong vendor relationships.

What are some common challenges contract officers face when managing multiple contracts simultaneously?

Contract Officers often juggle several contracts at once, which can be challenging due to varying deadlines, compliance requirements, and stakeholder expectations. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are essential to ensure that all contractual obligations are met and that documentation is kept up to date. Additionally, Contract Officers must communicate clearly with vendors, legal teams, and internal departments to resolve issues promptly and avoid costly delays or misunderstandings. Adapting to changing regulations and policies is also a key part of the role.

What is the difference between Contract Officer vs Contract Specialist?

AspectContract OfficerContract Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, certifications like CPCM or NCMABachelor's degree, certifications like CPCM or NCMA
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, large corporationsGovernment agencies, private sector companies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily government and defense sectorsGovernment, defense, and private industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Contract Officers and Contract Specialists often share similar credentials and work environments, especially within government and defense sectors. While Contract Officers typically hold more authority in contract approval and negotiation, Contract Specialists focus on contract administration and compliance. Both roles are essential in procurement processes, with overlapping skills and industry usage.

How to become a contract officer?

To become a contract officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in business, law, or a related field, along with experience in procurement or contract management. Professional certifications such as the Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) or Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) can enhance job prospects. Strong negotiation, organizational, and communication skills are also important in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Officer jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Officer jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Officer jobs in Indiana?

For Contract Officer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Officer jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Officer jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Contract Officer jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Contract Officer job openings:

Contract Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Officer job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,251 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Senior Contract Officer (Contract Officer)

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

The mission of the Office for Research Administration is to provide exceptional support for Indiana University's (IU) research community in order to catalyze research productivity and protect the institution and its research community from risk.
Job Summary
The Research Contracting division of the Office for Research Administration is seeking experienced contract negotiators to join our team as a Contract Officer (CO). The CO will negotiate moderate to highly complex agreements pertaining to research and sponsored projects on behalf of the University. Applicants with extensive experience in grants administration and/or sponsored research/projects contracting may be hired as a Senior Contract Officer (SCO).
Department-Specific Responsibilities
  • Negotiates with a broad range of external sponsors, including working with government, non profit/foundation, and industry entities.
  • Responsible for drafting, negotiating, and executing numerous types of agreements pertaining to research/sponsored projects or scientific/technical services, including, but not limited to, master agreements, cooperative agreements, incoming and outgoing sub-awards, grant awards, research contracts, material transfer agreements, data use agreements, teaming agreements, confidential/nondisclosure agreements, and amendments to all of the above.
  • Works with faculty, staff, and other university offices to propose language and terms to mitigate risks to the university.
  • Supports faculty and staff across all Indiana University campuses.
General Responsibilities
  • Reviews, negotiates, drafts, revises, and processes very complex contract and grant agreements, including sub-agreements and modifications or amendments. Contacts funding agencies for clarifications and/or discussions of contractual terms and conditions. Independently prepares letters of exception identifying objectionable contract requirements at the proposal stage of a project.
  • Advise and assist other Contract Officers with complex negotiations. Demonstrates superior customer service skills to internal and external contacts. Articulates complex university principles, regulations, and policies such as indemnification and other liability and risk, intellectual property and publication rights, regulatory and financial compliance. Seeks counsel or guidance from supervisor, Director, and Executive Director, as well as University Counsel, IU Innovation and Commercialization, and others, with regard to complicated or unusual proposal, award, or financial requirements. Prepares agreements, sub-agreements, and amendments as necessary. Verifies accuracy and completeness of agreements and related internal documents and databases. Signs agreements on behalf of the Trustees of Indiana University. Finalizes and processes all contractual documents.
  • Counsels, directs, and assists IU Research leadership, faculty, staff, and ORA Contract Officers in matters related to preparation, submission, acceptance, and administration of awarded projects. Acts as resource for award and contract negotiation-related questions when the Manager is unavailable. Investigates and answers questions from external agencies, researchers, fiscal officers, research administrators and others. Counsels researchers and staff on the preparation of budgets, completion of certifications, and institutional information to ensure compliance with university policies, federal regulations, and agency guidelines. Ascertains the status of proposals, awards, research risk approvals, internal approvals such as proposal development documents , and other related documents. Initiates action to resolve problems when necessary. Identifies document or forms needed in connection with pending or funded projects. Presents and/or participates in seminars and workshops developed for IU faculty and staff, including use of internal and external electronic systems used in research administration.
  • Attends and participates in national and regional workshops and conferences sponsored by grantmakers and/or professional organizations. Timely and efficient flow of information and file management in connection with proposals, award and other types of agreements, and grant accounts. Participates in developing and refining procedures and systems in the Grant Administration area.
  • Ensures timely and efficient flow of information and file management in connection with proposals, award and other types of agreements, and grant accounts. Uses external sponsor systems such as Proposal Central, Grants.Gov, NIH eRA Commons, or FedConnect extensively for award submissions, project changes, and account monitoring. Develops and refines procedures and systems in the Grant Administration area.
  • Mentor Contract Officers within the Office of Research Administration.
  • Provides guidance to less experienced research administration staff.
Qualifications
This position is posted at the Advanced career level, but may be filled at the Career career level depending on the candidate's qualifications. Although they will be similar, the duties and responsibilities may differ if filled at the lower rank. Please see the qualifications for each level listed below.
Advanced Career Level Requirements
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
  • Bachelor's degree (preferably in related field.)
Preferred
  • Master's degree. OR
  • Juris Doctorate.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
  • 5 years negotiating contracts in the research administration field or related experience.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Preferred
  • Certified Research Administrator (CRA) Upon Date of Hire.
SKILLS
Required
  • Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
  • Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
  • Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
  • Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.
  • Highly thorough and dependable.
  • Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.
  • Possesses a high degree of initiative.
  • Ability to influence internal and/or external constituents.
Career Career Level Requirements
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
  • Bachelor's degree (preferably in related field.)
Preferred
  • Master's degree.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
  • 2 years grants, contracts, and/or research policy related experience.
Preferred
  • 3 years grants, contracts, and/or research policy related experience.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Preferred
  • Certified Research Administrator (CRA) Upon Date of Hire.
SKILLS
Required
  • Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
  • Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
  • Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
  • Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.
  • Highly thorough and dependable.
  • Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.
  • Possesses a high degree of initiative.
  • Ability to influence internal and/or external constituents.
Working Conditions / Demands
This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Work Location
Bloomington, Indiana or Indianapolis, Indiana
Advertised Salary
$65,000 - $110,000.00 annually, based upon with experience
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
  • Health savings account with generous IU contributions
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Basic group life insurance paid by IU
  • Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
  • Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
  • Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
  • 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
  • Generous paid time off plans
  • Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .
Job Classification
Career Level: Advanced
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Research
Job Family: Research Administration
Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.
Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .
Campus Safety and Security
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.
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