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Contract Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr Officer-Contracts

New York, NY · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

... contract interpretation and negotiation. The Senior Contracts Officers will also receive exposure to the full breadth of Columbia's intellectual property, as part of working on these agreements.

The incumbent serves as the Contract Officer, responsible for the full range of pre-award and post-award activities encompassing issuance of solicitations, evaluation of proposals, negotiation ...

We are looking for an innovative problem-solver to join our contracts team as a Contracts Officer ... Duties: -Developing creative solutions to complex contract problems and resolving issues by ...

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Contract Officer information

See salary details

$23.5K

$75.9K

$182.5K

How much do contract officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract officer in the United States is $75,929.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Contract Officer, high-paying roles typically occur in senior or executive positions within government agencies or large corporations, often requiring extensive experience, specialized skills, and security clearances. Salaries reaching $300,000 are more common in executive management, legal, or consulting roles, but contract officers generally earn less unless they hold senior leadership or specialized expertise. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and level of responsibility.

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.

What does a contracting officer do?

A contracting officer is responsible for managing the procurement process, including negotiating, awarding, and administering contracts with vendors or suppliers. They ensure compliance with regulations, evaluate bids, and oversee contract performance, often requiring knowledge of procurement laws and certification such as the Federal Acquisition Certification. Their role is essential in government and large organizations to secure goods and services efficiently.

What is the role of a contract officer?

A contract officer is responsible for managing and overseeing the procurement process, including drafting, negotiating, and ensuring compliance with contract terms. They review legal documents, coordinate with vendors, and ensure that contractual obligations are met within organizational policies and regulations.

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 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.

Do contract jobs pay well?

Contract officers typically earn competitive wages that can vary based on experience, industry, and location. They often receive benefits such as flexible schedules and specialized training, which can influence overall compensation. Pay rates for contract roles are generally comparable to or higher than permanent positions in similar fields.

What are Contract Officers?

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.
More about Contract Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Officer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Officer jobs? The most popular types of Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,929 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Contract Analyst/Officer, VC Health Sciences - 140189

UC San Diego Health

San Diego, CA • On-site

$73K - $88K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


UC San Diego Health rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 882 rated healthcare providers


Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 6/23/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

This position has the option to work remote or hybrid schedule which includes a combination of working both onsite in La Jolla and remote. If remote, there is an expectation to attend on-site meetings a few times per year in San Diego, CA.

Depending on the experience of the selected candidate, this position will be hired at the Contract Analyst (IP OFCR 2) or the Contract Officer (IP OFCR 2) level.

DESCRIPTION

The Office of Clinical Trials Administration (OCTA) has the delegated authority to negotiate and execute industry sponsored and funded clinical trial agreements at UCSD. The department provides comprehensive review and negotiation of human subjects research related agreements with industry to determine compliance with University policies and applicable regulatory requirements in support of clinical researchers and administrators. This position is located within the School of Medicine and is part of the UC San Diego Health Sciences organization which is a $1 billion dollar plus organization encompassing 16 departments (14 clinical, 2 basic sciences), 2 professional schools (School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences), 2 hospitals, and various other programs and units all dedicated towards fulfilling the Health Sciences missions of education, scientific research, clinical care, and community outreach. As a top-ranking, future oriented organization, we offer challenging career opportunities in a fast-paced and innovative environment. We are looking for top talent that possess the personal characteristics of integrity, strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and teamwork.

Using intellectual property / technology licensing / transfer concepts, and other clinical research related concepts, applies organization policies and procedures and applicable regulations to resolve a variety of intellectual property / licensing / transfer / clinical research / clinical trial contracting issues. Works on problems and contracts of moderate scope where analysis of situations, contract language, or data requires a review of a variety of factors. Works under direction of higher-level officer where some interpretation of established work policies and procedures is required, and, at times deviation from standard work practices may be needed. This position works closely with both UCSD researchers / administrators and external sponsors and their representatives. Provides excellent customer service and is proactive and resourceful in responding to inquires or resolving problems. The primary responsibility of this role is to negotiate clear, mutually agreeable, and compliant contract terms and conditions that accurately reflect the nature and scope of the proposed research activity. This must be done in a way that preserves the University's relationship with the other party and is in alignment with the University's principles and mission. This position will primarily negotiate confidential disclosure agreements and contract amendments of varying complexity, and low complexity clinical trial agreements but will provide contract negotiation support for all agreement types, as needed

The ideal candidate for this position will have some experience or exposure to redlining contracts using Microsoft Word Track Changes and Commenting functionality in a high volume, client/customer facing environment. In connection with redlining contracts, this position will monitor and document related contract issues, escalations, and required compliance reviews and approvals (e.g. Conflict of Interest, Institutional Review Board, Export Control). As a result, this person will have the ability to interpret and apply a variety of information and documents, including clinical protocols and clinical study budgets. Acts as a careful data / record steward and is mindful of data / record integrity and maintains an accurate and up-to-date electronic contract file.

This position may also assist with contract intake and award related duties, and other administrative tasks, as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • You are required to submit a cover letter in order for your application to be considered complete.

  • Six years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in related area plus two years of related experience/training.

  • Working knowledge of and application of standard principles, theories and concepts such as laws, regulations, and practices pertaining to the protection and management of intellectual property, university technology transfer, and general scientific and / or technical skills in subject matter area. Working knowledge of or the ability to develop working knowledge of regulations related to clinical trials and human subjects research.

  • Ability to market technology to industrial partners; knowledge of contracts and grants preferred. Working knowledge of or the ability to develop working knowledge of human subjects research policies, compliance requirements, and operations in a university, hospital, or similar setting preferred. Ability to (i) develop working knowledge in these areas and (ii) provide advice to UCSD faculty, staff, and research administrators on industry contracting standards and procedures.

  • Aptitude for or demonstrated skill in communication, concise writing, and the ability to persuade, both in writing and orally.

  • Ability to timely and adeptly manage a high volume of transactions.

  • Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, or written policies and procedures, and articulate or apply such in a written work product.

  • Ability to read, understand, and interpret clinical protocols and other medical, technical, and financial information.

  • Ability to read, understand, and interpret clinical trial budgets and related financial/payments language and administrative concepts. Ability to perform simple to moderately complex financial calculations, including the calculation of direct and indirect costs.

  • Demonstrated ability to exercise tact and discretion, be resourceful, and maintain a professional and positive attitude while under pressure.

  • Excellent attention to detail with strong writing, proofreading (editing, composition, spelling, grammar, punctuation), and organizational skills. Writing is clear, concise, logical, and grammatically correct. Strong skills in editing and formatting of documents.

  • Strong customer service skills with demonstrated ability to follow instruction, take direction well, and support team success.

  • Expert computer skills (including a fast typing speed), with demonstrated experience using the Microsoft Suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), including experience with the track changes function in MS Word, familiarity with Adobe, and the ability to adeptly work in a paper free environment using electronic systems and databases.

  • Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ability to analyze situations, contract language, or data that requires the review of a variety of factors.

  • Ability to communicate clearly and interact professionally with internal and external parties. Strong interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • JD or other advanced degree (e.g. MS Public Health, MBA) or Paralegal or some legal / contract / research education, training, or experience preferred.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
  • Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $88,000 - $161,600 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $42.15 - $77.39

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).


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