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Contracts Associate Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

The Contracts Administrator supports the bid, capture and contract negotiation processes, and then ... Associates and/or Bachelor degree in Business Administration is required or equivalent combination ...

Specialist, Contracts Job Code: 39995 Job Location: Salt Lake City, UT or Millersville-MD (on-site ... associates. * Communicates effectively and continuously within and outside of own function and ...

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Contracts Associate information

See Maryland salary details

$15

$35

$53

How much do contracts associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for contracts associate in Maryland is $35.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.67 and $42.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contracts Associate vs Contract Specialist?

AspectContracts AssociateContract Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, legal or business background often preferredBachelor's degree, legal or business background often preferred
Work EnvironmentCorporate legal or procurement departments, law firmsCorporate legal, procurement, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in corporations, law firms, and governmentCommon in government, large corporations, and defense sectors
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for contract management rolesOften compared for contract review and negotiation roles

The Contracts Associate and Contract Specialist roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often within corporate legal or procurement departments. While both handle contracts, Contracts Associates typically assist with drafting and administrative tasks, whereas Contract Specialists focus more on review, negotiation, and compliance. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right role based on their skills and career goals.

What is a contracts associate?

Contracts Associates are professionals who assist in drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing contracts for organizations. They work closely with legal teams, procurement departments, and business units to ensure that contracts comply with legal requirements and company policies. Their responsibilities may also include maintaining contract databases, monitoring contract performance, and supporting contract renewal or termination processes. Contracts Associates play a key role in minimizing risk and ensuring smooth business operations.

What are some typical challenges a contracts associate might face when managing multiple agreements simultaneously?

Contracts Associates often handle several contracts at once, which can present challenges such as tracking deadlines, ensuring compliance with various terms, and maintaining clear communication among all parties involved. Effective organization and attention to detail are crucial to avoid errors or missed obligations. Utilizing contract management software and collaborating closely with legal, procurement, and business teams can help streamline processes and reduce risks associated with overlapping timelines or requirements.

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

To thrive as a Contracts Associate, you need a solid understanding of contract law, attention to detail, and a relevant degree such as in law, business, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management systems, document drafting software, and sometimes certifications such as Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM) are commonly required. Excellent organizational skills, negotiation abilities, and clear communication help you effectively manage workflows and build strong stakeholder relationships. These skills ensure contracts are accurately drafted, compliant, and serve the best interests of the organization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Contracts jobs in Maryland?

The most popular types of Contracts jobs in Maryland are:

What are popular job titles related to Contracts Associate jobs in Maryland?

For Contracts Associate jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contracts Associate jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Contracts Associate jobs in Maryland are:

What cities in Maryland are hiring for Contracts Associate jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Contracts Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Contracts Associate job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,358 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Contracts Associate (Research Administration & Sponsored Programs)

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$75K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

We are seeking a Contracts Associate to manage a portfolio of grant and/or contract activities within the research administration office's purview. Leads the drafting, review, negotiation, and execution of domestic and foreign agreements, ensuring favorable terms and conditions that support the university's research, educational, and training missions. Agreement types include, but are not limited to, sponsored research agreements, service agreements, material transfer agreements, non-disclosure agreements, data use agreements, memorandum of understanding, collaboration agreements, student and scholar placements and exchanges, internships, visitor agreements, and degree and non-degree educational programs.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
  • Negotiate and draft sponsored agreements for assigned departments.
  • Work with compliance offices, Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV), and the Office of General Counsel to resolve conflicts regarding award terms and conditions.
  • Serve as liaison to funding agencies for pre-award problem resolution, agreement negotiations, and post-award matters.
  • Provide advice and counsel to faculty and staff during proposal development and submission.
  • Manage a portion of pre-award activity. Interpret, communicate and provide detailed advice to faculty and staff regarding proposals, interpretation of rules, regulations and compliance issues, and assist in applying them to specific applications, awards, and issues. Review proposals for completeness and compliance.
  • Serve as signature authority on proposals. Review contract or grant documents with faculty, staff and leadership to advise on proposal and award strategy.
  • Ensure all approvals are obtained, draft agreements or other documentation, and negotiate and sign award documents.
  • Advise faculty and staff regarding institutional compliance requirements.
  • Work with collaborators, business partners, and sponsors for problem resolution in award matters.
  • Take active role in supporting the Office of Research Information Services in supporting users of research administration software.
  • Continually expand knowledge of research compliance to advise and guide faculty and staff.
  • Support effective, ongoing training programs for key positions and processes supporting research administration.
  • Act as office liaison to ensure effective performance and integration of the office with university legal, compliance, information technology, JHTV, and post-award budget offices.
  • Contribute to an office work environment focused on providing excellent customer service and seeking continuous process improvement, including cross training in a variety of functional areas for the purpose of job enrichment and expanding knowledge of research administration.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree.
  • Three years of related experience.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's, PhD or JD in related field and relevant specialized training.
  • Additional years of demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating documents in a sponsored project environment at a university, non-profit, state or federal agency, legal private practice or similar environment.
  • Understanding of research compliance regulations.
  • Experience working with the Federal Acquisition Regulations and other federal agency terms and conditions.
  • Experience with contract management systems.

Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency
  • Analytical Skills - Intermediate
  • Contract Negotiation - Intermediate
  • Grant Database Management - Intermediate
  • Grant Regulations - Intermediate
  • Interpersonal Skills - Intermediate
  • Proposal and Agreement Review - Intermediate
  • Regulatory Compliance - Intermediate
  • Research Administration Knowledge - Intermediate
  • Research Administration Systems - Intermediate

The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.
Classified Title: Contracts Associate
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PE
Starting Salary Range: $75,135 - $131,510 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: 5 Day 37.5 Hours/Week
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Remote
Department name: Research Administration Ofc of
Personnel area: University Administration

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876