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Contracts Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Senior Contracts Officer

Blacksburg, VA · Hybrid

Senior Contracts Officer Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537081 Work type: Staff Senior management: VP for Finance Department: Procurement Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Business ...

Columbia University

Sr Officer-Contracts

New York, NY · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

CTV is advertising for two Senior Contracts Officers to work as part of our Contracts Team. Responsibilities Act as part of the Contracts Team to independently manage various agreement types from ...

UAB NOVA RENT

GRANTS & CONTRACTS OFFICER

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$57K - $94K/yr

GRANTS & CONTRACTS OFFICER The University of Alabama at Birmingham General Responsibilities: To provide pre-award and non-financial post-award guidance and processing of simple to complex research ...

UAB

GRANTS & CONTRACTS OFFICER

Tampa, FL · On-site

$57K - $94K/yr

GRANTS & CONTRACTS OFFICER The University of Alabama at Birmingham General Responsibilities: To provide pre-award and non-financial post-award guidance and processing of simple to complex research ...

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Contracts Officer information

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$19K

$77.3K

$113K

How much do contracts officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for contracts officer in the United States is $77,308.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do contract jobs pay well?

Contracts Officer positions can offer competitive pay, often influenced by experience, industry, and contract length. Salaries for contract roles may be higher than permanent positions to compensate for job security and benefits, but this varies widely by sector and location.

What is the difference between Contracts Officer vs Contract Administrator?

AspectContracts OfficerContract Administrator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in law, business, or related field; certifications like Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM) are commonOften holds a bachelor's degree; certifications like Certified Contract Management Professional (CCMP) are beneficial
Work EnvironmentWorks in legal, procurement, or project management departments within various industriesWorks mainly in procurement, legal, or project teams, focusing on contract execution and management
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across government, corporate, and non-profit sectors for high-level contract oversightCommon in corporate and government sectors for day-to-day contract administration

While both roles involve contract management, Contracts Officers focus on negotiating and drafting contracts, ensuring legal compliance, and managing high-level contractual relationships. Contract Administrators handle the execution, documentation, and day-to-day management of contracts. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges Contracts Officers face when managing multiple contracts simultaneously?

Contracts Officers often juggle numerous contracts at different stages, which can present challenges such as maintaining attention to detail, tracking critical deadlines, and ensuring compliance with both organizational policies and legal requirements. Effective time management and clear communication with stakeholders are crucial to prevent oversights or misinterpretations. Additionally, Contracts Officers must quickly adapt to changes in project scopes or regulations, making strong organizational and problem-solving skills essential for success in this role.

What does a contract officer do?

A contracts officer manages the procurement process by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts to ensure compliance with legal and organizational standards. They coordinate with vendors, monitor contract performance, and maintain documentation, often using contract management software. Strong negotiation skills and knowledge of procurement regulations are essential for this role.

What is the 3 month rule for jobs?

The 3 month rule for contracts officers typically refers to a probationary period of three months during which an employee's performance and suitability for the role are evaluated. This period allows employers to assess skills, compliance with contract terms, and overall fit before confirming permanent employment or extending the contract. It is common for contracts to specify such probation periods to ensure clarity on employment status and expectations.

Is it hard to become a contracting officer?

Becoming a Contracts Officer typically requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and experience in procurement or contract management. Certification such as the Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) can enhance job prospects, and strong negotiation, attention to detail, and knowledge of regulations are essential skills for the role.

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

To thrive as a Contracts Officer, you need a strong understanding of contract law, negotiation, and procurement processes, often supported by a degree in business, law, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management software (such as SAP Ariba or Oracle), compliance systems, and sometimes certification like CPCM (Certified Professional Contracts Manager) is valuable. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing complex agreements and fostering stakeholder relationships. These skills ensure contracts are compliant, risks are minimized, and organizational interests are well-protected.

What Is the Job of a Contracts Officer?

A contracts officer plays a pivotal role in helping a company stay within its budget. In this career, you negotiate, prepare, and administer agreements on behalf of the business, ensuring that all contracts are in their best interest. Your responsibilities include evaluating and analyzing contracts and the financial information of the vendors and suppliers. You coordinate with other staff members to ensure the timely delivery of goods and services. Your duties may also involve determining the company’s policies for managing these deals. You make sure that the contracts are in line with the accepted procedures and act as a point of contact in these business relationships to renew or terminate agreements as required.

What are Contracts Officers and what do they do?

Contracts Officers are professionals responsible for preparing, reviewing, and managing contracts on behalf of organizations. They ensure that all agreements comply with legal requirements and organizational policies, negotiate terms with vendors or clients, and monitor contract performance. Their work helps minimize legal risks and ensures that all parties fulfill their obligations under the contract. Contracts Officers often collaborate with legal teams, procurement, and project managers to support business operations.
More about Contracts Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contracts Officer jobs? Cities with the most Contracts Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Contracts Officer jobs? The most popular types of Contracts Officer jobs are:
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What states have the most Contracts Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contracts Officer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Contracts Officer jobs? For Contracts Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Contracts Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contracts Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,308 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Principal Contracts Officer

Cal Poly Partners

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing!
Job Description:
Job Summary
The Office of Research promotes excellence in research at Cal Poly, both basic and applied, as fundamental to the mission of the University and essential to California's economic and civic vitality. The Office of Research is committed to enhancing these efforts by providing administrative and financial support for sponsored programs, including identification of funding opportunities, proposal submission, research compliance, and contracts and grant administration. The Office promotes the development and function of centers and institutes, essential core facilities, and emboldens innovation and economic development through strategic partnering and industry engagement initiatives. Cal Poly has a long tradition of interdisciplinary research that continues through the production of new knowledge and innovative solutions to society's grand challenges.
Working independently under the general supervision of the Assistant Vice President for Finance, the Principal Contracts Officer leads the negotiation of sponsored award agreements with federal, foundation, industry, foreign, and other sponsors, and unfunded research-related agreements to support and facilitate research at Cal Poly. The Principal Contracts Officer provides faculty, staff, and administrators guidance regarding the interpretation of agreement terms and conditions, develops and supports contracting business processes, and provides lead work direction.
Remote work is available for California residents.
Duties and Responsibilities
The following examples illustrate typical work activities and are not meant to be all inclusive or restrictive:
Essential Job Functions
Daily 90%
  • Lead the contract negotiation team, systems, and business processes related to the negotiation and execution of research and related agreements.

  • Independently draft, review, and negotiate complex research related agreements, including research agreements, federal contracts, confidentiality agreements, data use agreements and material transfer agreements, that are consistent with internal policy and state and federal regulations.

  • Provide expert guidance on contractual matters and provide training to team members and the broader research community.

  • Manage the Contracts team, including performance evaluation, promotions, and professional development.

  • Develop and improve business processes, procedures, and policies to enhance the effectiveness of contract operations.

  • Support strategic research goals by recommending improvements, policies, and contract frameworks aligned with evolving regulatory and institutional requirements.

  • Prepare, analyze, and present complex contractual, operational, and strategic information to senior leadership, ensuring accurate tracking of agreements, monitoring performance metrics, and providing actionable insights to support strategic research initiatives.

  • Build and maintain relationships with faculty, administrators, central offices, and external sponsors to ensure effective service delivery and coordination.

Related Job Functions
As Needed 10%
  • Perform other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.

  • Maintain currency in the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate industry-leading solutions.

Position Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, law, or a related field and five years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored research administration, contracts management, or a closely related field, including at least two years of experience supervising professional staff. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

  • A background check is required for all regular benefited positions.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
  • Thorough knowledge of sponsored research administration, including working knowledge of applicable university policies, federal regulations, and sponsor requirements (e.g., FAR, Uniform Guidance, FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR).

  • Demonstrated ability to apply and interpret applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines, and to recommend departmental policy adjustments in alignment with institutional and regulatory requirements.

  • Demonstrated ability to independently draft, review, and negotiate complex research-related agreements, including research agreements, federal contracts, confidentiality agreements, data use agreements, and material transfer agreements.

  • Demonstrated supervisory and staff development skills, including performance management, coaching, and professional development of contracts team members.

  • Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle sensitive interpersonal situations across diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems within and outside the department.

  • Ability to effectively present contractual information, deliver training to department staff and the broader research community, and facilitate agreement on grants and contracts requirements.

  • Ability to develop, implement, and improve departmental business processes, policies, and procedures to enhance the effectiveness of contract operations.

  • Proficiency with contract lifecycle management systems and research administration platforms used to track, manage, and report on agreement activity.

  • Ability to initiate and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, across University units, and with external sponsors, supporting effective service delivery in a diverse environment.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess contractual risk, recommend appropriate agreement terms, and provide operational guidance to support departmental and divisional decision-making.

  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across employee groups, build working partnerships, and navigate organizational dynamics within a department and division context.

  • Proficiency with standard computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, online systems, and email, as used in contract administration and research operations.

  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to independently prioritize multiple assignments and meet fluctuating deadlines within a complex, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Skills and Experience:
  • Experience negotiating research-related agreements with federal agencies, industry sponsors, or other external partners in a sponsored programs or contracts administration context.

  • Experience in a higher education, academic medical center, or comparable research institution environment.

  • Experience developing or implementing policies, procedures, or process improvements within a contracts, grants, or sponsored programs function.

  • Experience using or supporting contract lifecycle management systems or research administration platforms (e.g., Cayuse, Kuali, or similar tools).

  • Demonstrated ability to identify operational inefficiencies and implement improvements within a department or functional unit.

Special Conditions:
  • Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.

  • Must be able to work additional hours, occasional holidays, and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.

  • The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

  • This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

  • Full-time MPP employees are required to disclose outside employment at time of hire or within 30 days of taking additional outside employment subsequent to time of hire.

  • This position classification has been defined as "Exempt" and is not subject to the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Physical Requirements:
  • Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone.

  • Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.

  • Seeing to read a variety of materials.

  • Sitting or standing for extended period of time.

  • Physical agility to lift 20 pounds to shoulder height.

  • Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.

  • Commuting on an as needed basis to outside meetings and training locations.

Hiring Range:
$110,000 - $140,000 annually.
If you like growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
Cal Poly Partners, an equal employment opportunity employer, is strongly committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce. The University actively encourages applications of all qualified individuals.
The department will evaluate experience and education to determine placement into appropriate position level. Subject to continued grant/center funding.
Cal Poly Partners provides excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, paid sick leave/vacation and 14 holidays.
Employees are eligible to participate in the CP Partners Medical Insurance Plan offered through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees have different plans from which to choose including HMOs and PPOs. The coverage includes the employee, his/her dependents, or domestic partner. The CP Partners cover a large portion of the medical premium for the employee and eligible dependents.
All employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) and will contribute to their retirement; these contributions can be refunded if the employee terminates prior to retirement.
Please visit our website for additional benefits information. Employee Benefits (sharepoint.com)
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, educational and employment verification, and reference check, as required.
EEO/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer

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