The Contracts Department at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, seeks
qualified candidates for a full-time Contract Specialist position. Under the
supervision of the Contracts Director, the Contract Specialist shall be
accountable for examining contracts to verify compliance with applicable laws,
regulations, and institutional policies. The position encompasses support for
the administration of contractual procedures across the campus and participation
in the preparation of contractual documents. The incumbent is required to
evaluate legal provisions and considerations within complex contractual
agreements and engage with vendors and external stakeholders to address and
resolve contractual disputes with outside organizations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary responsibility of this position is to review contracts to ensure
adherence to laws, regulations and University policies. This position assists
with the administration of the contract process for the campus and assists in
drafting contracts. This position is required to analyze legal terms and aspects
of complex contracts and work with vendors and other outside parties to resolve
contractual issues with outside agencies.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Experience:
Minimum of two years of experience in a professional office environment is
required.
At least one year of experience interpreting and/or drafting technical or
contract language is required.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
Ability to exercise independent judgment.
Skills to organize and maintain an effective systematic work environment.
Ability to read and accurately interpret legal language, regulations, and
policies.
Ability to negotiate contracts with third parties including attorneys and
suppliers.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and maintain
effective working relationships with third parties and university
departments.
Ability to work under pressure to meet time sensitive deadlines for a high
volume of detailed material.
Knowledge and skills to work in Microsoft Office, Adobe Pro or similar
document readers, and contract software platforms.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a
full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for
employment-based visa status.
Preferred Qualifications
Education: Master’s degree in business administration
Experience: Experience working in contract administration at an institute of
higher education or governmental agency.
Knowledge of Tennessee law, contracting procedures, and standard insurance
coverage.
Work Location
Location: Knoxville, TN
Full-time remote work
Compensation and Benefits
UT market range: M10
Anticipated hiring range: $56k - $60k
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
[https://hr.tennessee.edu/pay/market-ranges/]
Find more information on UT Benefits here
[https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/]
Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below
attachments:
Resume
Cover Letter
To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested
materials should be submitted on or before 11/6/2026.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and
innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more
than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold
the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and
service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting
colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its
footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie
classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry
leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the
Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of
Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that
focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols
are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career
development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of
development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience
implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent,
fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and
engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning
and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that
Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked
nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large
Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best
Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!