Contract Administrator (Immediate Opening)

Description

Contract Administrator

Mission:

The Contract Administrator is responsible for the full lifecycle of contracts—from planning, drafting, and negotiation through execution, compliance monitoring, and close-out. With minimal supervision, this role ensures that contracting objectives are met, risks are assessed, performance is monitored, and stakeholders are supported. The Contract Administrator develops and maintains efficient contracting processes and provides guidance and technical support to internal departments to ensure compliance, transparency, and value to the organization.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No supervisory responsibilities

Location:

This is a full-time remote position for Texas with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth). However living in Texas is not required.

Travel Expectations:

Up to 10% during the busiest times of the year and to attend team trainings and stepbacks.

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

Contract Strategy & Planning

• Establish contracting objectives, assumptions, and constraints aligned with organizational goals
• Develop and implement effective contract management procedures and strategies
• Conduct risk assessments to determine contract complexity and oversight needs

Contract Development & Execution

• Prepare and manage a wide range of agreements (e.g., service, consulting, interlocal, A/E, construction, MOU) in coordination with Legal/Governance
• Monitor contract performance, enforce terms, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations
• Draft, review, and negotiate amendments and change orders as necessary

Compliance & Risk Management

• Identify and resolve contract discrepancies and disputes through negotiation or other resolution methods
• Ensure all contracts meet internal policy requirements and applicable legal or regulatory standards
• Coordinate contract cancellations, terminations, and settlements as needed

Contract Administration & Recordkeeping

• Maintain contract files, bid documents, amendments, and payment details
• Update contract management systems and databases with key milestones and status updates

Track expirations, renewals, deliverables, and payment schedules

Stakeholder Support & Training

• Provide consulting and advisory services to departments and staff on contract development and management
• Deliver training sessions on contract procedures and best practices
• Respond to inquiries from executive leadership, Board of Trustees, vendors, and staff

Departmental Procurement Planning

• Support departments in developing procurement plans that align with operational and contractual goals
• Monitor and report on procurement performance metrics
• Build effective relationships with stakeholders to support strategic sourcing

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

Additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make Strategic Decisions: This team member fosters an inclusive decision-making environment by encouraging diverse perspectives, managing disagreements constructively, and creating space for all voices to be heard. They clearly communicate final decisions, providing context and anticipated impact—even when choices are difficult or unpopular.
• Manage Work and Teams: This team member builds and maintains systems to track progress toward team goals, ensuring clarity through defined roles and responsibilities. They implement structured processes that support smooth team operations and strategically allocate time and resources to drive goal achievement.
• Grow Self and Others: This team member regularly offers affirming and adjusting feedback, maintaining a positive balance that reinforces growth and motivation. They provide transparent, candid performance insights and offer consistent coaching and development aligned with individual goals, supporting both direct reports and cross-functional partners.
• Build a Culture of Trust: This team member proactively builds strong personal and professional relationships with individual stakeholders and regularly seeks feedback to improve their work experience. They create a supportive environment where others feel safe to take risks and learn from mistakes without fear of retribution.
• Communicate Deliberately: This team member leads inclusive discussions that surface obstacles and drive actionable solutions, ensuring all voices are heard. They communicate key information clearly across multiple channels and establish feedback loops that promote open dialogue, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Additional Skills:

• Knowledge of contract law, procurement principles, and risk management
• Understanding of federal, state, and local procurement regulations
• Familiarity with ERP systems and contract management platforms
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple contracts, and meet deadlines
• Skilled in negotiation, dispute resolution, and performance monitoring
• Ability to train and support end-users on procurement and contract processes
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential

Required experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Public Administration, or related field
• 3+ years of contract administration, procurement, or legal experience

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience with public sector or education-related contracts is a plus
• Contract certification (e.g., NCMA CPCM or equivalent) preferred

Physical Requirements:

• This position is primarily sedentary. Must be able to remain in a stationary position (seated or standing) for extended periods of time.

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $58,400 and $67,200, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

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  IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values