Erikson Institute
Contracts Administrator
Erikson Institute, Chicago, IL, United States
POSITION SUMMARY:
Erikson Institute ("Erikson") is seeking a Contracts Administrator to work closely with the General Counsel/Corporate Secretary and VP/Chief Financial Officer. The Contracts Administrator will be responsible for preparing, reviewing, drafting and managing contracts and agreements for Erikson. This role ensures compliance with Erikson policies, state and federal regulations, and best practices in contract management. The position requires strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a higher education environment.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
Contract Management, Preparation and Administration:
Strong Microsoft Office Skills including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint and related office program and applications. Proficient with or readily able to become proficient with Laserfiche, Financial Edge and other systems
III. PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they feel that they may not meet all of the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with qualified, engaging candidates and will welcome your application.
About Erikson Institute
We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.
Erikson Institute's graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, and advocacy and policy and leadership.
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community that honors justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and advances each employee and our mission.
Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).
To learn more, please visit our web site at www.erikson.edu
Erikson Institute ("Erikson") is seeking a Contracts Administrator to work closely with the General Counsel/Corporate Secretary and VP/Chief Financial Officer. The Contracts Administrator will be responsible for preparing, reviewing, drafting and managing contracts and agreements for Erikson. This role ensures compliance with Erikson policies, state and federal regulations, and best practices in contract management. The position requires strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a higher education environment.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
Contract Management, Preparation and Administration:
- Manage the lifecycle of contracts, from initiation and negotiation to execution and renewal.
- Assist with receiving contract requests, obtaining legal and finance review and feedback and finalizing various types of contracts, including service agreements, vendor contracts, MOUs, grants, research agreements, licensing agreements, and other institutional agreements.
- Prepare NDAs and other standardized agreements for review.
- Help manage and create standardized forms
- Standardize and manage the internal contracting process for intake of contract requests, stakeholder review and feedback, finalization and signature, and electronic filing/recordkeeping.
- Maintain accurate records of contracts and agreements using contract management database, software or other systems.
- Monitor contract deliverables, deadlines, and compliance requirements, ensuring timely renewals or terminations
- Generate and customize reports that highlight key data.
- Implement and utilize electronic signatures for contracts using e-signature tools.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand contract needs and objectives.
- Serve as the liaison between Erikson and external parties, as needed, such as vendors, contractors and partners.
- Educate and advise departments on contract processes, policies and compliance obligations.
- Develop and implement contract workflows, forms and approval processes to improve efficiency.
- Provide regular reports on contract status, metrics, and issues to leadership.
- Assist in developing policies and procedures related to contract administration.
- Support research initiatives, sponsored programs, and partnerships with governmental agencies, partners and other academic institutions.
- Contribute to Erikson's strategic goals through effective contract administration.
- Coordinate, attend, and participate in meetings related to contract administration and related topics.
- Provide additional support to other areas as needed from time to time.
- Support organizing and planning for internal meetings, projects and events as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Strong Microsoft Office Skills including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint and related office program and applications. Proficient with or readily able to become proficient with Laserfiche, Financial Edge and other systems
III. PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field such as legal or paralegal studies, business administration or other related areas.
- 3-5 years' experience in contract administration, procurement, or a legal environment in a relevant setting.
- Familiarity with contract law, risk management, compliance requirements and experience with sponsored research grants is a plus.
- Knowledge of higher education regulations (e.g., federal grants, Title IX, or procurement laws).
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, engage and communicate with stakeholders to work within strict time constraints and meet deadlines.
- Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.
- Exceptional project management skills (timeline, budget, procedure, reporting, evaluation).
- The ability to multi-task, provide effective follow-up with internal staff and external Stakeholders.
- Must be a discreet, tactful and diplomatic individual who possesses the ability to work well with internal staff, third parties and outside vendors.
- Demonstrated experience and capability for handling confidential materials and sensitive information with discretion.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and professional, collaborative work style.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a cross-department and cross-functional role
- Unwavering integrity, ethics and high moral character.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to analyze complex contractual terms.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
- Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they feel that they may not meet all of the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with qualified, engaging candidates and will welcome your application.
About Erikson Institute
We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.
Erikson Institute's graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, and advocacy and policy and leadership.
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community that honors justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and advances each employee and our mission.
Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).
To learn more, please visit our web site at www.erikson.edu