Contract Administrator II

Engineering a world of possibilities

Colorado School of Mines (Mines) in Golden, Colorado, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Contract Administrator to join our Office of Research Administration (ORA).
If you are you an experienced research administrator, skilled in negotiating research contracts and drafting contract agreements, keep reading!
At Mines, we are proud of our 150-year legacy, and our R1 research designation. Nestled in the picturesque town of Golden, Colorado, we are a cornerstone of the STEM community and the state of Colorado. As a Contract Administrator, you will play a crucial role in drafting and negotiating sponsor agreements at our esteemed institution. For more about ORA and their integral work visit: https://ora.mines.edu/.
This is currently a hybrid position, successful candidates must be able to commute to Golden, CO at least twice per week.

Primary Responsibilities

Contract and Grant Review and Negotiation

• Negotiate unacceptable terms with the research sponsor. This involves suggesting or insisting on, as appropriate, alternative language or deletion of terms and conditions. Collect relevant information and ensure approval of all terms and conditions.

• Perform cost negotiations with sponsors; including a justification of costs and explanation of school polices and business practices.

• Maintain awareness of contractual language regarding issues such as intellectual property rights, confidentiality, liability, indemnification, risk, publishing rights, invoice and payment terms, governing law, and confirmation of sponsor's corporate registration, and identify terms that are compliant with university policies and state law

• Successfully navigate diverse workload for differing sponsors and individually prioritize research agreements in order to meet deadlines set by funding agencies.

• Draft or review research-related contracts, and other agreements, funded and unfunded, such as research and research services and consulting, memoranda of understanding, material transfer agreements, confidentiality agreements, master agreements, cooperative research and development agreements, data use, equipment loans, proprietary information, intergovernmental personnel assignments, and other agreements.

• Review sponsored research agreements, both initial and modifications, received from external organizations to Mines. Analyze the agreement to determine if the terms and conditions meet federal and state regulations, Mines policies, and project requirements.

• Escalate non-standard contract terms, as needed, in accordance with approved escalation procedures.

Contract and Grant Management

• Determine if changes to a research project require prior approval from the project’s sponsor and coordinate with the faculty member to create and submit the change request.
• Submit and approve requests for no-cost time extensions, budget deviations, and pre-award spending based on sponsor requirements
• Perform initial reviews on deficit spending requests (currently, At-Risk Spending Requests) to determine if the financial risk to Mines is acceptable under current policy and practices.
• If issues arise during the performance of a research project, this position will work with the applicable faculty members, ORA staff members, other departments and/or project sponsor, as applicable, to address such concerns.

Subcontracts

• Responsible for initiating, negotiating and managing research subcontracts including a review of the subcontractor’s proposal; determining which subcontract template is applicable, determining the applicable prime contract flow-down terms and conditions; negotiating the subcontract; maintaining subcontract documentation to meet federal and state audit requirements; and manage annual review of subrecipients.
• Work with applicable departments to establish the payment mechanisms for subcontractor invoices.

Communication & Outreach

• Maintain communication with faculty to ensure all information for sponsored research agreement is outlined along with the process to negotiate the agreement. Effective communication is critical to the success of this position.
• Interpret and explain federal, state, and Mines regulations and policies to faculty and other Mines personnel in order to help them understand the contracting process and how the regulations apply to individual agreements.
• Ongoing contact with sponsoring agencies and other external personnel for the purpose of agreement negotiation and management including outline of Mines policies, business practices, and other applicable regulations.
• Meet with faculty to answer questions and/or assist with a sponsored research agreement.

Institutional Data Repository

• Responsible for ensuring accurate data is entered into the data repository, including contract and project information and notes.
• Upload all fully executed agreements, modifications, and sponsor prior approvals into the system.

Training & Process Improvement

• Provide formal and informal training to faculty members and departmental staff regarding school policy and procedures and sponsoring agency rules and regulations in relation to negotiating and accepting a sponsored research agreement.
• Provide support for Contract Administrator unit, particularly regarding contract language and University initiatives
• Actively participate in office wide process evaluation and reengineering efforts. Critically evaluate process and procedures with a goal of efficiency and optimal resource utilization. Make recommendations for improvements to management and lead improvement efforts if approved.

Minimum Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree in business or related field. Work experience or associate’s degree which provides the same kind, amount and level of knowledge acquired for a BA may be substituted for the degree  
• 3 or more years in research administration
• Knowledge and experience with implementation of government regulations
• Demonstrated customer service skills, the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community and ability to meet multiple deadlines 
• Analyzation and problem-solving skills including the ability to use independent judgment
• Ability to use databases, presentation software, and enterprise financial systems
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
• Skill in establishing and fostering a cooperative work environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Contract negotiation experience
• Knowledge of University environment and policies
• Master’s degree

Salary and Benefits

Contract Administrator II: $72,000 - $80,000

 

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

 

Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:

• Flexible health and dental care plans

• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.

• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution

• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)

• Free RTD Ecopass

 

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the on-campus Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more), equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center, and the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP). Coming soon is an on-campus daycare center. For more information about benefits at Mines, go to mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.

 

Salary and Benefits

$72,000 - $80,000 annual salary

 

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

 

Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:

• Flexible health and dental care plans

• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.

• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution

• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)

• Free RTD Ecopass

 

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the on-campus Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more), equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center, and the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP). Coming soon is an on-campus daycare center. For more information about benefits at Mines, go to mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.

 

How to Apply

Applicants must:

• Complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status)

• Upload a cover letter

• Upload a resume or CV

 

Application review will begin June 8, 2026. This posting will remain open until filled and may close without notice. For best consideration, apply by June 7, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. as applications received after that date may not be reviewed.

 

References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made.

Successful Completion of a Background Investigation is Required for this Position.

 

About Mines & Golden, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 36 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2025).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.

That size – roughly 8,200 undergraduate and graduate students – also translates to a close-knit campus community, where employees have opportunities to get involved in multiple ways, continued professional learning is valued and everyone can make an impact.

Community Alliance groups bring together employees for professional development, networking, and community involvement, and all Mines employees also have access to the wealth of activities happening every day on campus – nationally-renowned speakers, special events and Mines traditions like Engineering Days, just to name a few.

And don’t get us started on our hometown. We are located in the heart of Golden, Colorado --with its charming historic downtown and nearby hiking trails – and in close proximity to all that Denver and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. That includes the sunny, high-altitude climate and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities that make the Denver area an ideal place to live, work and play.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a community where our individual perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

Applicants must:

• Complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status)

• Upload a cover letter

• Upload a resume or CV

 

Application review will begin February 23rd, 2026. This posting will remain open until filled and may close without notice. For best consideration, apply by February 22nd at 11:59 p.m. as applications received after that date may not be reviewed.

 

References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made.

Successful Completion of a Background Investigation is Required for this Position.

 

About Mines & Golden, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 36 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2025).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.

That size – roughly 8,200 undergraduate and graduate students – also translates to a close-knit campus community, where employees have opportunities to get involved in multiple ways, continued professional learning is valued and everyone can make an impact.

Community Alliance groups bring together employees for professional development, networking, and community involvement, and all Mines employees also have access to the wealth of activities happening every day on campus – nationally-renowned speakers, special events and Mines traditions like Engineering Days, just to name a few.

And don’t get us started on our hometown. We are located in the heart of Golden, Colorado --with its charming historic downtown and nearby hiking trails – and in close proximity to all that Denver and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. That includes the sunny, high-altitude climate and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities that make the Denver area an ideal place to live, work and play.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a community where our individual perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

Additional Information and Reasonable Accommodation Requests
It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at [email protected] or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.
Equal Opportunity

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting