Director of Contracts Administration

Job Type:StaffJob Description:The Director, Contracts Administration leads KCU’s contract lifecycle and contract operations, ensuring agreements move efficiently from intake through execution, renewal, and closeout. This is a hands-on role that builds a scalable, technology-enabled contracts administration program (process, governance, and tools) to improve speed, consistency, insight, and risk management across the University.The Director oversees drafting, review, negotiation, approvals, and execution, partnering with departments on contract structure, key risks, and practical implications. KCU’s portfolio includes construction and facilities agreements, clinical education and rotation agreements, leased employee arrangements, and other external collaborations.Success in this role requires strong negotiation skills, meticulous attention to detail, sound business judgment, and a mindset for systems, automation, and continuous improvement.The Director will report to the Vice President of Legal Affairs and General CounselEssential DutiesOwn the end-to-end contract lifecycle (intake, review, negotiation, approvals, execution, renewals, and closeout) and keep work moving on scheduleAdvise stakeholders on contract structure, risk allocation, and business implications; identify issues early and drive practical resolutionsBuild and continuously improve a modern contracts administration program, including standardized templates/playbooks, intake workflows, and clear governanceLeverage platforms, automation, and AI-enabled tools (as appropriate) to improve cycle time, quality, scalability, and visibilityCreate basic reporting and metrics (e.g., volume, cycle time, expirations/renewals, risk/compliance themes) to support decision-makingMaintain accurate records for status, obligations, expirations, and renewals; provide clear updates to internal stakeholdersNegotiate and review complex agreements (including construction, facilities, clinical, and other mission-critical contracts); coordinate with outside counsel when neededPartner with Legal Affairs, Compliance, Finance, and business owners to align contracts with policy, reduce risk, and support operationsQualificationsBachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree or higher in business, law, risk management, or a related field preferredExperience managing and/or reviewing contracts in a business, healthcare, higher education, or similarly complex environmentStrong organization, attention to detail, and stakeholder communication; able to manage multiple priorities and move work to closureEqual Opportunity EmployerKCU is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity workplace. Equal opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information (GINA), physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, ancestry, military and/or veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable Federal, state or local law.Annual Security ReportKCU is committed to providing a safe campus for students, faculty, and staff. Our annual campus security report lists campus crimes and statistics for the campus and public areas around campus for the last three years, in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.Thank you for your interest in a career at KCU!