Contract Lead / Specialist
Location : Dallas, TX
Full-Time, on-site only M-F, 8am - 5pm Competitive pay
Overview
This role supports timely and accurate contract processing, ensuring compliance with University policies, legal requirements, and financial protections. Contracts are time-sensitive, often requiring turnaround within one to two days. The Contract Lead will manage all other aspects of the contract process including deadlines.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary point of contact for contract activities within the assigned unit.
- Review business and research contracts based on legal and procurement training, in consultation with appropriate advisors.
- Determine and apply the appropriate mechanisms for legal and financial protectionrecognizing that not all agreements require formal contracts.
- Collaborate with campus resources to ensure compliance with the university's legal and financial standards.
- Seek guidance from campus advisors to negotiate the most favorable and compliant contractual terms.
- Provide responsive and high-quality service to faculty and staff.
- Uphold strong standards for legal and financial decision-making.
- Proactively identify opportunities for vendor sourcing or other contract-related needs.
- Consult with Deans or Unit Heads as necessary to ensure alignment and approval.
- Take responsibility for ensuring legal protection and sound financial decisions on behalf of the University.
- Communicate regularly with the Senior Contract Administrator and recommend final contract approval to the appropriate Signatory.
Qualifications
Strong understanding of contract review principles, including identifying service types and associated risk levels.Ability to evaluate high-risk services and determine when additional insurance or permits are required (e.g., involving minors, animals, or hazardous materials).Knowledge of standard contract structures, including terms, renewal periods, and monetary thresholds determining signatory authority.Familiarity with invoicing and payment processes, ensuring alignment with SMU's 30-day payment policy following service acceptance.Skill in analyzing scopes of work to confirm clarity in vendor responsibilities, deliverables, and exclusions.Experience reviewing warranties and service coverage for specialized areas such as elevators, roofing, or equipment.Understanding of jurisdictional requirements for multi-campus operations :Dallas Campus Dallas County, TXPlano Campus Collin County, TXTaos Campus Taos County, NMKnowledge of applicable tax regulations, including Texas tax exemptions and New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax requirements.Proficiency in reviewing indemnification clauses, liability provisions, and ensuring compliance with institutional standards.Ability to identify and resolve conflicting vendor terms or nonstandard contract language.Strong attention to detail regarding confidentiality, data handling, and exchange of sensitive information.Awareness of logistics considerations, including transportation, storage, and special delivery requirements.Demonstrated ability to maintain compliance with safety standards related to hazardous materials and high-risk activities.Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills to support accurate and timely contract processing.3 or more years working with contracts, or other related fields such as procurement, compliance, and business operations, business law, and risk management.Bachelor's degree or higher required.