Contract Administrator II

Engineering a world of possibilities

Join Our Team at Colorado School of Mines: Contract Administrator

Are you an experienced research administrator with a talent for negotiating research contracts? Do you have the skills to draft contract agreements? If so, Colorado School of Mines (Mines) in Golden, Colorado, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Contract Administrator to join our Office of Research Administration (ORA).

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 a hybrid position, successful candidates must be able to commute to Golden, CO.

Primary Responsibilities:

As a Contract Administrator, you will be responsible for:

• Contract and Grant Review and Negotiation: Dive into complex research agreements, analyze and negotiate favorable terms with sponsors. You’ll use your stellar problem-solving skills as you present creative solutions to complex contract issues and confirm terms and conditions meet required regulations.
• Contract and Grant Management: Oversee change requests and perform risk assessments. You'll coordinate with faculty and manage all aspects of an award.
• Subcontracts: Initiate, negotiate, and manage research subcontracts. Ensure compliance with the award as well as federal and state regulations.
• Institutional Data Repository: Ensure accurate data entry into of ORAs software system. Upload all agreements, modifications, and sponsor approvals into the system.
• Communication & Outreach: Foster strong relationships with faculty and external sponsors, interpret regulations, and effectively communicate the contracting process.

Qualifications – Contract Administrator II

Minimum

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3 – 5 years’ research administration experience
• Knowledge and implementation of government regulations

Preferred

• Higher education experience
• Master’s Degree

Salary and Benefits

Contract Administrator II: $66,600 - $77,900

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 December 15, 2025. This posting will remain open until filled and may close without notice. For best consideration, apply by December 14 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.

Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy based on business needs.

To request an accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please email hr@mines.edu or call 303-273-3250.

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. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).

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.

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?

Look to Mines.

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, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse 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 inequity or concerns for safety.

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