Employment Opportunities

Become a part of a vibrant and dynamic research community at the University of Dayton, a top-tier Catholic research university. The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is seeking a qualified Associate Contract Specialist to join its Research Contracts & Grants division. Apply today!

The Contract Specialist is a vital member of the University of Dayton’s Contracts and Grants Office (CGO), supporting a wide range of contracts and grants management activities. This role is responsible for organizing and coordinating documentation—such as RFPs, proposals, contracts, and modifications—across various sponsor portals utilized by the CGO.

As first-tier support for contracts and grants inquiries, the Contract Specialist provides timely and effective customer service. Key responsibilities include processing proposals, awards, and modifications in the Deltek Costpoint system and maintaining several internal databases.

This position also manages and tracks representations and certifications, as well as Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) for assigned sponsors. Additional duties include processing internal and external forms, overseeing the CGO general email inbox, managing office supply orders, completing the monthly purchasing card (PCard) report, and supporting contract closeout activities.

Working closely with CGO leadership, the Contract Specialist also contributes to the identification, development, and implementation of process improvements.

• Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of relevant experience
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel and Word
• Ability to meet deadlines, strong attention to detail, and a focus on superior customer service
• Excellent written and verbal communication, planning, problem-solving, analytical, project management and customer service skills
• Must be able to manage a consistent workload in a deadline driven environment
• Ability to build effective relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• Advanced degree
• Working knowledge of support functions within a government contracting environment
• Experience with various federal government contracting agencies, including DOD and GSA

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.