Engineering a world of possibilities

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 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 at least twice a week.

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.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications for Contract Admin II or III:

Contract Administrator II

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

 

Preferred

• Higher education experience
• Master’s Degree

 

Contract Administrator III

• Bachelor's Degree
• At least years research administration experience
• Knowledge and application of government regulations

 

Preferred

• Master’s Degree or Juris Doctorate
• Ability to critically analyze
• Knowledge and experience with the School or higher education     
• Experience drafting and reviewing research agreements

 

Salary and Benefits

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

Contract Administrator III: $85,563 - $99,438

 

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.

 

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

• Flexible health and dental care options
• 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 state of the art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.

 

How to Apply

Applicants must:

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

• Upload a resume or CV
• Upload a cover letter

 

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 now nor in the future.

 

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

 

Application review will begin October 12, 2026. This posting will remain open until filled and may close without notice. For best consideration, apply as soon as possible.

 

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.

 

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 7,000 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, awareness 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?

 

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