OPT Contract Administrator Jobs
Contract Administrator jobs on OPT require employers to handle subcontractual documentation, compliance tracking, and procurement oversight, all areas where F-1 students bring strong analytical training. Your OPT period gives you 12 months of authorized work, with a 24-month STEM extension available if your degree qualifies.
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Contract Administrator I
JOB SUMMARY
Supports the Contract Administration team with contract proposal preparation, contract and supplier negotiations including terms and conditions, administration of major contracts, supplier management and collaboration with other departments while adhering to Sewer District contracting standards. Maintains the contract database and associated files, including renewals in conformance with appropriate standards, policies, procedures and applications. Responsible for the execution of work orders, requisitions and receiving processes. Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Contract Bid Process Responsibilities
- Follows and executes the contract bid and quote process, including preparation of bid packages. Generates contract/change review documentation. Reviews customer specifications and government regulations.
- Organizes and participates in both formal and informal reviews of proposal drafts. Reviews contract documentation with proper personnel to ensure that it meets the operation needs of all stakeholders in the project.
- Assembles accurate contract asset lists and official contract/correspondence files.
- Collects and assembles templates and procedural documentation to support the Sewer District in negotiating contracts, including pricing and terms and formulating policies with suppliers and vendors.
- Prepares bids, process specifications, progress reports and other information as required. Compiles data for preparing estimates during the contract process.
- Assists with generating requests for qualifications and Requests for Proposals for related professional services. Interfaces with Sewer District departments as necessary to assist with contract and/or proposal processing and to obtain required approvals.
- Participates in the communication process during the review stages of the proposal document. Attends progress, pre-bid and pre-construction meetings.
- Provides assistance in procurement for high-level and/or high-risk projects.
Contract Administration
- Responsible for the execution and review of invoices, work orders, requisitions, receiving processes, statements and contractor billings during the contract and prior to payment and closure. Resolves discrepancies with inaccurate and/or overdue invoices.
- Assists in the development and maintenance of contract management instruction policies, procedures and work instructions. Reviews documentation with proper personnel to ensure that it meets Sewer District needs.
- Maintains accurate contract and/or proposal tracking records and files in accordance with Sewer District standards, to include record retention and storage.
- Maintains contract database entries, keeping current with new contracts that are processed and/or executed. Assist with contract renewal review process to ensure no gaps in coverage.
- Generates reports in Sewer District databases to assist with overall contract administration.
Contractor Oversite Responsibilities
- Manages dispatching of contractors to perform services in a timely and accurate manner to meet the needs of the Sewer District.
- Monitors contractor performance to ensure work conforms to contract requirements and specifications through verifying with filed staff and/or performing field verification.
- Coordinates with appropriate supervisors and/or any relevant municipalities to resolve any discrepancies identified with contractor work performed. Documents any non-conformance and makes recommendations for improvement.
- Analyzes market and delivery system to assess process and cost improvement opportunities. Tracks and analyzes contractor performance and compliance.
- Participates in and provides support for initiatives such as supplier enablement, contract management, project management, problem resolution and customer support.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.
Contract Administrator II
JOB SUMMARY
Manages contract proposal preparation, contract and supplier negotiation including terms and conditions, administration of major contracts, supplier management and collaboration with internal departments. Manages the contract database and all associated files, including renewals in conformance with appropriate standards, policies, procedures, and applications. Maintains official contract/correspondence files and monitors department performance for conformance to original proposals. Generates contract/change review documentation. Acts as advisor regarding customer specifications and government regulations. Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Contract Bid Process Responsibilities
- Represents the Sewer District in negotiating contracts, including pricing and terms and formulating policies with suppliers and vendors.
- Generates requests for qualifications and Requests for Proposals for related professional services.
- Interfaces with the Sewer District departments as necessary to facilitate contract and/or proposal processing and to obtain required approvals etc.
- Organizes, conducts and participates in both formal and informal management reviews of proposal drafts. Reviews contract documentation with proper personnel to ensure that it meets the operation needs of all stakeholders in the project.
- Prepares bids, process specifications, progress reports and other information as required. Compiles data for preparing estimates during the contract process.
- Facilitates the communication process during the review states of the proposal document. Attends progress, pre-bid and pre-construction meetings.
- Manages contract renewal review process to ensure no gaps in coverage.
- Assists in the procurement for high-level and/or high-risk projects.
Contract Administration
- Performs primary contract administration duties for major contracts including negotiation, correspondence, documentation, certification, financial reporting and product delivery for major contracts. Writes specifications for repairs and upgrades, with input from the appropriate personnel.
- Develops, implements and maintains contract management instruction policies, procedures and work instructions. Maintains pricing and contract.
- Maintains accurate contract and/or proposal tracking records and files in accordance with Sewer District standards, to include record retention and storage.
- Manages contract database entries, keeping current with new contracts that are processed and/or executed.
- Reviews invoices, statements, work orders and contractor billings to monitor compliance for reviews modifications, extensions and contract closeout documents for approval. Actively participates to resolve supplier/contractor grievances, claims, etc.
Contract Oversite Responsibilities
- Assists with procurement of outside contractors, including the developing consultant short lists and Request for Proposals (RFP), review of the contractor proposals and recommending award of consultant contracts.
- Monitors contractor/supplier performance. Coordinates with the appropriate supervisors and/or any relevant municipalities to ensure work conforms to contract requirements and specifications during the contract and prior to payment and closure. Documents any non-conformance; makes recommendations for improvement.
- Participates in and provides support for initiatives such as supplier enablement, contract management, project management, problem resolution and customer support.
- Analyzes market and delivery system to assess process and cost improvement opportunities. Tracks and analyzes contractor performance and compliance.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education
- Candidate must possess an associate degree, preferably in Business Administration or related field.
- Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as outlined in the Education Equivalencies Policy.
Experience
Candidate must possess a minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of progressive contract administration experience in an engineering, maintenance, utility environment or similar industry, including a combination of the following; best practices, vendor selection, contract negotiation, asset management, resource allocation, recordkeeping, reading blueprints and diagrams, contract development, contract standards, procedural documentation, renewals and contract language.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Candidate must possess basic knowledge of administrative, project management, resource allocation, contract administration, basic business law and legalities for successful contract administration.
- Candidate must possess knowledge of best practices in an engineering or utility environment or similar industry, including a combination of the following; best practices, vendor selection, contract negotiation, asset management, resource allocation, recordkeeping, reading blueprints and diagrams, contract development, contract standards, procedural documentation, renewals and contract language.
- Candidate must possess knowledge of municipal bidding and contract procedures and EPA’s NPDES permit requirements.
- Candidate must possess effective written and verbal communication, organizational skills and decision-making abilities.
- Candidate must possess the ability to successfully build and sustain positive and collaborative working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, contractors, community, government personnel and customers and the ability to provide high quality service.
- Candidate must possess the ability to effectively use progressive project and/or contract management techniques to successfully initiate and manage contracts through to completion on time and on budget; these skills shall be further developed during the course of employment within the position.
- Candidate must be detail-oriented and capable of managing large amount of data, maintain detailed comprehensive records, analyze and organize information, have effective project and time management skills and be well organized.
- Candidate must possess negotiation and conflict resolution skills to address issues and opportunities for improvement with diverse groups.
- Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and PowerPoint.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
During the course of performing the essential functions of this position the employee must be able to compile, compare, copy, compute, analyze, synthesize, coordinate, instruct and negotiate. Ability to communicate while exhibiting strong interpersonal skills is required. Physical work will need to be performed, such as standing, sitting, walking, reaching fingering, talking and hearing. Ability to lift up to 10 lbs. on an occasional basis. Position will require visual demands of near acuity, far acuity, depth perception, color vision and accommodation. The position is primarily office work; however, the position requires visiting Sewer District sites up to 10% of the typical workday. While working in the field the employee may be exposed to extreme weather, wet and/or humid conditions and confined/restricted working environments.
Pay Range: USD, Commensurate with Experience
- Contract Administrator I: $62,540 - $78,175
- Contract Administrator II: $65,482 - $81,854
Our Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Our Accessibility Statement
Our Education Equivalencies Policy
Our Employee Benefits & Wellness Programs
We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package including Health Insurance Coverage, Various Retirement Planning Options (Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and Deferred Compensation Plans), Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Free Parking at our facilities, Corporate Discounts, and more! We also have an active Health & Wellness Program that promotes a life/work balance.
DISCLAIMER: The information outlined in this job description indicates the general nature and type of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities or competencies required of employees within this classification.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Contract Administrator
Target industries with high contract volume
Defense contractors, construction firms, healthcare systems, and technology companies manage large contract portfolios and hire Contract Administrators regularly. These sectors also have stronger institutional familiarity with OPT work authorization, reducing friction during the hiring process.
Highlight your degree's relevance clearly
Contract Administrator roles qualify as specialty occupations under OPT when tied to a business, law, supply chain, or engineering degree. Make the connection explicit on your resume, vague degree descriptions give hiring managers reason to hesitate on sponsorship conversations.
Address OPT proactively in applications
Many employers assume international candidates require immediate H-1B visa sponsorship. Clarify upfront that OPT provides immediate, employer-sponsored-free authorization for up to three years, removing the cost and lottery risk from their near-term hiring decision.
Build contract management tool proficiency
Proficiency in Ariba, Coupa, Salesforce CPQ, or DocuSign contract management platforms strengthens your candidacy significantly. Employers sponsoring OPT students want to see job-ready skills that justify the administrative overhead of supporting your work authorization.
Pursue relevant certifications before applying
Certifications like the Certified Federal Contracts Manager or CPCM from NCMA signal professional seriousness to employers. Candidates with credentials are consistently viewed as lower-risk hires, which matters when an employer is also navigating OPT paperwork for the first time.
Prepare a clear OPT timeline for interviews
Know your OPT start date, end date, and STEM extension eligibility before any interview. Employers appreciate candidates who can answer authorization questions confidently and accurately, rather than those who seem uncertain about their own work authorization status.
Contract Administrator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Contract Administrator jobs typically support OPT work authorization?
Many do, particularly in defense, technology, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors where contract management is a core business function. Contract Administrator roles generally qualify as specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, law, or a related field. Browse OPT-eligible Contract Administrator listings on Migrate Mate to find employers already open to F-1 students.
Does a Contract Administrator role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your underlying degree. If you graduated with a STEM-designated degree, such as a bachelor's in management information systems, industrial engineering, or supply chain management, and your Contract Administrator role applies those technical skills, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. A business administration or legal studies degree typically would not qualify. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension.
What degree backgrounds are most relevant for Contract Administrator roles on OPT?
Business administration, supply chain management, construction management, industrial engineering, and paralegal or legal studies degrees all map well to Contract Administrator responsibilities. The connection between your field of study and the role's core duties, drafting agreements, managing compliance, overseeing procurement, must be clear, since that alignment is what makes the position OPT-eligible as a specialty occupation.
How should I explain my OPT status to a Contract Administrator employer unfamiliar with F-1 visas?
Lead with what OPT means practically for them: you're already authorized to work in the U.S. without any petition or fee on their part, and that authorization lasts 12 months with a potential 24-month STEM extension. The employer's only obligation is to enroll in E-Verify if you pursue a STEM extension. Framing it as low-risk, immediate authorization rather than a complex immigration situation tends to move conversations forward more effectively.
What happens if my OPT expires before my employer files for H-1B sponsorship?
If your employer files an H-1B petition before the April 1 regular filing deadline and you're in valid OPT status at that point, cap-gap protection automatically extends your OPT work authorization through October 1 of that year if selected in the lottery. This is a critical planning detail for Contract Administrators on OPT, your employment doesn't need to stop between OPT expiration and H-1B activation, provided your employer files on time.