Contracts coordinators are very busy people. They often have several projects
on the go at one time, all of which might be at different stages. Although
their specific duties will vary depending upon the industry they're working
in, they will often perform a variety of administrative and financial functions.
Contracts coordinators prepare budgets and plans and review applications
for funding. They read and write contracts and interpret and develop guidelines.
They also process accounting reports, progress reports and performance reports.
They work closely with all levels of staff.
Most contracts coordinators work in an office environment. However, they
may work in several different industries. These include health, education
(often in universities and colleges), charitable organizations, private industry
and government agencies.
Some people in these positions work more than the standard 40-hour workweek.
Velvet Hunter is a technical consultant in a government finance department
in Tennessee. She says she usually works a 10-hour day.
Although contracts coordinators generally work Monday to Friday, overtime
may be required if deadlines are approaching. Contracts coordinators may also
be required to do some traveling, often between branch offices and the head
office or between the office and vendors' offices.
Working as a contracts coordinator is more mentally demanding than it is
physically demanding, says Kathy Dunstan. She is a contracts coordinator at
a hospital. Therefore, people with physical disabilities would generally not
be limited in this type of job.