Contract Specialist

Overview

The Contract Specialist serves as the primary contracts resource for Western US and Canada Division business units and division priorities. Working with Contract Managers, Program Managers, Project Managers, Finance, Operations, Grants, and Legal staff, this role supports contract development, review, administration, compliance, and implementation of organizational contracting requirements across assigned areas.

Responsibilities

Contract Management & Risk Stewardship

• Serve as the primary contracts resource for assigned Pods, business units, and division priorities.
• Manage intake, project consultation, due diligence review, agreement development, legal coordination, approval routing, signature management, amendments, and contract closeout activities.
• Monitor agreement status, deliverables, contractual obligations, and compliance requirements.
• Support contract execution and implementation activities.
• Ensure contract compliance with organizational policies, procedures, Delegation of Authority requirements, and risk management practices.

Business Partnership & Contract Consultation

• Partner with Legal, Finance, Grants, and Operations to support effective contract management.
• Partner with Project Managers, Program Managers, Award Managers, and other staff throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Provide guidance on contract procedures, templates, documentation requirements, approval pathways, and organizational requirements.

Division Collaboration & Organizational Effectiveness

• Collaborate across the division contracts structure to ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Participate in and support the Contracts Community of Practice (CCoP).
• Promote consistent contracting practices, tools, and procedures across the division.
• Contribute to process improvements, system enhancements, organizational initiatives, and change management efforts.
• Build productive working relationships that promote collaboration, accountability, and effective stewardship of organizational resources.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Hold primary responsibility for one or more Pods within the division and may provide support across additional Pods based on workload, agreement complexity, staff expertise, cross-training needs, and organizational priorities.
• Maintain accountability for contract service delivery, compliance, stakeholder support, and operational effectiveness within assigned areas.
• Exercise judgment within established policies and procedures while identifying and escalating compliance concerns, risks, and operational issues.
• Provide contract guidance and support throughout the contracting process.
• Maintain ongoing professional development and related contracting training activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations, Finance, Legal Studies, Environmental Policy, Public Administration or related field and 3 years' related experience or equivalent combination.
• TNC Certified Contract Specialist (CCS) certification or ability to obtain certification within established timeframes.
• Experience developing or administering contracts, agreements, amendments, or related business documents.
• Non-profit experience in a similar role/capacity (preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply established policies, procedures, and business requirements.
• Experience developing and maintaining productive working relationships with various internal and external stakeholders, including state directors, project managers, legal and HR (influence without authority).
• Experience using contract management systems, document management systems, financial systems, or related technology platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and/or multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, mission-driven environment.
• Experience working in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, or geographically dispersed organization.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Information

• The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $51,600 - 63,410.
• This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA.
• For candidates outside the USA, the successful candidate’s pay would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market and not tied to USA pay or ranges.
• Geographic location will be confirmed during recruitment.

Benefits

The role includes a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health care benefits
• Flexible spending accounts
• A 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match
• Parental leave
• Accrued paid time off
• Life insurance
• Disability coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Other life and work well-being benefits

The organization also offers a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of employees.

Location

Western US and Canada Division (business units and division priorities).

Additional Information

• Recruiting process may include a rolling interview process; applications may be reviewed in the order received.
• The successful applicant must meet the requirements of the organization’s background screening process.
• Accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process.
• Equal opportunity employer.