Director of Contracts and Legal Services

Overview

A science and engineering firm specializing in health, environmental, and natural resource challenges is seeking a Director of Contracts and Legal Services (CLS) to lead the CLS department. This role involves managing contracts, subcontracts, compliance, and overseeing the firm’s legal affairs. The Director will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and collaborate across business units, external counsel, and key stakeholders. The position offers flexibility with in-office, remote, or hybrid work arrangements depending on location and organizational needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead drafting, review, negotiation, and execution of contracts ensuring compliance with legal standards and organizational policies
• Develop and implement contract management processes to promote consistency, efficiency, and risk mitigation
• Identify, assess, and manage risks related to contracts and organizational operations
• Apply risk management strategies and frameworks to minimize potential risks and ensure regulatory compliance
• Oversee the firm’s legal affairs and maintain relationships with outside law firms
• Partner with the M&A team to support due diligence and integration of systems and staff
• Lead property, casualty, and professional liability insurance renewal processes with support from corporate directors and CLS team
• Lead, mentor, and develop CLS staff
• Identify opportunities for process automation, system enhancements, and efficiency improvements

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• Minimum of 7–10 years of legal experience, preferably including both law firm and in-house counsel roles
• Experience managing contracts, compliance, corporate governance, and risk

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry
• Experience supporting multi-state operations
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience

Key Competencies

• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is commensurate with experience and internal equity within the listed range. The total compensation package includes:

• Annual salary
• Company-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• 401(k) plan with company match ranging from 1% to 4% of annual compensation
• Company-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance
• Paid sick leave (10 days)
• Paid vacation (10 to 20 days, determined by title at hire)
• Paid holidays (9 days per year)
• Potential for an annual discretionary bonus based on company performance

Paid time off is prorated for part-time schedules.

Location

Flexible work options including in-office, remote, or hybrid based on candidate location and organizational needs.

Additional Information

Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of employment history screening, degree verification, and federal, state, and county criminal background and Watch List screening in compliance with applicable laws. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request during the application or interview process.

The organization is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, creed, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local laws.