Contracts Manager

Are you interested in working in a collaborative environment with like-minded professionals dedicated to the science of water, public health, and the environment? If so, advance the science of water by joining The Water Research Foundation (WRF) team. WRF is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. The convergence of research (environmental, engineering, and social) and new approaches make it an exciting time to be at WRF.

WRF is seeking a full-time Contracts Manager in our Denver, CO office. The Contracts Manager defines and implements timely and strategic solutions rooted in best practices that ensure the integrity of contracting and results in organizational excellence and the sound stewardship of our financial resources. In addition, this position is responsible for protecting the organization’s rights and minimizing risk regarding contracting. The Contracts Manager ensures compliance with third party agreements for research projects through all aspects of the contracting process. The Contracts Manager is also responsible for reviewing and finalizing terms and conditions of all general and administrative agreements.

Essential Job Functions

1. Draft, prepare, negotiate, redline and coordinate with appropriate Foundation staff:
   • Standard contract including Project Funding Agreement (federal and non-federal), Memorandum of Understanding, Letter of Agreement, Master Service Agreements, and NDA
   • Co-funding arrangements
   • Contract amendments and letter agreements
     • Prepares amendments, distributes for internal and/or external review and inputs into Cobblestone and Personify
     • Works with Research Program Managers and Project Coordinators to execute contract amendments and track deliverables
     • Compiles and distributes various contract packages with exhibits according to procedures
     • Updates, maintains, and distributes contract and amendment status reports
   • Technology agreements
   • Vendor agreements
2. Assist staff with identifying contract needs for programs and provide guidance on the contracting process for new contracts and contract amendments, as well as assisting Research Services with review and implementation of new RFP guidelines and legal requirements. Train staff on contractual processes and procedures as required.
3. Coordinate and communicate contracting processes (including the definition, documentation of and refinements to those processes); with key stakeholders involved, including attorneys, researchers and WRF staff.
4. Ensure Foundation contract provisions for timely receipt of deliverables, issuance of amendments, extensions, breach notification letters and project termination letters.
5. Organize, maintain documentation related to contract and the administration of contract, including physical files and electronic database records per document retention guidelines. Track agreements, insurance documentation, copyright assignment, webtools and electronic and hard copy file (if necessary) organization for ease of access and in accordance with retention guidelines.
6. Input of all contractual information into Contract Lifecycle Management System (Cobblestone) for research projects, awards and general administrative contracts/agreements
7. Preserve and maintain the intellectual property rights of the Foundation; review contract to ensure copyright transfer to Foundation for publishing purposes; document authorized exceptions; and collaborate with various stakeholders to resolve copyright issues.
8. Responsible for creation and entry of all new projects in Association Management System (AMS), as well as maintenance of existing projects to include:
   • Entry of new projects and associated personnel
   • Committees, products, participants, and related co-funding for each project
   • Entry of all contractual and deliverable requirements for projects including individual participants involvement
   • Updating of project status
9. Maintain relevant AMS project module training materials, ensuring kept up to date with new processes and/or guidelines
10. Support Accounting staff as required.

Job Requirements

• Demonstrated proficiency with negotiation skills
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively
• Highly organized work habits and time management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Critical thinking
• Resourcefulness
• Flexibility
• Legal/Paralegal skills, including technical writing
• Familiarity with association/customer management database

Education or Formal Training

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or business or a related field
• ABA approved Paralegal certification

Work Experience Required

• A minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience in contract administration
• A minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience in project management
• Comparable combination of education and experience would be considered

Preferred Work Experience

Experience with water industry research

Working Conditions

Must be able to lift a minimum of 10 pounds and a maximum of 35 pounds. Normal office machines.

WRF Benefits

• A casual, professional, and collaborative environment
• Competitive salary:
  • The pay range for this position is $80,000–$90,000 (if calculated on an annual basis), based on qualifications and experience
• An outstanding benefit package including:
  • Health, dental, and vision plans
  • Company paid life insurance along with supplemental options
  • Ancillary benefit programs
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Paid sick and vacation time
  • Hybrid work schedule with telecommuting option
  • Flexible work arrangement and scheduling to enhance work/life balance

To Apply

Use the following form forms.waterrf.org/223203979838063 to submit your  cover letter/salary range expectations  and  resume . Please indicate you are applying for the Contracts Manager position.

WRF is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

No immigration or relocation assistance is available for this position.

Information

• Location: Denver, United States

Industry experience

Education: Bachelor

Seniority: Expert, Engineer, Consultant

Years of experience: 10 to 20 years

Taxonomy

• Sales & Marketing
• Sales
• Technical Sales Representative