[Hiring] Contract Specialist @The Nature Conservancy

Role Description

The Contract Specialist serves as the primary contracts resource for Western US and Canada Division (Business Units (BUs) and Division Priorities (DPs)). Working with Contract Managers, Program Managers, Project Managers, Finance, Operations, Grants, and Legal staff, the role supports contract development, review, administration, compliance, and implementation of organizational contracting requirements across assigned areas.

Essential Functions:

• 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 regarding 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

• Assigned 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.
• Accountable for contract service delivery, compliance, stakeholder support, and operational effectiveness within assigned areas.
• Exercises judgment within established policies and procedures while identifying and escalating compliance concerns, risks, and operational issues.
• Provides contract guidance and support throughout the contracting process (influence when needed).
• Maintains ongoing professional development and related contracting training activities.

Qualifications

• 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 directions, project managers, legal and HR (influence without authority).
• Experience using contract management systems, document management systems, financial systems, or related technology platforms.

Desired 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.

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. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

Benefits

• 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.
• Flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of employees.

Company Description

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.