Contracts Operations Manager

Position Summary

The Simons Foundation is seeking a Contract Operations Manager. This role will report to the Chief Financial Officer and will review, draft, negotiate and manage a broad array of legal documents, including vendor contracts, for the Simons Foundation and its affiliated legal entities. The Contract Operations Manager oversees the entire contracting process from inception to execution with contracts that largely focus on the acquisition of goods and services but extended to additional contracts related to our mission related work. The position works closely with stakeholders at all levels of the organization with an expectation of exceptional customer service. The Contract Operations Manager will also be responsible for maintaining the contracts management system and recordkeeping system for all contracts. They will track and report on contract-related metrics, review and analyze contract requests, and create and provide training to foundation colleagues around contracts policies, procedures and processes.  The position will partner with the CFO to develop a strong risk management program as it related to contracts.

This position is a full-time position based on-site at the Simons Foundation’s New York City offices. Visit the Simons Foundation career page to learn more.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Lead the contracts operations function for the foundation and serve as the key point person for all incoming or originating contracts with a focus on those contracts that relate to the acquisition of goods and services.
• Draft, review, analyze, negotiate and manage a broad array of legal documents, including a wide variety of contracts (e.g., SaaS agreements, NDAs, service agreements, consulting agreements, licensing agreements, releases, and any amendments, terminations and extensions thereof).
• Summarize and explain key contractual terms and other business and legal matters to foundation staff, responding to internal inquiries regarding the same; develop a strong understanding of organization’s contract positions.
• Serve as the key point person to address questions related to contracts operations and related processes and ensure a clear understanding of the processes and procedures for working with the legal function.
• Log, monitor and track the contract portfolio, including legal department analytics and reporting, and serve as a systems administrator to maintain and manage repository system to electronically store, track and manage all executed legal agreements.
• Review, develop, deploy, organize, maintain and continuously improve contract templates, forms, playbooks, standard clauses, as well as FAQs, self-help solutions and resources for end-users.
• Oversee all aspects of the contracts management platform; work to improve and streamline processes related to legal requests.
• Lead in the development and implementation of user-friendly policies and procedures related to contract operations. Important focus to ensure compliance laws and regulations related to the work and jurisdictions where the work is to be performed.
• Manage compliance with contractual insurance requirements.
• Lead in the development and implementation of user-friendly policies and procedures focused on legal compliance.
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required; law degree is a plus.
• At least 5 - 10 years of relevant experience performing the responsibilities of a contracts manager or above.
• Previous work in a contract management system/platform.  Experience with ContractPodAI is preferred but work in similar or equivalent systems/platforms is acceptable.  Ability to help design and configure workflows to maximize the utility of the platform is highly desirable.
• Strong working knowledge and understanding of standard contract provisions with an ability to bring that knowledge and contextually apply it to the breath of contracts that come forward. 
• Highly professional and able to always maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently while staying on top of contract operations trends and best practices.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, respond promptly to shifting priorities and react with a strong sense of urgency.
• Professional demeanor. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, with the ability to liaise with all areas of the business at all levels, including senior management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and the ability to learn and use other systems as necessary.
• Superior organizational, attention to detail and follow-up skills
• Team-oriented with the ability to consider collaborative solutions.

Required Application Materials

• Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• The full-time annual compensation range is $130,000 - $150,000 depending on experience

• In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.