Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it.
The Senior Contracts & Compliance Manager is responsible for contracts and, in collaboration with the conservation staff, subaward management at Ocean Conservancy, as well as the development of policies, procedures and implementation of contracting tools and processes for the institution. Working with limited supervision, they are responsible for the administration, execution, extension and termination of a variety of contracting mechanisms to deliver on Ocean Conservancy’s mission which may range from consultant and vendor agreements to financial assistance awards. In this newly created position, the Senior Contracts & Compliance Manager will work directly with staff across the organization to support pre- and post-agreement execution activities related to contracts and subawards, serving as a subject-matter expert in legal compliance matters, interpreting policies and requirements to provide compliance oversight and guidance to staff and partners. Under the supervision of the Vice President of Operations and in close collaboration with the Senior Director for Conservation Support, the Senior Contracts & Compliance Manager’s activities will expand throughout the full cycle of financial assistance awards and contracts administration, from negotiation to oversight and closeout, as well as for the development of internal policies, processes, development and implementation of systems and tools.
- Review and negotiate various types of agreements, including but not limited to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), contracts and gift agreements. Triage contracts and determine what needs to be escalated for additional considerations.
- Provide cross-institutional oversight of work and processes related to contracts and gift agreements to deliver conservation work, extending support to staff during negotiations, development, execution, implementation management and monitoring, communications and closeout.
- As needed, assist staff with contracts and subawards solicitation and Requests for Proposal (RFPs) development, partnering with conservation colleagues to support the evaluation and selection process.
- Provide guidance and technical advice to staff navigating the contracting process or establishing and monitoring awards.
- As appropriate, ensure that grantees receive guidance and technical assistance on grant compliance issues, such as financial reporting requirements, audit reports, procurement and award monitoring.
- Stay up to date with industry trends and regulatory changes, communicating any new grant policies and changes to applicable staff.
- Verify that contracts and grants processes comply with all donor restrictions and internal policies and practices.
- Develop and maintain contract management tools, templates, and processes to ensure consistent and efficient management of contracts and subawards.
- Establish standardized processes, templates, tools, operating procedures, databases and systems for quality control, striving for a balance of compliance and efficiency.
- Monitor compliance with institutional policies and procedures and implement corrective actions for issues identified.
- Provide training in contracts and subgrants management, recordkeeping and policies as needed.
- Performs other related work as needed.
- At least 8 years of substantial experience in contract administration management positions.
- At least 5 years of substantial experience in the development and management of contracts.
- Proficiency in working with intellectual property law, non-disclosure agreements, and private donor requirements, with demonstrated experience with contractual compliance, including subaward flow-down requirements.
- Extensive experience working with nonprofit organizations.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing internal policies, processes, and workflows. Experience implementing contracts management systems highly desirable.
- Fluency in English; other languages a plus.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a cross-departmental team.
- Deadline-driven and able to juggle competing priorities.
- Skillful negotiator, able to exercise independent judgment based on previous work experience and breadth and depth of knowledge of compliance issues.
- Customer-service-focused, strong communication skills with a high degree of emotional intelligence.
- Resourceful and results-driven, seeking to identify opportunities for improvement into actionable plans toward resolution and impact.
- Learning mindset; willingness to continue to refine skills through continuous training to keep abreast of industry developments.
- Bachelor’s Degree and appropriate substantial professional experience. Juris Doctorate is top priority and paralegal with contract experience is highly desirable.
- Grants education and/or certification is preferred; proficiency with federal regulations (in particular 2 CFR 200) is a plus.
Ocean Conservancy is committed to equity in its pay practices and posts expected hiring ranges for each of its positions. Salary minimum is $91,361; salary midpoint is $114,124. The midpoint represents the market rate for a position, and a fully experienced employee may be paid at this level. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected hiring range.
If you think you’d be a great fit for the job and are interested in joining Ocean Conservancy’s team, please apply here. Please include a resume and cover letter in one file on your application.
Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We want to support employees’ career growth and in return, our employees help Ocean Conservancy grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.