Contracts Manager, Finance

Contracts Manager

Salary: $93,129 - $136,818 (Negotiable based on experience)

Reports To: Director, Finance

Contract Length/Days: (2026-2027/ 260)

Deadline For Application: Until-Filled (screening will begin no later than July 13.)

Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision and life insurance as well as other programs for benefit-eligible employees. The employee assistance program, voluntary life insurance through PERA, and 401(k), 403(b) & 457(b) plans are available to all employees regardless of hours worked and are available immediately (upon hire date). To learn more about our benefits, please see our Benefits Overview. Paid Leave: Depending on your position, the District offers a variety of leave options, including sick leave, discretionary leave, vacation and paid holidays. More information about leave options available to A/P/T employees can be found in the Board of Education Policy Manual.

Education/Experience

Required: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Legal Studies, Accounting, or a closely related field. Minimum of 35 years of progressively responsible experience in contract administration, contract management, procurement, or a directly related field. Demonstrated experience reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts in a governmental, public, or similarly regulated environment. Working knowledge of federal grant regulations, including 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), and experience with grant-funded contract compliance. Experience maintaining contract management systems, databases, or related tracking tools. Proven ability to identify contractual risks and communicate concerns to leadership and legal counsel.

Preferred: Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Juris Doctor (JD), or a related graduate degree. Paralegal certification is also highly regarded. Experience in a governmental organization or public agency setting with multiple funding streams. Familiarity with subrecipient monitoring and pass-through entity responsibilities under federal awards. Experience supporting competitive procurement processes and maintaining required documentation. Background working alongside finance or accounting functions, including budget alignment and allowable cost review.

Job Description

Summary/Objective: The Contracts Manager is responsible for supporting the organization's contract administration and compliance functions by overseeing the full lifecycle of contracts, agreements, and procurement-related activities. This position reviews, negotiates, and monitors a broad range of contractual arrangements to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, funding provisions, and organizational policies while minimizing legal, financial, and operational risk. Serving as support for contract-related matters, the manager collaborates closely with legal, finance, and leadership teams to support sound business practices, strengthen internal controls, maintain effective contract management systems, and ensure organizational accountability. The role also supports procurement processes, policy development, audit readiness, and strategic decision-making through contract analysis, reporting, and guidance.

Essential Functions

Contract Review & Analysis: Review, support drafting, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts, including vendor agreements, service contracts, subcontractor agreements, MOUs, and grant-related contracts. Analyze contract terms and conditions to identify legal, financial, and operational risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies. Ensure all contracts comply with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as grant requirements and organizational policies. Coordinate with legal counsel as needed for complex or high-value agreements. Maintain standardized contract templates and ensure consistent use across the organization. Support the new contract management system and ongoing maintenance of the software.

Contract Lifecycle Management: Coordinate internal approval workflows and obtain required signatures in accordance with the organization's authorization matrix. Monitor contractor and vendor performance against contractual terms and escalate issues as needed. Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure all contractual obligations are met and that the organization remains in good standing with all parties. Identify and report potential conflicts of interest, liability exposures, or compliance gaps. Develop and maintain policies and procedures related to contract management and procurement. Support audit and monitoring activities by providing documentation and analysis of contractual arrangements.

Collaboration & Communication: Serve as the organizational liaison for contract-related inquiries from internal departments, vendors, and partners. Provide training and guidance to program and administrative staff on contract requirements and internal processes. Collaborate with the CFO and Director of Finance to ensure contract terms align with grant budgets, reporting requirements, and allowable cost provisions. Prepare summary reports and briefings on contract status, risks, and renewals for Cabinet leadership.

Procurement Support: Support competitive procurement processes, including RFP/RFQ development, vendor evaluation, and selection documentation, in conjunction with legal counsel. Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable federal regulations (e.g., 2 CFR Part 200) and organizational procurement policies.

Other Functions: Respect all confidential matters. Assist Finance Department staff with files, reports, and other information. Compile financial information into reports or graphic presentations for administrators as requested. Present new procedures to groups of 10 to 80 people as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Mental Ability: Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of contract law principles, regulatory compliance frameworks, and risk management. Knowledge of governmental accounting principles, fund accounting concepts, and grant compliance requirements. Familiarity with procurement standards, including fair and open competition requirements. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with contract management or document management software preferred.

Core Competencies: Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret complex legal and regulatory language and translate requirements into actionable guidance. Attention to Detail: Meticulous in reviewing documents, tracking deadlines, and maintaining accurate records. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present contract-related issues clearly to non-legal stakeholders. Organization & Time Management: Ability to manage multiple contracts and competing priorities simultaneously while meeting deadlines. Collaboration: Skilled at building effective working relationships across departments, with vendors, and with external partners. Integrity: Commitment to ethical conduct, confidentiality, and organizational accountability.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Work Environment/Physical Demands/Organizational Support: Work Environment: Standard office environment based on organizational policy. Occasional travel may be required for site visits, trainings or partner meetings. May be required to work extended hours during contract negotiation cycles or audit periods. Support Provided by the Organization: Access to legal counsel for review of complex, high-value, or unusual contract terms. Collaboration with the Finance team to ensure financial alignment across all agreements. Access to the organization's contract management system, templates, and document repository. Professional development support including continuing education. Orientation to organizational policies, procedures, grant requirements, and existing contract portfolio upon hire. Regular supervision and check-ins with the Director of Finance to align priorities and address emerging issues.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Regular attendance is required for this position.