Senior Contracts Administrator

Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow our staff exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.

We are currently seeking an experienced Contracts Administrator to join our team and enhance our contract management processes. The Contracts Administrator will oversee the Firm’s contracting with external vendors and service providers, from intake through negotiation to execution, ensuring that all agreements meet organizational standards and are aligned with our business goals. The Senior Contracts Administrator will lead the firm’s contracting program, working closely with the Office of the General Counsel, Finance, Information Security and other departments.

This role requires strong communication and collaboration skills, as you will act as a liaison between various departments, data security experts, and lawyers to facilitate timely and accurate completion of contractual documents while managing shifting priorities based on urgency and complexity.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the contract lifecycle for a wide array of contracts, including intake, drafting, review, negotiation, monitoring, renewal and termination.
• Creating and documenting contracting standards and escalation paths.
• Creating and maintaining appropriate templates, forms and clause banks.
• Collaborating with various departments and practice groups to create and manage contractual standards and escalation paths to ensure that all contracts are reviewed by appropriate stakeholders and meet organizational standards.
• Act as the primary point of contact for inquiries related to contracts, ensuring consistency and alignment with business objectives.
• Maintain organized and accurate records and provide periodic reports to departments and management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in contract administration or a similar role, with a strong focus on negotiation and risk management. Law firm or professional services firm experience a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple contracts simultaneously while maintaining excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), Adobe Professional, and DocuSign. Experience with contract lifecycle management software a plus.
• Membership in the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) is preferred, with candidates holding or pursuing a Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) certification being highly regarded.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact within a reputable organization.

The primary location for this job posting is in Palo Alto. The actual base pay offered will depend upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, professional certifications and licenses, and work location. The anticipated pay range for this position is as follows: $102,000 - $138,000 per year.

The compensation for this position may include a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits information can be found here. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).