Contracts Manager

Description

Summary Job Goal: The Contract Manager serves as the operational backbone of AVCP’s Legal Department, managing the full contracts lifecycle and providing administrative and paralegal support to enhance the Legal Department’s overall efficiency and effectiveness. This role builds and maintains AVCP’s contracts infrastructure, coordinates legal department operations, and partners closely with the Corporate Counsel and the General Counsel to ensure legally sound and operationally efficient contract processes.

The position combines contracts administration, legal department operations, and paralegal support responsibilities to enable AVCP’s Legal Department to deliver timely, accurate, and high-quality support to all AVCP divisions and departments.

Performance Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Contract Lifecycle Administration

• Serve as the primary operational lead for all contract lifecycle processes: intake, routing, execution, tracking, renewals, amendments, and closeout, and working with our project management software to ensure efficiency in contract lifecycle processes.
• Maintain and oversee AVCP’s centralized contract repository and contract tracking systems.
• Develop and implement standardized contract intake forms, routing workflows, and approval protocols.
• Ensure contracts and proposals are properly entered into databases and securely maintained according to the Records Retention Policy.
• Monitor contract deadlines, deliverables, expirations, and renewals; alert departments and the Legal team proactively.

Collaboration with Corporate Counsel

• Partner with the Corporate Counsel on legal risk reviews, template drafting, and negotiation support.
• Coordinate operational side of contracts (deadlines, deliverables, filing) while Corporate Counsel handles legal review, risk analysis, and template development.
• Co-lead implementation of the AVCP Contract Playbook, policies, and training initiatives.
• Participate in joint planning meetings with the Corporate Counsel and General Counsel to align legal strategy and contract operations.

Legal Department Administrative & Paralegal Support

• Provide general administrative support to the Legal Department, including calendaring, scheduling, timesheet adjustments, and processing department invoices and travel as needed.
• Assist with onboarding new legal staff and maintaining departmental files and systems.
• Assist attorneys by reading, researching, verifying, and routing correspondence, reports, and legal documents.
• Draft simple letters, memos, and routine legal documents at the direction of the General Counsel or Corporate Counsel.
• Conduct preliminary legal or factual research on assigned topics.
• Maintain organized and confidential filing systems for case preparation, legal documentation, and department records.

Training, Policies, and Compliance

• Develop and deliver staff training on contract processes, deadlines, and the use of contract systems.
• Support the creation and maintenance of the Legal Department’s contract operating procedures, playbooks, and policies.
• Assist with internal contract audits and vendor performance monitoring.
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) for contracts (e.g., turnaround times, compliance rates, upcoming expirations).

Vendor and Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the operational point-of-contact for internal departments and external vendors regarding contract administration and performance status.
• Coordinate with program directors, finance, procurement, and grants staff to align contract processes with budget and operational requirements.
• Facilitate pre-award and post-award operational meetings to ensure deliverables and timelines are understood and achievable.

Continuous Improvement

• Research and recommend contract lifecycle management (CLM) and e-signature tools to improve efficiency.
• Participate in professional development and maintain knowledge of best practices in nonprofit legal operations and contracting.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Familiarity with legal terminology, state and federal court filing rules, and basic legal procedure. 

Education And Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, legal studies, public administration, or related field; OR
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in contract management, legal operations, or paralegal/administrative legal support (nonprofit or tribal experience strongly preferred).
• Experience with federal grants, tribal organizations, or complex multi-party agreements is desirable.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: None required. Certification in contract management (e.g., NCMA or IACCM), or paralegal studies preferred, or willingness to obtain within 2 years of hire.

Location:

This position is located in Bethel, Alaska. This position is remote-eligible. Preference may be given to applicants who can work in Bethel, Alaska. (in-person, hybrid, remote)