Contracts Manager

DEPARTMENT: Finance & Administration
REPORTS TO: VP & General Council
STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt
SALARY: $80,000 – $100,000

SUMMARY
Seeking full-time candidates in the greater Chicago, IL area. This is a hybrid position that will require working in our office, located in Chicago, IL, a minimum of two days a week.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
The Contract Manager is responsible for preparing, analyzing, and negotiating business contracts. The work entails coordinating contracts with individual business units and working closely with the General Counsel, Director of Purchasing, and others in reviewing and managing contracts. In collaboration with others, the Contract Manager will perform work that contributes to the development of long and short-term contract management goals and business plans.  

• Craft, evaluate, negotiate, and execute a wide variety of contracts covering a range of transactions that minimize risk and maximize rights for the Aquarium.
• Create and maintain relationships with vendors/contractors and serve as the main point of contact for legal matters concerning contracts.
• Manage contract workflows and maintain records and documentation to established contracts and those in progress within Shedd’s Ironclad contract management system.
• Communicate and present information to management about assigned contract-related matters.
• Monitor existing contract terms and move forward with close-out, extension, or renewal according to the operational goals of the Aquarium.
• Participate in internal legal counseling on a broad range of topics related to contract risks and mitigation and conduct training as needed for the contract management system.
• Solve any contract-related problems that may arise with other parties and internally with the Aquarium itself.
• Respond promptly to staff regarding contract questions.
• Perform other related work as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: 

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or equivalent combination of education and ten years of experience in administration, financial services, and contract management.
• Preference will be given to those with a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and those with experience with Ironclad or similar contract management systems.
• Required Documents: 1) Resume, 2) Cover Letter, 3) References

Experience: 

• Experience in drafting service agreements and memoranda of understanding, editing original vendor agreements, working with subcontractor and independent contractor agreements and nondisclosure agreements
• Experience with e-commerce and technology-related agreements, including intellectual property and data protection addendums
• The necessary knowledge of contract law, contract terms and conditions, and skills developed through 5 – 10 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Proficient in Adobe Pro and Microsoft Office, including Word
• Ability to understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas.
• Ability to understand and employ intermediate-level accounting mathematics.

SPECIAL SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS:

An effective Contract Manager requires numerous skills and qualifications to successfully fulfill the necessary duties and responsibilities of the position. The following skills are necessary for the position. 

• Communication: A Contract Manager must be able to communicate ideas effectively to the organization, to the other parties involved in the contract, and to management to keep everyone apprised of contract-related matters.
• Negotiation: Negotiation is essential for a Contract Manager, as it is their job to get the most benefit to the organization possible out of any contract with the least risk, while maintaining positive relationships with outside partners.
• Confidence: A key aspect of successful contract management is confidence. It takes a strong attitude to successfully negotiate and get contracts to execution, as well as an understanding of when to walk away and when to stand one’s ground.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• Lift up to 15 pounds
• Sit
• Stand
• Stoop
• Walk

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

This person may be exposed to: ​​​​​

• Low noise
• Moderate Noise

BENEFITS WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization. 

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets

Reasonable Accommodations: 

Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org. 

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active-duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.