Contracts Lead (55071)

OFFICE LOCATION Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA #Li-hybrid WHO WE ARE The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor. One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people." WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER As the Contracts Lead, you will coordinate and communicate with stakeholders to expand our contracting processes and serve as the MN, ND, SD Chapter's lead contract (including procurement and purchasing) point of contact. You will also partner with colleagues, beyond our chapter, to chart a course for contract capabilities across the Great Plans Division (GPD). You will work as part of a team across the chapter, division, and region to ensure TNC contracts are complete and in alignment with organizational expectations. In this role, you will be managing the contract processes while growing its capacity for the Chapter. The Contract Lead will maintain deadlines on deliverables and communicate with internal and external partners about contractual timelines and issues. You will review contractual performance to ensure compliance with terms and to identify conflicts or changes requiring resolution. Examples of responsibilities include, but not limited to: * Serve as our chapter's lead agreements expert - research, communicate and activate our policies and procedures including contracting using government fund as well as serve as a guide and first person of contact for staff who inquire about contracts. * Document and analyze and/or revise our end-to-end contract processes including approvals, invoices and payments. * Build strong relationships and partnerships with staff including legal staff to understand and implement contracts that ensure TNC's reputation and finance commitments are protected. * Partner and coordinate with Legal staff, Grant Specialists, and other TNC staff to ensure agreements adhere to compliance and legal guidelines. * Act as a change leader by educating, influencing and coaching project and budget managers on TNC's money-out contracting and grants practices. * Explore and pursue opportunities to expand the chapter's commitment to equity. This may include raising obstacles and influencing procedures in partnership with colleagues across the chapter and TNC. * Partner with staff in the Great Plains Division to elevate and expand contract capabilities. * Mentor, onboard, and coordinate with cross departmental staff who are serving in contract-building roles. * Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems. WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU If you are looking for a job where your exceptional communication, collaboration, and organizational skills will contribute to success, the Contracts Lead role is for ou! This role is NEW for the Chapter and the organization as a whole! Your previous experience building systems, with multiple variables, managing realistic deadlines, and leading through change will be assets in this position. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who enjoy working to build new contract capabilities in a matrixed environment while coaching, advising, and partnering with colleagues. Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. WHAT YOU'LL BRING Bachelor's degree in business, administration or law and 5 years related experience or the equivalent combination with a minimum of 2 years working in a contract management role. A commitment to taking smart risks and finding new ways of working in partnership with colleagues, evolving programs and organizational structures. Proven ability to establish and grow relationships with internal and external partners. Experience working with cross-functional teams on complex projects and programs with tight deadlines. Demonstrated ability to empathetically communicate with multiple stakeholders. Experience building, implementing and communicating scalable operational processes with a strong attention to detail. Experience interpreting, applying and negotiating standard operating procedures to ensure outcomes balance program and compliance goals. Demonstrated ability to negotiate, establish and administer contracts. Experience generating financial reports and analyzing and interpreting data. Demonstrated experience handling confidential information.