Contract Manager (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 Manager, you will be leading our contract management and process while scaling capabilities for the Tri-State Chapter (MN-ND-SD). 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. You will work collaboratively with our Finance team to align the chapter's fiscal practices (budgeting, invoices and payments). You will have familiarity working in a matrixed environment indirectly or directly supervising and guiding employees who are serving as their program's contract point of contact. You will coordinate and communicate with stakeholders for program success and will serve as the 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 scalability across the Great Plans Division (GPD). In this role, you will maintain, track, and report on key data related to contracts. You will also provide guidance in satisfying requirements that are in alignment with TNC's policies and procedures e.g. SOPs. This role will also be accountable for ensuring appropriate documentation, recommendations for improvement, training and/or coaching and enhancing the processes and procedures. The Contract Manager will maintain deadlines on deliverables and communicate on an ongoing basis with partners and internal clients about contractual timelines and issues. This person 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: * 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 procedure in partnership with colleagues across the chapter and TNC. * Document and analyze and/or revise our end-to-end contract processes including approvals, invoices and payments. * Partner with staff in the Great Plains Division to elevate and expand contract capabilities. * Build strong relationships and partnerships with staff. Motivate and encourage improvement. * Serve as our chapter's lead agreements expert - research, communicate and activate our policies and procedures including contracting using government funds. * Partner closely with Legal staff to understand and implement contracts that ensure TNC's reputation and finance commitments are protected. * Serve as a guide and first person of contact for staff who inquire about contracts. * Partner and coordinate with Legal staff, Grant Specialists, and other TNC staff to ensure agreements adhere to compliance and legal guidelines. * 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 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. As our Contracts Manager, you should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills. You also feel comfortable completing activities with multiple variables, following realistic deadlines, and managing an expected timeline while considering areas for process improvement and effectiveness. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team! WHAT YOU'LL BRING * Bachelor's degree in business, administration or law and 5 years related experience or equivalent combination with a minimum of 2 years working in a contract management role. * Proven ability to establish and grow relationships with internal and external partnerships. * Experience working with cross-functional teams on complex projects and programs with tight deadlines. * Demonstrated ability to empathetically communicate with multiple stakeholders. * A commitment to taking smart risks and finding new ways of working in partnership with colleagues, evolving programs and organizational structures. * 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. WHAT WE BRING Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers. We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ. ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION TNC also fosters an environment supportive of empowering our employees, amplifying an equitable workforce, and creating opportunities to participate in our nine Employee Resource Groups. In alignment with the global organization, the Tri-State chapter is making an intentional effort to creating a community of inclusivity and belonging through collaboration and feedback. We're committed to building a culture based on trust, transparency, empathy, and accountability. We value individuality and difference of backgrounds and ideas, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Based in Minneapolis, our office overlooks the Mississippi River, is across from Gold Medal Park, and within short distance to bike and pedestrian paths/tr