Director of Contracts Administration

About Us

The Coleridge Initiative is a pioneering organization focused on enhancing the use of data to inform public decision making. We collaborate with government agencies, academic institutions, and nonprofit entities to transform the way data is utilized for social good.

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The Strategic Operations unit at Coleridge plays a central role in ensuring that the organization runs smoothly and achieves its long-term goals. The Strategic Operations unit acts as the hub of organizational planning and coordination. The team incorporates diverse functions including contracts, grants, communications, human resources, and strategic support for the President and CEO to ensure that all parts of the company are working together towards common goals.

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Position Summary

The Director of Contracts Administration leads and executes on all aspects of the company’s contract management function, with emphasis on state and federal contracts and multi-agency data sharing agreements, ensuring that all contracts and data sharing agreements are executed in accordance with federal requirements, company policies, and industry best practices.

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Success in this position requires a deep understanding of federal regulations and compliance, the ability to effectively mediate negotiations for contracts/agreements that adapt to individual state law or policies, the ability to manage a team, and the ability to collaborate effectively with legal counsel.

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Essential Job Functions

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Contract Management:

• Strategically and operationally manage the drafting, negotiation, execution, and administration of contracts with state and federal government agencies, vendors, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure all federal contract activities comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Code of Federal Regulations (200 CFR), and other relevant federal regulations.
• Provide expertise on federal contract requirements, including acquisition and procurement processes.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms and manage any issues or disputes that arise.
• Collaborate with legal teams to review and amend contract language, updating agreement templates and creating new templates, as necessary.
• Collaborate with additional cross-functional teams to ensure contract amendments, such as scopes of work, are well-constructed to achieve overall project objectives.
• Enhance and maintain a contract lifecycle management (CLM) system to track and report on contract performance and proactively manage contract renewals.

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Data Sharing Agreements:

• Develop, review, and manage data sharing agreements to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and company policies.
• Ensure that data sharing practices are secure, compliant with applicable laws (e.g., GDPR, FERPA, HIPAA), and aligned with contractual obligations.
• Collaborate with legal teams to review and amend DSA language as necessary.

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Contract Strategy and Improvement:

• Develop and implement contract management strategies and best practices to optimize operational flows and mitigate risks.
• Monitor and evaluate contract performance, making recommendations for improvements and adjustments as needed.

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Stakeholder Communication:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding contract matters and data sharing agreements.
• Communicate effectively with senior management, legal teams, public agencies and partner organizations to address contract-related issues and ensure alignment with company goals.

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Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop others to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Manage the relationship with Coleridge’s legal council related to contracts and oversee the pipeline of activity.
• Set clear objectives and performance expectations for team members.
• Contribute to Coleridge’s overall operational excellence by fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment.

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Qualifications 

• A strong interest in Coleridge’s mission to enhance the use of data to inform public decision making.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, or a related field (advanced degree or professional certification preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in contract management and administration, with acquired expertise in federal contracts and multi-agency data sharing agreements.
• Previous employment within a federal agency and experience as a Federal Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer's Representative strongly preferred.
• Proven experience managing teams, working closely with legal counsel, and participating actively in day-to-day operations.
• Applied knowledge of contracts compliance in areas of federal regulations, including FAR, as well as data protection laws and regulations.
• Technical proficiency leveraging contract management software to gain efficiencies in workflows.
• Strong negotiation, drafting, project management, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and ability to manage interactions to provide service and to support the organization, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders (i.e., relationship management skills).

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Application requires resume, cover letter describing how interests, experiences align to the requirements of this position, and at least 3 professional references.

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This is a remote-based position (Eastern Time Zone preferred) requiring approximately 5% travel. Work occurs primarily on weekdays, and occasional weekend and evening support may be required. Physical location in or around DC preferred but not required.

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In addition to competitive salaries, the Coleridge Initiative’s total compensation program includes professional development and tuition reimbursement plans; time off with pay plans; retirement plan with company-funded matching contribution; additional pay based on performance commitments; and more.