Sr. Contracts Negotiator

Job Details

Description

About WestEd

As a community of over 1,000 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and life experiences, we are committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in the areas of education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact — asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs.  

Furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion is core to who we are and how we work. We are committed to working with our clients to illuminate and address disparities, value and elevate diverse voices, and ensure equitable access to our resources and services. Please review WestEd’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  Come and join us!

SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE WORK LOCATION OF THIS POSITION—Although WestEd provides the option of working at one of its facilities for employees, many roles allow employees to choose to work remotely for their own convenience.  The decision to allow remote work at the employee's convenience is based on the requirements of the position or project in question.

Department Profile:

The Contracts & Grants Department negotiates and monitors WestEd's agreements with numerous funding and partner agencies, including various federal government entities, multiple state government entities, local education agencies, non-profits, and private organizations. In addition, the Contracts & Grants Department plays a major role in WestEd’s proposal processes, and handles the certifications, insurance, regulatory and various compliance requirements for WestEd.  With yearly revenue in excess of $170M, and more than 500 different funders and clients nationally, the team of 8 staff provides mission critical services vital to day-to-day business operations. The Contracts Department collaborates closely with multiple infrastructure and program departments to support WestEd’s mission.

The Opportunity:

The Sr. Contracts Negotiator position requires specialized knowledge and experience in negotiating research, development, and service related contracts, grants, and sub-agreements; recognizing contractual and legal issues and recommending solutions to those issues. The successful candidate must have extensive experience with reviewing, redlining, and negotiating contracts and grants. Experience working with federal and public agencies and with FAR, EDGAR, OMB contracting processes and principles is advantageous, but not required. The candidate must be a team player, while supporting the work of the Director of Contracts & Grants, and work directly with numerous Program Directors, and various internal departments to efficiently support and execute WestEd’s overall contracting and business process from proposal through closeout. This position may be eligible for remote or hybrid work arrangements, but must be able to travel to attend meetings or training when requested.

Core Focus Areas:

• Independently review, redline, and negotiate various agreement types (funder contracts, grants, subcontracts, non-disclosure/confidentiality agreements, teaming agreements, etc.). This includes highlighting non-standard terms, identifying issues of risk and concern, consulting with relevant staff in other departments and the project team, drafting and suggesting alternate language, and serving as a point person for negotiating agreements externally on behalf of WestEd.
• Miscellaneous research projects as requested by Director of Contracts. Provide professional-level support to the Director of Contracts & Grants by taking an active role in researching regulatory and compliance issues applicable to WestEd projects, and advising best practice for WestEd.
• Provide guidance and support to staff related to contractual matters in various federal, state, and local proposal efforts.  This includes reviewing terms, suggesting alternate language, preparing or reviewing certifications & various forms, and informing internal department and program staff of potential issues.
• Serve as a representative of the Contracts & Grants Department and advise and train internal staff on contract/procurement issues, policy, contractual liability, negotiation, compliance, and other contract/subcontract matters. Attend internal project review meetings surfacing key contractual matters for the project team and other internal colleagues.
• Escalate issues of concern to appropriate leaders and identify implications for scope, timeline, quality, or budgets to program leaders.
• Liaise with WestEd's General Counsel / Legal Department to maintain WestEd contracting templates and uphold WestEd risk management standards.

What We’re Looking For:

• 8+ years of experience in contract drafting, execution, negotiating terms & conditions, and general contracts administration procedures
• J.D. or Contracts Management Certification strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work one-on-one with key influencers or decision makers to effectively surface issues and facilitate working out compromises when needed to further the successful completion of a project or program.
• Highly organized, able to prioritize multiple assignments to meet deadlines.
• Proficient in time management, decision making, and human relationships.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Experience utilizing and navigating contracts management databases; familiarity with Salesforce platform.

*Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The full salary range for this position, WestEd level H, is $86,000 to $149,000 but WestEd does not typically hire at or near the top of the salary range. The typical hiring range for this role is $99,360 to $124,200. The actual offer takes into account multiple factors including but not limited to education; experience; internal equity, and other organizational needs. 

 In addition to the base salary, benefits include:

 · 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment 

 · Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts 

 · All health/welfare benefits are effective first of the month following hire date 

· PTO: 3 weeks vacation (increases to 4 weeks beginning the 4th year of employment), paid holidays, and 12 days paid sick leave per year 

· Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary 

· Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives

 · Professional development opportunities & mentorship program 

 For more detail about our benefits, go to:

 https://www.wested.org/work-at-wested/benefits/

 Committed to the diversity of race, ethnicities, perspectives, and opportunities, WestEd offers a variety of social and professional learning communities, such as Employee Resource groups, the Data Intelligence, Insights, and Innovation PLC, and the WestEd Parent Community, just to name a few.  We hope you’ll consider joining us to build better schools, communities, learning pathways, and more! #LI-Remote #LI-Hybrid 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)