About The Role:

The ideal candidate for this role brings a solid background in contract administration within a focus in U.S. federal compliance and passthrough management.  They are organized with an affinity for itemized tracking and timely follow up to ensure completion of tasks and projects.  This person has a knack for bringing innovative solutions that are rightsized and compliant for funders to the table and takes preventative actions before escalation or disagreement occurs.  They are an advocate for VentureWell’s processes and policies who create clear communication and guidance to the organization through internal publication, written communication, and open discussion.

This is a hybrid role that will require working in-person from our Cambridge office at least three days per week. The Contracts Manager will report directly to the Director, Contracts.

Responsibilities: 

Team Leadership and Staff Development:

• Supervises Contracts Administrator and Contracts Specialist, contracting and participant support daily tasks
  • Identifies resource needs required for successful contracting function
  • Onboards and professionally develops members of team, including formal and informal feedback and training
• Acts as a problem solver, identifying internal inefficiencies and pain points and communicates them to relevant partner teams and partners with relevant teams on problem solving
• Leads training of staff on VentureWell’s procurement and contract policies and procedures
• Partners with Sr. Accountant(s), Accountant(s), Accounting Manager, and Accounts Payable Administrator(s) to develop and deliver solutions to ensure contract fulfillment

Contracts Administration:

• Maintains purchasing module within VentureWell’s financial system; creating, maintaining, and reconciling purchasing commitments
• Maintains programmatic timekeeping system(s) for contractors; partnering with Accountant(s) for reconciliation of programmatic expenses, and necessary reporting for bill payment and ad hoc requests
• Processes and reviews agreements, delivery orders, and other contractual vehicles for review and execution
• Serves as back up for Contracts Administrator and Contracts Specialist
• Operationalizes contracting system improvements on a proactive and reactive basis; development, contribution to, and project management of systems improvements.
• Creates and manages contracting language and template library
• Supports negotiation of VentureWell contracting efforts with external partners, consultants, and consortium members
• Develops and maintains agreement document templates for contracting paid for by organizational, foundational, federal, and routine funding

What You Bring:

• Business degree; strongly preferred but not required
• Proven knowledge of award-based contract administration and its implications on financial management
• Intermediate federal contracting and compliance knowledge, including Uniform Guidance and FAR
• Exceptional knowledge of procurement policy, process and best practices
• Working knowledge of navigating ERP and CRM systems
• Ability to understand and adapt to new technologies and tools as needed
• Ability to create system improvements while systems are “in motion”
• Ability to act as a liaison between multiple VentureWell departments
• Demonstrated excellence in all forms of internal communication
• Ability to influence others to achieve outcomes
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Across the Board, VentureWell Staff:

• Are able to succeed and thrive in an environment with competing and changing priorities and tight deadlines
• Have track records of and ability to build solid collaborative working relationships, and are proven team players who enjoy a “customer service” orientation to collaboration
• Are committed to embedding equity in our internal practices and culture and in our programs in order to live and achieve our mission
• Bring openness and engagement to personal, professional, and organization-wide learning on race, class, gender, justice, and equity
• Are curious and committed to issues of environmental sustainability
• Are self-starters with excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work 
• Are active learners who independently learn new tools and work processes quickly
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills

Our Benefits:

• An attractive and equitable compensation package, including: 
  • Salary range of $95,000-$110,000 commensurate with experience and internal equity
  • 403(b) plan with 200% match up to a maximum contribution from VentureWell of 10% when the employee puts it 5% (eligible after one year of service for the match)
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • $1,000 home office stipend upon hire
• A true focus on work-life balance with work weeks that reflect that
  • It’s our aim for our employees in this position to not work more than a 35-40 hour workweek 
  • 20 paid vacation days PLUS the week off between Christmas and New Years
  • 12 paid wellness days 

What We Offer:

• A culture where people work intentionally and collaboratively in pursuit of our mission  
• Values we believe in
• A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

Apply Now