The Business Partner, Contracts Solutions is a member of a team of attorneys and contracts professionals responsible for managing and overseeing the foundation’s contracts work. Responsible for working directly with foundation operations and program teams to draft and negotiate their contracts, to help them develop good contracting practices, and to educate and advise them on the risks inherent in their contracts as well as strategies to mitigate those risks. Also responsible for working with colleagues in Grants & Contract Services (GCS), Legal and across the foundation to optimize systems, templates and processes related to contracts.
- Drafting and negotiating contracts (and amendments) with an emphasis on consistency, clarity and compliance with applicable laws, policies, processes and best practices
- Managing a portfolio of internal clients, including establishing good working relationships, understanding their objectives, and completing their contracts in a smooth and efficient manner
- Gaining a thorough and practical knowledge of foundation policies, processes and best practices related to contracts
- Providing contract-related training to colleagues and clients
- Acting as a subject matter expert or escalation point for contracts questions within the GCS team
- Contributing to projects and other continuous improvement efforts
We believe that energized people, working well together, fueled by great leadership in an inclusive environment in which they thrive, will do phenomenal things.
Core Knowledge and Skills
- Understanding of legal terms and conditions and how they apply to a set of facts or circumstances
- Translating client objectives into clear and concise statements of work and business terms
- Spotting and analyzing issues and using creative problem solving to find practical solutions
- Explaining legal concepts to clients with minimal contracts experience
- Ability to master and contribute to foundation policies, processes, systems and best practices
- Being a strong advocate for the interests of the foundation – both internally and in negotiations with third parties – and excelling at negotiating business and legal terms
- Understanding the norms and perspectives of other organizations and industries
- Developing good working relationships based on trust, transparency and collective success
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across the foundation; knowing when and how to engage with other stakeholders and decision-makers
- Leading or facilitating discussions between multiple parties within and outside the foundation
- Ability to thrive in a fast-past, ever changing work environment
Education and Experience
- Paralegal or contracts management experience preferred, but not required
- Experience with technologies and processes for contract automation, strategic sourcing, vendor management, procurement, and risk management a plus.