Contracts Manager

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) supports people who have lost or left their homes. For over 100 years, the unwavering commitment of our leadership, team, network of service providers, and advocates has helped redirect the destiny of countless vulnerable lives. In neighborhoods, in Washington, and around the world, we break down barriers and demand justice for refugees and immigrants as they successfully integrate into new communities. We provide essential social and legal services to rebuild productive lives, turning tragedy into prosperity. We are a purpose driven organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide and supporting their transition to a dignified life. To learn more about our work, please visit our website at www.refugees.org.

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the CFO, the Contracts Manager performs the complete contract life cycle management function (from pre-award to closeout) in support of federal government contracts, balancing business goals with ever evolving humanitarian social and legal requirements. This position demands a combination of strategic and transactional capabilities, complemented with a firm understanding of risk management. The successful candidate will review and analyze all inbound and outbound documents prior to signature approval including NDAs, Teaming Agreements, PO terms and conditions, Contracts, Subcontracts, etc. and advise business leaders on contractual obligations (terms and conditions, scope of services, budget, and payment terms, etc.) as well as brief on any issues or concerns and provide recommended modifications. The CM participates in proposal preparation as an integral member of the team with special emphasis on reviewing contract terms and risks and assisting with the cost and pricing of new proposals. The Contracts Manager will ensure proper acquisition and fulfillment of contracts and subcontracts in accordance with company policies, legal requirements, and customer specifications.

CORE VALUES

• Inclusion – Promote a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive work environment that values the strength in our differences.
• Collaboration – Foster transparency, share information, and work collaboratively (both internally and externally) to forge new relationships that will serve to deliver on USCRI’s commitment to humanitarianism.
• Agility – Agile and innovative in both the tactical and strategical contract management approach so that USCRI can continue to expand its contract portfolio and meet the evolving needs of refugees and immigrants.
• Excellence – Foster a dedicated staff who are empowered to deliver on our promise to provide professional high quality and high value services.

COMPETENCIES

• Technical competency– Thorough knowledge and understanding of the subject matter and all aspects of the contract (e.g., business, and technical specifications, terms of reference, conditions of contracts/subcontracts, remedies etc.) and full understanding of their interdependencies.
• Leadership – Self-motivated, focused, confident, thrives under pressure, calm, decision making, cooperative, politically savvy, personal integrity, diligent, honest, team management.
• Change Management – Organized, efficient, pro-active, can think outside the box, devoted to the success of the project/contract, resourceful, results focused, risk management, problem solving, conflict resolution.
• Interpersonal – Articulate, approachable, persuasive, good verbal, and non-verbal communication, listening skills; emotional intelligence, courteous.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contract Life Cycle Management (CLM): Build the infrastructure that will drive contract compliance; Facilitate the implementation of a Contract Life Cycle Management (CLM) solution; Monitors SAM.gov and other federal platforms, as well as attends industry days to garner insight into future federal solicitations and initiates the planning with respective project teams. Spearhead CLM from pre-award to closeout. Ensure the appropriate standards exist, via written documentation, manual or automated processes; create and launch training programs that educate on key government contracting requirements and standards; create reports/dashboard metrics that evaluate the effectiveness of the contract compliance program as well as metrics that deliver executive summary status. Assist in the budget development for new contracts.
• Planning and Strategy: Establish and support effective business processes and controls to ensure the organization is satisfying its government contracting regulatory and compliance obligations including remediating any identified gaps or implementing corrective action measures. Understand business expectations and requirements and act as a communication channel between the USCRI and the client and partners.
• Program/Project Management Support: Obtain a deep understanding of all program work and think creatively about how to make USCRI’s work come alive, inspiring more individuals and organizations to understand the challenges and importance of helping refugees and other uprooted people to lead dignified lives.
• Client Liaison:

• Foster relationships that are mutually beneficial; creates guidelines for maximizing collaboration and encouraging long-term partnerships with new and existing clients.
• Partner with the client’s program officials, CORs and others for awareness and understanding of current requirements and new business opportunities.
• Facilitate communications between parties, keeps stakeholders informed and works to alleviate any concerns that may impede meaningful collaborative efforts.

• Procurement Analyst:

• Research and analyze procurement/contract matters and lead the development of procurement policies, procedures, guidance, and controls.
• Conduct reviews of a full range of contracts, contracting plans, and contract changes to ensure compliance with the FAR and other federal regulations. Recommending new operating procedures or modifications to existing procedures, rules and/or regulations to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manages the purchase card program establishing an entity-wide SOP and compliance that will alleviate problems and financial discrepancies.

• Team Building/Staff management: Supervise the development staff at headquarters and in field offices; ensure the effective operation of the entire development team; Leads/assists in training about contract best practices and standard operating procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

All the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job duties indicated is not to be an exhaustive statement and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 10 years direct experience with federal government contracting.
• In-depth knowledge of and experience with regulations that govern contracts including FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations) and CAS (Cost Accounting Standards).
• Experience with all contract types including fixed price, T&M, cost reimbursable, hybrids, government-wide acquisition contracts, GSA Schedules, and IDIQs.
• Demonstrated ability to provide contractual regulatory guidance and ensure contract compliance in accordance with terms and conditions of the USCRI contracts portfolio.
• Management experience including extensive experience collaborating and guiding both internal and external cross-functional teams.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships across multiple disciplines.
• Possess excellent analytical skills to research and solve problems and mitigate risks.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to plan effectively, meet all deadlines, and coordinate the involvement of others.
• Ability to maintain high standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism, including dealing with sensitive and proprietary contractual information.
• Proficiency in Office 365, especially SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated support of USCRI’s values by exhibiting respect for others, maintenance of confidential information and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace and a with a dedication to human rights, including of trafficking victims, refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and vulnerable or disenfranchised populations.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Satisfactory completion of USCRI’s Orientation and Training.
• Additional training as identified by supervisor or Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

This position is Mandatory - on-site.

Please submit a resume, cover letter describing your interest and qualifications and writing sample with your online application.

References will be required at the time of the final interview.

No telephone calls please. Position will remain open until filled.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer.