Associate Director, Contracting

Open Society Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 171,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development allowance

Health insurance

Dental plans

Retirement plan

Parental leave

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Open Society Foundations is seeking an Associate Director, Contracting in Washington, DC. The role oversees the contracting function, ensuring compliant, efficient, and value-driven contract management across internal and external resources.

A strong focus on policy development, governance, and risk mitigation is essential. You will lead a high-performing team, manage contracting operations and data, and partner with stakeholders to promote standardized practices across a complex global

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee end-to-end contracting services with focus on compliance, risk, and value.
• Develop and improve contract management frameworks, policies, and governance.
• Ensure compliance with policies, legal and regulatory requirements including OFAC and related oversight.
• Provide strategic guidance on complex contracts, negotiations, and risk mitigation.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing contracting team with strong performance management.

Job description

Associate Director, Contracting

Washington, D.C.. Posting Date: 10/27/2026. Deadline: 11/10/2026 Role Title: Associate Director, Contracting Contract Type: Regular Workstyle Arrangement: Hybrid Reporting To: Director, Procurement and Contracting Unit Department: Finance Location: Washington, DC; Mexico City, Mexico Team Name: Procurement and Contracting Unit

Role purpose

The Associate Director, Contracting will oversee the entire Contracting team which is comprised of both internal and external resources and is also a strong individual contributor in transaction processing, compliance checks, procurement, learning delivery, and contract system management and reporting.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee end-to-end contracting services, ensuring efficient, compliant, and risk-informed contract management that maximizes value, mitigates risk, and supports organizational objectives.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve contract management frameworks, policies, procedures, templates, controls, and governance practices.
• Ensure compliance with applicable policies, legal and regulatory requirements including but not limited to OFAC regulations and compliance, through effective oversight, reporting, assurance, and risk management.
• Provide strategic advice on complex contractual matters, negotiations, contract performance, and risk mitigation.
• Lead, develop, and manage a high-performing team by providing coaching, performance management, workload oversight, and professional development opportunities.
• Manage contracting operations, systems, workflows, and data to ensure service excellence, operational effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
• Develop reporting, metrics, and insights to support portfolio management, performance evaluation, and data-driven decision-making.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to resolve complex issues, strengthen contract governance, and promote consistent contracting practices across the organization.
• Drive process improvement, standardization, and change initiatives that enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and user experience of contracting services.

The ideal candidate

Educated to a degree-level (or equivalent). Desired, MBA (Master of Business Administration), JD (Juris Doctor), or LLM (Master of Laws). Proven experience leading and developing high-performing contracting teams within complex international matrix organizations, with the ability to attract, engage, mentor, and retain talent while fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous professional growth. Knowledge of contracting activities within nonprofit organizations, private foundations, and/or 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, with an understanding of their unique legal, governance, and compliance requirements. Demonstrated critical thinking, sound judgment, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues, assess risk, balance competing priorities, and develop practical, solutions-oriented recommendations that support organizational objectives. Knowledge of Coupa, Power-Bi, Workday Adaptive Insights, Salesforce, NetSuite, and other OSF (Open Society Foundation) systems experience preferred. Effective communication (written, verbal, and listening), interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to show discretion and handle confidential issues. Strong ability to build and maintain relationships across diverse cultures, backgrounds, and functions, fostering strategic partnerships, and alignment with organizational objectives within a complex global organization. Commitment to supporting the Open Society Foundation’s mission and principles and demonstrates commitment to OSF’s core values of humility, commitment, collaboration, respect, inclusivity, and integrity. Commitment to continuous learning and growth including the areas of inclusion, antiracism, and social justice.

Travel

Travel is required. Travel frequency depends on the role requirements.

Language

An excellent knowledge of English Knowledge of other languages would be an asset

What we offer

• Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
• Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including: Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.
• Employer-paid health insurance *and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
• Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
• Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
• A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.

The salary range for this role in the US: $171,400 - $ 190,450. The final offer is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set and level of experience.

Description of the organization

Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems. Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take. Competitive rates of pay apply. Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.

About Us

Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems. This is work worth doing. Driven by Purpose Guided by our founder's values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.