Associate Director, Contracting

Open Society Foundations; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; MXN 2,259,000 - 3,389,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental plans

Pension plan

Professional development allowance

Parental leave

Job summary

Open Society Foundations in Washington, DC, with a regional footprint in Mexico City, seeks an Associate Director, Contracting. The role leads a contracting team, drives end-to-end processes, and ensures compliant, value-driven procurement across global programs.

The ideal candidate has a deep background in nonprofit contracting, strong leadership, and experience with Coupa and ERP systems like Workday and NetSuite.

Qualifications

• Degree-level education; advanced degree preferred (MBA, JD, or LLM).
• Experience leading contracting teams in complex international nonprofits.
• Knowledge of nonprofit contracting, governance, and compliance.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end contracting services, ensuring compliant, value-focused processes.
• Develop and implement contracting policies, controls, and governance frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with laws and organizational policies, including sanctions checks.
• Provide coaching and develop a high-performing, diverse team.

Skills

Contracting leadership

Compliance

Team management

Risk management

Data reporting

Education

MBA/JD/LLM desirable

Tools

Coupa

Power-BI

Workday Adaptive Insights

Salesforce

NetSuite

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

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.

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.