Contract Specialist

USA The Nature Conservancy; Montana; Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Flexible spending accounts

401(k) plan with match

Parental leave

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee assistance program

Other benefits

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Contract Specialist to serve as the primary contracts resource for the Western US and Canada division, collaborating with contract managers, program managers, finance, grants, and legal staff to develop, review, and administer contracts across assigned areas.

You will ensure compliance with organizational policies, risk management practices, and Delegation of Authority requirements while guiding staff through contracting workflows and templates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations, Finance, Legal Studies, Environmental Policy, Public Administration or related field with 3 years' related experience or equivalent combination.
• TNC Certified Contract Specialist (CCS) certification or ability to obtain certification within established timeframes.
• Experience developing or administering contracts, agreements, amendments, or related business documents.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contracts resource for assigned Pods, Business Units, and Division Priorities. Manage intake, project consultation, due diligence review, agreement development, legal coordination, approval routing, signature management, amendments, and contract closeout activities.
• Monitor agreement status, deliverables, contractual obligations, and compliance requirements; support contract execution and implementation.
• Ensure contract compliance with organizational policies, procedures, Delegation of Authority requirements, and risk management practices.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, Grants, and Operations to support effective contract management; collaborate with Project Managers and Program Managers throughout the lifecycle.
• Provide guidance regarding contract procedures, templates, documentation requirements, approval pathways, and organizational requirements.
• Contribute to process improvements, system enhancements, and cross-functional collaboration to promote consistent contracting practices.

Skills

Contract management

Risk management

Policy compliance

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Contract management systems

Document management systems

Financial systems

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together and What We're Looking for You To Do: The Contract Specialist serves as the primary contracts resource for Western US and Canada Division (Business Units (BUs) and Division Priorities (DPs)). Working with Contract Managers, Program Managers, Project Managers, Finance, Operations, Grants, and Legal staff, the role supports contract development, review, administration, compliance, and implementation of organizational contracting requirements across assigned areas.

Essential Functions

Contract Management & Risk Stewardship

Serve as the primary contracts resource for assigned Pods, Business Units, and Division Priorities. Manage intake, project consultation, due diligence review, agreement development, legal coordination, approval routing, signature management, amendments, and contract closeout activities. Monitor agreement status, deliverables, contractual obligations, and compliance requirements. Support contract execution and implementation activities. Ensure contract compliance with organizational policies, procedures, Delegation of Authority requirements, and risk management practices.

Business Partnership & Contract Consultation

Partner with Legal, Finance, Grants, and Operations to support effective contract management. Partner with Project Managers, Program Managers, Award Managers, and other staff throughout the contract lifecycle. Provide guidance regarding contract procedures, templates, documentation requirements, approval pathways, and organizational requirements.

Division Collaboration & Organizational Effectiveness

Collaborate across the Division contracts structure to ensure coordinated service delivery. Participate in and support the Contracts Community of Practice (CCoP). Promote consistent contracting practices, tools, and procedures across the Division. Contribute to process improvements, system enhancements, organizational initiatives, and change management efforts. Build productive working relationships that promote collaboration, accountability, and effective stewardship of organizational resources.

Responsibilities & Scope

Assigned primary responsibility for one or more Pods within the Division and may provide support across additional Pods based on workload, agreement complexity, staff expertise, cross-training needs, and organizational priorities. Accountable for contract service delivery, compliance, stakeholder support, and operational effectiveness within assigned areas. Exercises judgment within established policies and procedures while identifying and escalating compliance concerns, risks, and operational issues. Provides contract guidance and support throughout the contracting process (influence when needed). Maintains ongoing professional development and related contracting training activities.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations, Finance, Legal Studies, Environmental Policy, Public Administration or related field and 3 years' related experience or equivalent combination.
• TNC Certified Contract Specialist (CCS) certification or ability to obtain certification within established timeframes.
• Experience developing or administering contracts, agreements, amendments, or related business documents.
• Non-profit experience in a similar role/capacity, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply established policies, procedures, and business requirements.
• Experience developing and maintaining productive working relationships with various internal and external stakeholders including state directors, project managers, legal and HR (influence without authority).
• Experience using contract management systems, document management systems, financial systems, or related technology platforms.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and/or multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, mission-driven environment.
• Experience working in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, or geographically dispersed organization.

Salary Information

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $51,600 - 63,410. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.

In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience.

To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people."

What We Bring

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

Benefits and Perks

• health care benefits
• flexible spending accounts
• a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match
• parental leave
• accrued paid time off
• life insurance
• disability coverage
• employee assistance program
• other life and work well-being benefits

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process.

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners. To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.