Contracts and Governance Paralegal

American Farm Bureau Federation; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

American Farm Bureau Federation invites a paralegal to lead contract intake, review, and approval for the Office of General Counsel. You will support corporate governance, board materials, and filings while managing contract records and using AI tools where appropriate.

This role requires at least three years of paralegal experience, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Telework eligibility is noted; travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) years of paralegal experience in a law firm or corporate legal department.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage a high-volume workload.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process-improvement skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and discretion with confidential matters.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of an efficient contract intake, review, and approval process.
• Manage processing of contracts from intake through execution.
• Review, edit, and approve routine contracts following guidelines; route complex contracts to OGC attorneys.
• Maintain the contract repository and tracking records; inform staff of status.
• Prepare materials for board meetings and maintain board portal documents.
• Coordinate board meeting registrations, credentials, and travel; manage filings with outside counsel and Accounting.
• Administer the department’s document management system and board software.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Written and verbal communication

Discretion/confidentiality

Under pressure / deadline driven

Microsoft Office

Education

Paralegal studies degree or certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

AI tools for legal review

PACER

Board management software

Contract management software

Job description

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

Lead the organization’s contract review and approval process and support the corporate governance and legal administration functions of the Office of General Counsel for AFBF and its affiliated companies.

REPORTS TO:

Governance Administrator

LOCATION:

Washington, DC; eligible for telework under AFBF Policy

PAY RANGE:

an hourly equivalent of $75,000 - $90,000 annually

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

Contract Management

• Lead the design and implementation of an efficient contract intake, review, and approval process, including intake procedures, review tiers, templates, playbooks, and contract management technology.
• Manage processing of contracts from intake through execution.
• Review, edit, and approve routine contracts in accordance with guidelines approved by the General Counsel, including through the use of approved AI tools; route complex or higher-risk contracts to the appropriate OGC attorney.
• Maintain the contract repository and tracking records, including key dates and renewals, and keep OGC attorneys and program staff informed of contract status.

Corporate Governance

• Prepare materials for meetings of the board of directors of and board committees of AFBF and affiliate companies, including meeting notices, agendas, and first drafts of minutes; maintain board portal documents, distribution lists, and committee rosters.
• Support the AFBF Annual Meeting of Voting Delegates, including delegate registration, credentials desk, and delegate meeting materials.
• Coordinate board meeting registration and hotel accommodations with Office Operations and board and delegate payments and expense reimbursements with Accounting.
• Maintain permanent corporate records of the voting delegates, board of directors, and board committees.
• Prepare annual corporate filings and state charitable solicitation registrations, coordinating with outside counsel and Accounting.

Department Operations

• Administer the department’s document management system and board management software.
• Support legal department communications, publications, presentations, meetings, and conferences, including reports on the legal advocacy program and related expenses.
• Conduct legal and other research as needed and maintain the legal case room.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Build collaborative relationships with OGC and other AFBF staff, officers and directors, farmer volunteer leaders, and state Farm Bureau staff.

EDUCATION OR TRAINING:

• Paralegal Studies degree or certification preferred

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Minimum three (3) years of paralegal experience in a law firm or corporate legal department, including contract review and processing
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage a high-volume workload
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process-improvement skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and a collaborative approach
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and discretion with confidential matters
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Responsibility for contract management processes
• Experience using AI tools for legal document review or drafting
• Familiarity with corporate governance and nonprofit organizations
• Proficiency with legal research tools, PACER, and document and board management software

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Travel as needed.