Legal - Contracts Specialist

Golden 1 Credit Union; Manlove (CA); On-site; USD 103,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Golden 1 Credit Union in California seeks a Contracts Specialist to independently review and draft complex agreements, including MSAs, SOWs, and NDAs, ensuring alignment with laws, regulations, and internal standards. You will collaborate with the Legal team, Compliance, and Risk Management to identify risk, manage escalations, and support contract governance across the enterprise.

This exempt, full-time role offers a competitive compensation package and the opportunity to shape vendor

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, Finance, Accounting, Legal Studies, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in contract management, legal operations, procurement, or as a corporate paralegal.
• Experience in financial services or other highly regulated industries is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and draft contracts including MSAs, SOWs, order forms, and NDAs.
• Identify risk exposure, control gaps, and required escalations.
• Serve as primary contract resource for vendor engagements with legal and risk teams.
• Develop and standardize contract clauses related to risk, security, and compliance.
• Maintain contract data integrity and governance in contract management systems.

Job description

Job Title: Contracts Specialist
Status: Exempt
Reports to: Associate General Counsel
Department: Legal
Job Code: 11584
Pay Range: $103,100.00 - $107,000.00 Annually

WHO WE ARE

Golden 1 Credit Union is among the top credit unions in the country. As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, Golden 1 is guided by the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” We are committed to empowering our members and uplifting our communities as we create a more equitable and financially inclusive California. We welcome all who embrace our Core Values.

WHO YOU ARE

You independently review and analyze third party and vendor contracts of varying complexity to ensure alignment with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and internal contracting standards, escalating issues as appropriate based on established guidelines and risk thresholds. You are a knowledgeable contracts and risk resource who applies sound judgment to identify contractual risks and collaborates with Legal, Enterprise Risk Management, Information Security, and other stakeholders to support appropriate review, mitigation, and resolution of contract issues. You partner across the organization to support effective contract management practices by applying standard contract requirements, educating stakeholders on contract processes, and contributing to the ongoing effectiveness of Golden 1’s vendor management and third party risk programs.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Independently review, analyze, and draft contractual documents of varying complexity, including but not limited to Master Services Agreements (MSAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), Order Forms, and Non Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). Interpret and assess terms and conditions of routine and non routine agreements, identifying risk exposure, control gaps, and required escalations.
• Serve as the primary contract resource for vendor engagements, partnering closely with Credit Union attorneys, Compliance specialists, Enterprise Risk Management, and subject matter experts to ensure contract terms align with legal, regulatory, policy, and risk tolerance requirements.
• Influence contract structuring and language strategy by assisting in the development, refinement, and standardization of contract clauses and templates—particularly those related to risk, privacy, security, business continuity, and regulatory compliance.
• Administer the end to end contract review process for higher risk and complex matters, acting as the central point of coordination among internal and external parties and ensuring timely, compliant review by all required stakeholders (e.g., Legal, Compliance, Information Security, Enterprise Risk Management).
• Support contract data integrity and governance within contract management systems, ensuring accurate risk classification, audit readiness, and traceability—particularly for contracts subject to enhanced scrutiny or regulatory review.
• Develop and maintain strong, trusted advisory relationships with key stakeholders across business units and corporate functions.
• Maintain working knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and regulations impacting credit unions, vendor contracting, privacy, information security and compliance, as appropriate to higher risk contract matters.
• Monitor and apply emerging trends and best practices in third party risk, vendor contracting, and contract management, translating insights into practical improvements for Golden 1—particularly for complex vendor relationships.
• Champion enterprise awareness of the contract review and vendor management programs, with particular emphasis on educating stakeholders about risk based contract requirements, escalation thresholds, and expectations for higher risk engagements.
• Perform other duties as required to support the Legal Department and the Credit Union.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PREFERENCES

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, Finance, Accounting, Legal Studies, or a related field required
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in contract management, legal operations, procurement, or as a corporate paralegal, with demonstrated experience handling complex, higher risk vendor contracts required
• Experience in financial services or other highly regulated industries is strongly preferred

WHY JOIN US

Golden 1 Credit Union provides its employees a market-competitive and internally equitable total rewards compensation package through a variety of programs. These programs are designed to attract, motivate, and retain employees that drive and support the achievement of Our Mission, Vision, and Strategic Goals. The Credit Union is committed a total rewards philosophy built on; a comprehensive compensation package, well-being and work-life balance, career development and growth, rewards and recognition, and a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is recognized, valued, and motivated to contribute their best.

Please view the full job description detailing the complete list of duties and expectations for this role by copying this URL into your browser: https://golden1.jdxpert.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=2&id=2259

DISCLAIMER/INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification. Because the nature of positions and job functions can change over time, this job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all essential functions, duties, responsibilities and qualifications requirements of team members assigned to this job. Job duties may be changed or modified in the Credit Union’s discretion. The Credit Union will keep team members updated on key functions, duties, and requirements of their position by communications from the Credit Union and by updating the job description from time to time. Any team member with questions about the nature of their job duties is encouraged to consult with their supervisor.