Legal - Contracts Specialist

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

Job summary

Golden 1 Credit Union is seeking a Contracts Specialist to independently review and draft complex vendor contracts, ensuring alignment with applicable laws and internal standards.

The role partners with Legal, Compliance, ERM, and Information Security to manage contract risk, privacy, and regulatory compliance, while maintaining governance and data integrity across contract systems.

Qualifications

• Independent review and analysis of contracts across MSAs, SOWs, NDAs and related documents.
• Identify risk exposure, control gaps, and required escalations.
• Educate and partner with stakeholders on contract processes and templates.

Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and draft contractual documents of varying complexity (MSAs, SOWs, Orders, NDAs).
• Interpret terms, identify risks, and escalate issues per guidelines.
• Serve as primary contract resource for vendor engagements with Legal, Compliance, ERM, and Security.

Skills

Contract management

Risk assessment

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business/Finance/Accounting/Legal Studies or related field

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.

QUALIFICIATIONS 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.

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.