Senior Manager, Contracts

NSTXL (National Security Technology Accelerator); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid Time Off

Flexible & remote work structure

Wellness reimbursement

Professional development allowance

Job summary

Innovas is seeking a Senior Contracts Manager to oversee an OT-based project portfolio focused on prototype tech for defense applications. You will lead a team, ensure compliance, and coordinate with senior leadership, program managers, and finance to mitigate risk and meet obligations.

The role requires extensive government contracting knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and a proactive approach to contract lifecycle management in a hybrid DC area environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Law or related field.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• 7+ years of Government contracting experience.
• 3+ years supervisory or team management experience.
• Direct experience managing a government-centric contracting portfolio and DoW acquisition policy related to R&D efforts and/or alternative contracting methods.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serves as agreement subject matter expert on OT-based projects and acts as the primary liaison across the portfolio.
• Holds signature authority and reviews/executes actions up to delegated threshold.
• Reviews and approves agreements for compliance with policies and regulations.
• Monitors risk and ensures timely contract action and performance.
• Prepares high-quality documentation and presentations supporting contract actions.
• Ensures contract records and documentation meet regulatory requirements.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Leadership

Risk assessment

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Microsoft Office

FAR/DFARS knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Active TS/SCI clearance

Tools

Contract management systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About Innovas

At Innovas, we are transforming the way government innovates by delivering the mechanisms that turn ideas into action. We bring together the right people, processes, and technologies to accelerate progress where it matters most.

About Innovas

At Innovas, we are transforming the way government innovates by delivering the mechanisms that turn ideas into action. We bring together the right people, processes, and technologies to accelerate progress where it matters most.

With a focus on impact over bureaucracy, collaboration over silos, and solutions over status quo, we we're built to act. Our team is made up of passionate problem‑solvers, innovators, and experts who thrive on tackling meaningful challenges and delivering results. At Innovas, every role contributes to something bigger. Whether you’re supporting technology acquisition, improving processes, or enabling collaboration across organizations, your work helps move critical missions forward.

Join Innovas and help shape the future of government innovation.

Why Work At Innovas

Work on problems that matter.

At Innovas, your work directly supports innovation that shapes our nation’s future and delivers solutions with real-world impact.

Be part of something built differently.

Our teams are empowered to focus on solving problems, creating value, and exceeding expectations.

Bring ideas to life.

Work alongside passionate problem‑solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges and turning possibilities into progress.

Grow alongside a team of experts.

Our people bring diverse experiences from government, military, industry, technology, and entrepreneurship.

In this position, the hired individual will be part of a team supporting NSTXL activities.

Work Location:

Hybrid DC Metro Area

Clearance Required:

Active TS/SCI

Employment Type:

Full-Time (Contingent)

Job Description

The Senior Contracts Manager manages and oversees an assigned team and portfolio of OT (Other Transaction)–based projects focused on prototyping emerging technologies for defense applications. Reporting to the Director, Contracts, the Senior Manager is responsible for oversight, management, and support of assigned team members, including appropriate delegation of tasks, assignments, and review and approval of agreement documentation and related memoranda to ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and statutes.

The Senior Manager works closely with senior leadership, program managers, marketing, and finance to mitigate risk and ensure that all agreement obligations are met. The role requires a strong contracting skillset combined with customer service and problem-solving capabilities. The individual must have extensive knowledge of Government contracting requirements, processes, and associated documentation, along with a strong understanding of the contract lifecycle, contract types, and applicable regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Contract Management and Execution

• Serves as agreement subject matter expert on OTs and acts as the primary liaison between the organization and performers and/or customers across the assigned portfolio throughout the project lifecycle.
• Holds signature authority and is responsible for reviewing, executing, and approving assigned actions up to their delegated approval threshold.
• Reviews and approves agreements to ensure compliance with Company policies, legal requirements, and federal contracting regulations and statutes.
• Reviews agreement terms to identify potential risks and monitors performance to ensure compliance within contractual and regulatory frameworks.
• Examines supporting materials and agreement documentation, conducts research, and provides authoritative guidance.
• Prepares high-quality documentation, correspondence, and presentations in support of contract actions.
• Ensures contract execution is timely, compliant, and aligned with both customer expectations and organizational objectives.

Negotiation and Risk Management

• Leads and manages complex contract negotiations, effectively communicating and advocating for the interests of the organization while achieving balanced outcomes.
• Provides guidance, strategy, and support to team members during negotiations with performers and customers.
• Provides troubleshooting and well-supported recommendations to resolve contractual or performance issues and monitors implementation of resolutions.
• Applies sound judgment in evaluating risk and advising on appropriate courses of action in dynamic contracting environments.

Team Leadership and Oversight

• Provides oversight, management, and support to assigned team members, including delegation of tasks, assignments, and review/approval of agreement documentation.
• Provides training, mentorship, and guidance to team members to support development and performance.
• Drives team accountability, consistency in execution, and adherence to contracting standards and processes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Engages, informs, and collaborates with internal stakeholders to tailor strategies and services in support of customer missions.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with government customers, performers, and internal teams.
• Provides relevant training to internal and external stakeholders as needed.
• Ensures alignment across stakeholders to support successful program and contract outcomes.

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensures the team maintains accurate, thorough, and complete contract records in compliance with contractual, reporting, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications Expected For Position

Required Education/Clearance

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Law or related field.
• Active TS/SCI clearance

Required Experience And Abilities

• 7+ years of Government or Department of War (DoW) contracting experience
• 3+ years of supervisory or team management experience
• Direct experience managing a government‑centric contracting portfolio and DoW acquisition policy related to R&D efforts and/or alternative contracting methods
• Ability to analyze risk, make sound business judgments, and develop effective strategies
• Demonstrated expertise in contract‑related communications and research
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Deep understanding and practical experience with FAR, DFARS, and other relevant regulations and instructions
• Experience managing contracts and projects from inception to completion
• Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders
• Direct experience negotiating terms and resolving conflicts
• Strong ability to ensure compliance with terms and conditions and protect sensitive information
• Ability to manage multiple deadline‑driven tasks and projects simultaneously
• Ability to adapt to changing regulations, policies, and project requirements
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in contract documentation and management
• High level of emotional intelligence and ability to analyze complex situations and develop effective solutions
• Strong proficiency with contract management systems and Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Direct experience with Other Transaction agreements (10 U.S. Code 4021 & 4022)
• Previous experience as Contracting Officer or Agreements Officer
• Certification from National Contracting Management Association (or equivalent)
• Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level III in Contracting (or equivalent)
• Previous experience briefing or presenting strategies to senior leadership and/or executive‑level management

Location:

• DC Metro Area, MD, VA - this is a hybrid position that will require the ability to commute to ad hoc meetings.

Travel

• Travel for this position is estimated up to ≤10%

Salary Range

$140,000 - $175,000

Equal Opportunity Employer

Innovas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

What We Offer

We strive to be one of the best places to work in America. We offer competitive salaries and benefits that include:

• Health Insurance: Medical and dental – company pays 90% of premiums for individual coverage and for family coverage
• Vision Insurance: Fully covered
• Retirement Plans: 401(k) with employer match up to 4%
• Paid Time Off: Paid sick and safe leave, 10 federal holidays, floating holiday + your birthday, and generous vacation
• Other:
  • Basic Life & AD&D policy company paid
  • Voluntary Life
  • Flexible & remote work structure
  • Wellness reimbursement plan & mental health support
  • Community sponsorships
  • Donation matching
  • Professional development allowance

If you need any accommodation for the interview process, please let us know when we contact you. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a standard background check.

The Pay Range For This Role Is

140,000 - 175,000 USD per year(DC Metro Area)