Sr. Paralegal - Contracts

Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA); New Castle (DE); On-site; USD 71,800 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA) is seeking a Sr. Paralegal - Contracts to support its in-house Legal Counsel in various legal and compliance matters. This role involves managing the contract lifecycle and providing high-quality legal support across the organization.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, paralegal certification, and at least five years of related experience. Proficiency in legal research and contract management is essential. A valid driver's license and current Notary Commission in NJ and DE are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in paralegal work.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Experience in real estate or contract law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage contract intake and lifecycle execution.
• Conduct legal research and prepare reports.
• Maintain accurate records and provide support to internal customers.

Skills

Legal research and writing

Contract lifecycle management

Interpersonal communication

Attention to detail

Office 365 proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Paralegal certification

Job description

Sr. Paralegal - Contracts

Location: New Castle, DE

Salary: $71,800 - $88,000 (Commensurate with Experience and Skills) (Grade 107)

Opening Date: April 14, 2026 Closing Date: Until Filled

POSITION SUMMARY

The Sr. Paralegal - Contracts position supports the Delaware River and Bay Authority's (Authority) in‑house Legal Counsel/Chief Ethics Officer in a variety of legal and compliance matters arising as part of the Authority's business management and operations. This role functions as the primary point of contact for contract intake, workflow management, contract lifecycle execution and day‑to‑day administration of Authority's CLM platform. This individual partners closely with counsel and works with all other Authority departments to ensure contracts are processed efficiently, consistently and in compliance with Authority policies. This role requires strong paralegal judgment, hands‑on CLM expertise and the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced cross‑functional environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a trusted partner to in‑house Legal Counsel, supporting legal operations and workflows
• Serve as first‑line support for internal customers
• Manage contract intake, triage, and prioritization in alignment with legal guidance and business needs
• Maintain accurate and complete records, including execution status, amendments, renewals, and required notices
• Prepare, review, edit, proofread and summarize documents including contracts, licenses, grant agreements, leases, resolutions, policies, memoranda, and general correspondence, highlighting areas of concern for further attorney review
• Conduct research and analyze factual and legal issues using primary and secondary source materials to prepare reports, statistics, charts, graphs, and other summaries
• Perform administrative duties such as maintaining calendars, scheduling appointments, taking meeting minutes, composing routine correspondence, and routing incoming mail
• Provide additional support to Executive Director and/or Board of Commissioners as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Provide the highest level of customer service and professionalism to all internal and external customers

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Proficiency in legal research and writing
• Strong understanding of contract lifecycle management and legal operations workflows
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to collaborate across legal, technical and business stakeholders
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Service‑oriented individual with high personal standards and a hands‑on work style
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, manage frequent interruptions, meet deadlines, and facilitate solutions
• Proficiency with Office 365 and general business systems

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree
• Five (5) or more years of experience performing related work
• Paralegal certification from an ABA approved paralegal program
• Experience working for an in‑house legal department preferred
• Experience in real estate or contract law and administration preferred

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Must possess valid driver's license
• Current Notary Commission in NJ and DE or ability to qualify for same

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Subject to a background investigation and pre‑employment physical examination including drug test
• Delaware River and Bay Authority requires all employees to have direct deposit with a financial institution to receive their bi‑weekly pay
• Must be willing and available for duty at such hours as may be required

If you are interested in applying for this position please complete the on‑line application at www.drba.net. In addition to the online application, please attach a current resume.

The Delaware River and Bay Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer