Conservation Contracts Specialist Job Listing at The Nature Conservancy in United States of America (Job ID JR101763)

Description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Conservation Contracts Specialist will work on strategic priorities of the North Carolina Business Unit's Conservation Team, through efficient administrative support of contracts.  The types of contractual and financial agreements within the scope of this job include but are not limited to contracts for services, public and private grant sub-awards, other money out agreements, task orders, and related amendments. The Conservation Contracts Specialist will complete an internal training program to become a “Certified Contracts Specialist” and participate in recertification training and community-of-practice discussions and meetings. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The primary role of the Conservation Contracts Specialist is to serve as a resource to Conservation Project Managers by coordinating all aspects of the lifecycle for contracts and other financial agreements.  They will develop, review, manage, and track contracts and other agreements. They will ensure that contracts and agreements comply with TNC's policies and procedures, as well as external requirements.  The Conservation Contracts Specialist will communicate with staff in various programs across the Conservancy, as well as with vendors, consultants, partners, and business relations. The North Carolina Business Unit has a high volume of contracts and grants, and this position will be embedded in the Conservation Team to streamline workflow and improve effectiveness.  To better serve programmatic needs, the Conservation Contracts Specialist will have a broad understanding of conservation and stay informed of TNC's conservation projects and programs.

Specific responsibilities of the Conservation Contracts Specialist include:

• Advising Project Managers on requirements for contracts and agreements, including the necessary forms, approvals, and reviews.

• Assisting Project Managers with financial administration of contracts, agreements, grants, and sub-awards including preparing and monitoring budgets. 

• Drafting contracts and agreements with input from Project Managers, using available templates.

• Assessing risk factors and reviewing contract documents for reasonableness, thoroughness, and accuracy.

• Acting as the primary liaison for communication between Conservation Project Managers, Finance, Legal, and Grant Specialists, including circulating contracts and other essential documents for approvals and signatures.

• Working directly with vendors, consultants, grantees, and partners to support requests for proposals and bids, obtain required forms and information, and coordinate efficient payment of invoices.

• Maintaining internal auditable files for each contract with required documentation to ensure they are complete and in compliance with TNC's standard operating procedures.

• Maintaining a database to track information, approvals, deadlines, and payment schedules related to contracts and agreements.

• Determining if a contract amendment is needed based on various factors related to the work and implementing steps to draft amendments and obtain approvals.   

• Closing out contracts and agreements by confirming that all tasks and deliverables are complete, and the final payment is made.

• Communicating or distributing information to assist Conservation staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow.

• Providing guidance, training, and/or materials to Conservation staff related to compliance with standard operating procedures and best practices for contracts and agreements.

• Assisting Conservation staff with other contract-related administrative tasks, as needed, such as responding to inquiries, processing forms, creating reports and program materials, drafting correspondence, planning meetings, and supporting hiring and training.

Work is primarily in an office or home office and involves little to no exposure to outdoor settings and infrequent minor physical exertion. This position may occasionally require travel and working flexible hours as needed. The position is full-time for a three-year term subject to renewal based on available funding. 

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Work within scope of program's strategic goals;

• Act independently on assigned tasks and exercise independent judgment based on analysis and experience, referring difficult questions and unusual problems to supervisor;

• Coordinate projects with several variables, working within a defined timeline and budget;

• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;

• Perform non-routine analysis, research and follow-through;

• Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements;

• Financial responsibility includes purchasing, processing invoices, contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget preparation;

• May act as a resource to others to solve problems and act in supervisor's stead when instructed;

• Provide input through project teams for the improvement of existing programs;

• Travel and work flexible hours as needed;

• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain; and

• Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We're looking for someone with strong experience in leading a diverse, multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience designing, organizing, and directing complex projects. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team! 

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years related experience or equivalent combination;

• Experience coordinating administrative processes;

• Experience generating reports and interpreting data;

• Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading;

• Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines; and

• Experience working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated;

• Knowledge of conservation is appreciated but not required;

• Experience related to reading, writing, or interpreting contracts, agreements, or other legal documents;

• Strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail;

• Ability to analyze information for the purpose of coordinating and planning activities, and solving problems;

• Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results;

• Excellent customer service skills and focus;

• Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results; and/or;

• Knowledge of current trends in specific field of contracts and agreements.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $55,000 – $70,000 or hourly rate. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We're rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it's career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there's many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience. Please apply – we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.