Executive Director of Contracts

General Description

The Executive Director of Contracts will lead and oversee the contracts department, driving strategic initiatives to optimize contract management processes, ensure compliance, and develop a high-performing team. This leadership role requires a hands-on approach to both operations and strategy, with a strong focus on team development, mentoring, and continuous process improvement. This role requires a deep understanding of contract law, regulations, and industry best practices, combined with proven leadership skills in building, restructuring, and guiding teams to success. As a key member of the leadership team, this position will collaborate with cross-functional teams and executive leadership to support organizational goals, mitigate risks, and capitalize on opportunities for growth.

How You Will Fulfill Your Mission

• Take full ownership of the contracts department, developing and implementing a clear vision and strategy that aligns with organizational goals.
• Lead by example in fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture that encourages innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Assess the current team’s capabilities, identifying areas for growth and development. Provide mentoring and coaching to both existing team members and future leaders within the department.
• Develop a structured mentoring program to foster talent within the contracts function, including leading efforts related to mentor-protégé relationships and enhancing professional growth opportunities.
• Evaluate team structure and performance, determine areas for restructuring, and make decisions on talent acquisition or internal development to support growth and operational goals.
• Drive continuous improvement of contracts management processes to enhance efficiency, compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction. Identify and implement process enhancements that streamline operations and mitigate risks.
• Implement best practices in contract management, ensuring consistency across all aspects of the department while adapting to evolving business needs.
• Demonstrate the ability to engage in the day-to-day operations of the department, providing hands-on leadership and support when needed, while maintaining a strategic overview.
• Guide the team through complex negotiations, ensuring that contracts align with company objectives and industry standards.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams, providing insights into contract-related risks, opportunities, and strategic recommendations.
• Represent the contracts department in leadership discussions and business development opportunities, ensuring the department’s objectives support the broader goals of the organization.
• Ensure the contracts function adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, particularly in government contracting (or other relevant industries such as healthcare, aerospace, etc.).
• Establish risk management strategies to proactively identify and mitigate potential contract-related risks.

The duties and responsibilities described in this position description in no way state or imply that these are the only duties performed. This position may require that additional duties and responsibilities be performed.

Why We Value You

• You are able to work independently and show a high level of initiative and attention to detail.
• You have a consistent character and do not yield to pressure to compromise or cut corners.
• You have a strong ability to communicate effectively with superiors, colleagues, and customers by clearly expressing your intent and understanding the focus and purpose of the conversation while allowing each person to get their point across.
• You are open to new ideas and innovations and can create modifications or changes in yourself to adapt or suit a new environment/situation.
• You have faith in your own ideas and ability to be successful.
• You hold yourself to the highest standard and work to inspire your team to produce quality work.

Specific Knowledge/Certification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Contract Management, Law, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in contract management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Extensive experience working with federal contracts, including knowledge of FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation), DFAR (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement), and related regulatory requirements.
• Experience with SBA's Mentor-Protégé Program, including managing mentor-protégé relationships, supporting business development, and ensuring compliance with SBA regulations.
• Proven track record in managing the full contract lifecycle, from proposal development to execution and close-out.
• Experience leading and mentoring teams, with a focus on developing talent, optimizing team performance, and driving continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of contract law, regulations, and best practices, particularly in federal government contracting

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear; have sufficient manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, and other such office equipment as necessary; may occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Specific visual abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.
• Work Environment: Work will mainly be performed in an office setting and occasionally with irregular hours.
• Travel: A low to moderate amount of travel away from office may be required.