Contracts Manager - Shedd Aquarium

Department: Finance & Administration
Reports to: VP & General Council
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $80,000 - $85,000

SUMMARY
Seeking full time candidates in the greater Chicago, IL area. This is a hybrid position that willrequire working in our office, located in Chicago, IL, a minimum of two days a week.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Contract Manager is responsible for preparing, analyzing, and negotiating business contracts.The work entails coordinating contracts with individual business units, and working closely withthe General Counsel, Director of Purchasing and others in reviewing and managing contracts. Incollaboration with others, the Contract Manager will perform work that contributes to thedevelopment of long and short-term contract management goals and business plans.

1. Craft, evaluate, negotiate, and execute a wide variety of contracts covering a range oftransactions which minimize risk and maximize rights for the Aquarium.

2. Create and maintain relationships with vendors/contractors and serve as the main point ofcontact for legal matters concerning contracts.

3. Manage contract workflows and maintain records and documentation in relation toestablished contracts and those in progress within Shedd’s Ironclad contract managementsystem.

4. Communicate and present information to management about assigned contract-relatedmatters.

5. Monitor existing contract terms and move forward with close-out, extension, or renewalaccording to the operational goals of the Aquarium.

6. Participate in internal legal counseling on a broad range of topics related to contract risksand mitigation and conduct training as needed for the contract management system.

7. Solve any contract-related problems that may arise with other parties and internally withthe Aquarium itself.

8. Respond promptly to staff regarding contract questions.

9. Perform other related work as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or equivalent combination of educationand ten years of experience in administration, financial services, and contract management.
• Preference will be given to those with a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school andthose with experience with Ironclad or similar contract management systems.
• Required Documents: 1) Resume, 2) Cover Letter, 3) References

Experience

• Experience in drafting service agreements and memoranda of understanding,editing original vendor agreements, working with subcontractor and independentcontractor agreements and nondisclosure agreements
• Experience with e-commerce and technology-related agreements, includingintellectual property and data protection addendums
• The necessary knowledge of contract law, contract termsand conditions, and skills developed through 5 – 10 years of work experience in a relatedjob discipline.

Skills & Characteristics

An effective Contract Manager requires numerous skills and qualifications to successfullyfulfill the necessary duties and responsibilities of the position. The following skills arenecessary for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Communication: A Contract Manager must be able to communicate ideas effectively tothe organization, to the other parties involved in the contract, and to management to keep everyone apprised of contract-related matters.
• Negotiation: Negotiation is essential for a Contract Manager, as it is their job to get themost benefit to the organization possible out of any contract with the least risk, whilemaintaining positive relationships with outside partners.
• Confidence: A key aspect of successful contract management is confidence. It takes astrong attitude to successfully negotiate and get contracts to execution, as well as anunderstanding of when to walk away and when to stand one’s ground.

Computer Skills

• Proficient inAdobe Pro and Microsoft Office, including Word

Language Skills

• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English fluently.
• Ability to read and comprehend basic instructions given from written and oral sources.
• Ability to write professional business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information to and collaborate with all levels of employees.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas.
• Ability to understand and employ intermediate level accounting mathematics.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to work with little or no supervision.
• Ability to work within a team environment.
• Ability to use common sense techniques in solving problems.
• Ability to solve complex logical problems.
• Ability to use diplomacy and tact when dealing with problems.
• Ability to identify problems and determine the best course of action for their resolution.
• Ability to critically evaluate information for accuracy and usefulness in solving problems.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in a variety of situations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Lift up to 15 pounds
• Sit
• Stand
• Stoop
• Walk

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

This person may be exposed to:​​​​​

• Low noise
• Moderate Noise

BENEFITS WORKING AT SHEDD:We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leaveand Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets

Reasonable Accommodations:

Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org.

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active-duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.