Contracts Specialist

Position Overview

The Contracts Specialist is responsible for cradle-to-grave contract lifecycle management for a portfolio of federal government contracts and agreements. This role supports compliance with FAR, DFARS, agency-specific regulations, and company policies while contributing to business growth through effective contract administration, negotiation, risk management, and customer engagement.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and administer a variety of government contracts and agreements, including prime contracts, subcontracts, task orders, OTAs, CRADAs, NDAs, teaming agreements, and other business arrangements.
• Partner with Finance, Procurement, and Program Management teams to negotiate contract terms and conditions that support business objectives while managing risk.
• Support business development and proposal activities by reviewing solicitations, identifying contractual requirements, assessing risk, and supporting proposal compliance efforts.
• Participate in contract negotiations with customers, subcontractors, and business partners.
• Independently manage a portfolio of contracts through the full contract lifecycle, including award, modifications, funding management, performance monitoring, and closeout.
• Serve as a contractual point of contact for government contracting officers, contracting officer representatives, subcontractors, and business partners.
• Maintain complete and accurate contract files and records in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support timely contract closeout activities and records retention requirements.
• Interpret and apply FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, and other applicable regulations.
• Identify contractual, compliance, and business risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Advise program teams and management regarding contractual rights, obligations, and compliance requirements.
• Support internal reviews, customer audits, DCAA audits, DCMA reviews, and other compliance assessments.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of contract management processes, procedures, templates, and tools.
• Support training initiatives by sharing contractual knowledge and best practices with internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve contractual issues and support successful program execution.
• Promote consistency, compliance, and operational efficiency within the contracts function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Contracts Management, Finance, Law, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in federal government contract management, preferably supporting R&D, technology, aerospace, defense, or government services organizations.
• Active TS or TS/SCI security clearance.
• Working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and federal acquisition regulations.
• Experience supporting proposal development, including solicitation review, compliance analysis, and contractual risk assessment.
• Experience administering Cost-Reimbursement, Firm-Fixed-Price, Time-and-Materials, Labor-Hour, IDIQ, and GSA Schedule contracts.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using contract management and ERP systems, preferably Deltek Costpoint.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Understanding of subcontract management, flow-down requirements, intellectual property considerations, and contract risk management.

Preferred Qualifications

• NCMA certification (CPCM, CFCM, CCCM) or progress toward certification.
• Experience supporting Commercial Products and Commercial Services under FAR Part 12.
• Experience negotiating commercial, reseller, licensing, software, and technology agreements.
• Experience supporting OTAs, CRADAs, consortium agreements, and other non-traditional acquisition vehicles.
• Knowledge of government property management requirements, including FAR Part 45 and FAR 52.245-1.
• Experience supporting government-furnished property (GFP), inventory management, and property compliance programs.
• Familiarity with DCMA, DCAA, and other federal compliance reviews.

Benefits

This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors. Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.