Director, Contracts & Compliance

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Director of Contracts to lead and scale our Contracts function at a $50–$100 million defense technology company performing exclusively Department of Defense (DoD) prime and subcontract work.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of DoD prime contracts and subcontracts, including FFP, T&M, and CPFF/CPAF contract types.
• Lead negotiation of large-value, single-source, and competitive awards including ID/IQ vehicles and task orders, inclusive of Performance-Based Payment structures.
• Draft, review, and negotiate teaming agreements, NDAs, subcontracts, professional services agreements (PSAs), staffing/consulting agreements, software license agreements, OCI mitigation plans, reseller agreements, and facility leases.
• Advise program managers and executive leadership on contract terms, risk allocation, and obligations throughout contract performance.
• Manage contract modifications, REAs, and claims in coordination with program and finance teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; J.D. or advanced degree in a related field strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive government contracts experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or leadership role within a DoD prime or subcontractor environment.
• Deep, working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and DoD contracting regulations.
• Experience managing FFP, T&M, and cost-reimbursement (CPFF/CPAF) contract types.
• Experience negotiating and drafting software license agreements and data rights provisions under government contracts.
• Familiarity with ITAR/EAR/OFAC export control compliance programs.
• Experience with DCAA audit processes and DCMA contract administration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to executive leadership and government representatives.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively as a senior individual contributor and team leader in a fast-paced, growth-stage environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• J.D. with active bar membership, or National Contract Management Association (NCMA) CPCM/CFCM certification.
• Experience supporting M&A due diligence in a government contracting context.
• Familiarity with CMMC/NIST 800-171 cybersecurity requirements and their contractual implications.
• Experience building a contracts function from the ground up or leading department transformation.
• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
• Experience with ID/IQ vehicles, GWACs, and task order competition processes.