Manager, Contracts

About NSTXL: The National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) harvests innovative technology from the commercial and non-defense marketplace, transforming government innovation while decreasing costs, compressing timelines, and improving outcomes. We offer a unique and simplified approach to rapidly develop, demonstrate, and assess prototypes that address a range of operational and installation needs, from individual Warfighter technology to large-scale installation projects. NSTXL supports the delivery of technology to the Department of Defense by serving as a one-stop shop to match government requirements with innovative private-sector and academic solutions. NSTXL is creating an ecosystem of innovators to collaborate and bring next-generation technologies to the end-user.

About the Role

NSTXL is seeking a Contracts Manager to oversee an assigned portfolio of Other Transaction-based projects focused on prototyping emerging technologies for defense applications. This role requires a strong contracting skillset combined with customer service and problem-solving skills. The scope of taskings will primarily include documentation drafting, post-award contracting support, and innovating business processes. The ideal candidate will possess a demonstrable understanding of Government contracts, have direct experience supporting the Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition lifecycle, and enjoy working in a mission-driven, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert on complex technical and business matters that can influence the acquisition life cycle of R&D projects.
• Act as a primary liaison between NSTXL and performers/customers to manage assigned portfolio and associated projects throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support proposal development, and prepare, review, approve, and administer contracts that comply with company policies, legal requirements, and federal contracting policies, regulations, and statutes.
• Independently support, participate in, or act as lead moderator in moderately complex-to-highly complex contract negotiations with performers or customers.
• Review contract terms to identify potential risk for all parties and monitor for compliance issues at prime, performer, and sub-performer tiers.
• Engage, inform, and collaborate with other internal stakeholders and customers to provide training, tailor strategies, and support customer missions.
• Provide prompt troubleshooting and well-supported recommendations to resolve issues and monitor implementation of selected resolution.
• Independently prepare high-quality documentation, correspondence, and/or presentations to support various actions as appropriate.
• Examine support materials and agreement documents, promptly conduct or delegate research, and subsequently issue authoritative guidance.
• Maintain accurate, thorough, and complete contract records used to ensure compliance with contractual, reporting, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate and inform supervisory chain of relevant topics and/or issues of concern regarding portfolio.
• Provide oversight, assistance, and support to team members.
• Hold signature authority and be responsible for reviewing, executing, and approving actions up to their delegated approval threshold as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or other Advanced Degree in a relevant field of study such as Business Administration.
• A minimum of 7+ years of prior relevant contracting experience.
• Possession of, or an ability to receive, SECRET-level clearance.
• Direct experience in contract management, procurement, or acquisition in support of a defense-centric contracting portfolio.
• Deep understanding and practical experience with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other relevant federal regulations and instructions.
• Experience managing projects and contracts from inception to completion.
• Demonstrable analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey ideas clearly and effectively.
• Proven experience in roles that required extensive collaboration.
• Strong ability to build relationships and work effectively with diverse teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Competence in negotiating terms and resolving conflicts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address challenges that arise.
• Strong sense of ethics and integrity to ensure compliance with terms and conditions and to protect sensitive information.
• Ability to manage multiple deadline-driven tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Capable of leading initiatives and teams towards common goals.
• Taking initiative and anticipating needs and issues before they arise.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, regulations, policies, and project requirements.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in contract documentation and management.
• An ability to analyze risk, make sound business judgments, and create meaningful strategies.
• Strong proficiency with contract management software and tools, as well as general office software such as Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Skills

• DAWIA Level III, NCMA CPCM, or equivalent certification.
• Supervisory/Management experience.
• Direct experience with Other Transaction agreements (10 U.S. Code 4021 & 4022).
• Previous signature authority or Contracting Officer / Agreements Officer warrant.
• Previous experience briefing or presenting strategies to senior leadership and/or executive-level management.
• Knowledge and understanding of the FAR Source Selection Processes and/or Commercial Supplier Selection Processes.

Schedule

Travel for this position is estimated up to 10%.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Medical and dental – company pays 92% of premiums for individual coverage and for family coverage.
• Vision Insurance: Fully covered.
• Retirement Plans: 401(k) with employer match up to 4%.
• Paid Time Off: Paid sick and safe leave, paid floating holidays, and generous vacation.
• Other: Basic Life & AD&D policy company paid, Voluntary Life, flexible & remote work structure, wellness reimbursement plan & mental health support, community sponsorships, donation matching, professional development allowance.

If you need any form of accommodation for the interview process, please let us know at the time we contact you.

We take a geo-neutral approach to compensation within the US, meaning that we pay based on job function and level, not location. Currently, we are only open to remote employees residing in the following states: AL, FL, IN, MO, NM, NC, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WY.