Contracts and Legal Operations Manager

Position Summary

The Contracts and Legal Operations Manager plays a key role in supporting the Office of the General Counsel in advancing Erikson’s legal, compliance, and operational priorities. Reporting to the General Counsel, withing the Office of the President, this position is responsible for implementing and managing the institution’s contract management system and processes; coordinating contract administration from start to finish; and providing administrative, research, and operational support for legal, policy, governance, and compliance matters. The Manager works collaboratively across departments to promote operational efficiency, institutional accountability, and adherence to policies and best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Contracts Management

• Implement, manage, and maintain Erikson’s contract management system and centralized contract repository.
• Serve as the Contract database administrator and champion, overseeing the end-to-end contracting process, including intake, review, routing, approval, execution, and recordkeeping.
• Develop and maintain metrics, dashboards, and reports related to contract activity, compliance, and processing times.
• Support drafting, negotiation, review and advancement of contracts, amendments, addenda, and standard templates under the direction of the General Counsel.
• Assist in creation of standardized template library.
• Coordinate internal workflows to ensure timely approvals, adherence to institutional policies, and compliance with legal and financial standards.
• Provide staff training and serve as a primary resource on contracting procedures including competitive bidding, RFPs, and contracting requirements and best practices.

Legal Operations & Administrative Support

• Provide administrative and operational support to the General Counsel, including document review and management, correspondence, scheduling, and file maintenance.
• Assist with research, drafting, and editing of institutional documents, including policies, procedures, Board governance matters, memoranda, and internal guidance.
• Support the preparation of materials for Board of Trustees and committee meetings, including resolutions, charters, and minutes.
• Help manage and maintain the Office’s records, templates, and institutional policy library.

Audit, Compliance & Risk Support

• Support audit and compliance activities by organizing documentation, tracking deliverables, and coordinating responses to auditors.
• Assist in maintaining compliance calendars and ensuring completion of required institutional filings and certifications.
• Help identify and track areas of operational and contractual risk, and support follow-up actions or process improvements in coordination with leadership.
• Liaise with Finance, HR, and other departments to ensure consistent application of internal controls and compliance requirements.

Training & Process Improvement

• Support development and delivery of staff training on contract management workflows, institutional policies, and compliance practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and user experience across legal and administrative processes.
• Assist in documenting and refining internal procedures, ensuring clarity, accountability, and institutional alignment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in relevant field of study; paralegal certificate or related legal or business administration training or experience strongly preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in contract administration, legal operations, or related administrative role.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and managing a contract management or similar workflow system.
• Strong writing, editing, and research skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise discretion with confidential information, and work collaboratively across departments.
• Familiarity with government grant agreements, public-sector governance and compliance environments a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, Adobe Acrobat, and contract or document management systems.

Core Competencies

• Impeccable judgment, ethics and professional integrity
• Process-oriented and detail-driven approach
• Excellent communication and follow-through
• Commitment to collaboration, equity, and institutional mission

To Apply

Please submit a resume via the 'Apply' link. Erikson welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification. We value diverse perspectives and look forward to learning more about your experience and interest in joining our team.

About Erikson Institute

We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.

Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.

Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).

To learn more, please visit our web site at www.erikson.edu