Contracts and Legal Operations Manager

Erikson Institute•Chicago, IL

62d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365, Adobe Acrobat, and contract or document management systems.
Impeccable judgment, ethics and professional integrity
Process-oriented and detail-driven approach
Excellent communication and follow-through
Commitment to collaboration, equity, and institutional mission

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with government grant agreements, public-sector governance and compliance environments a plus.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.