Contracts Associate and Assistant Clerk

Ava Community Energy•Oakland, CA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Ava Community Energy (Ava) is a Joint Powers Authority comprising Alameda County and its incorporated areas, and the cities of Lathrop, Stockton, and Tracy. Ava’s charter is to provide its customers with low carbon, cost-effective electricity that integrates innovative energy products and maximizes local benefits through the development of local solutions, ranging from increasing access to rooftop solar to supporting the adoption of electric vehicles. Ava believes in a vibrant culture that supports and nurtures a workplace that offers every individual the opportunity to attain professional goals and contribute to accomplishing our mission. We foster a culture of open communication, responsibility, curiosity, accountability, and teamwork. We want creative problem solvers that are excited to work in an entrepreneurial environment and grow our organization! As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce that is reflective of our service area’s rich culture and communities. We welcome a diversity of experiences, perspectives, and skills. We strongly encourage people of all characteristics to apply and prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type based on age, religion, color, gender identity or expression, race, ancestry, or national origin, religion or creed, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or characteristics, and those with a disability as protected by federal, state and local laws. Ava is seeking to hire a temporary Contracts Associate and Assistant Clerk, reporting to the Legal Director. This role will be on the Legal Team supporting critical commercial contracting, risk management, insurance requirements, and coordinating board activities with the Clerk of the Board. The ideal candidate is diligent, team-oriented, organized, and eager to learn. Preferred candidates will have experience in contract management and public-sector clerking. This will be a paid full time position of 5 days per week (40 hours), starting in February 2026 and lasting through December 2026.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree with at least 1-2 years of work experience; relevant associate’s degree with at least 2-3 years of work experience; or high school degree or equivalent with at least 3-4 years of work experience
Relevant fields: Legal, Business Administration, or a related discipline
Relevant experience: Experience in public-sector clerking, contract management or similar
Working knowledge of basic software programs, including Microsoft Office applications, SharePoint, and Confluence
Experience with Excel or Google Sheets for data management and analysis
Experience with a contract management system
Ability to learn quickly, work independently, and think critically
Strong organizational and communication skills
Demonstrated patience, tact, and courtesy in interactions with internal staff and external parties
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver’s license or the ability to provide alternate transportation and a safe driving record.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Ironclad is a plus

Responsibilities

Undertake clerking duties: Regularly clerk subcommittee meetings.
Clerk Board meetings as needed.
Provide general administrative support as needed.
Contribute to contract management: Input and/or correct metadata in Ava’s contract management system.
Administer small to medium procurement transactions.
Undertake negotiations with the support of playbooks, escalating to management as needed.
Support Staff in the purchase of goods and services by administering transactions and facilitating their diligent completion.
Review Amendments on external templates, and coordinate the legal review, tracking and managing that process through execution of Certificates of Insurance with the corresponding contract
Attending various meetings as needing
Adhering to agency policies and procedures
Other duties as required