Contracts Manager

The MITRE Corporation•New Bedford, MA

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges—and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day—working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us. Department Summary: MITRE has an immediate opening for a Contracts Manager responsible for all aspects of contract negotiation, management and administration supporting one or more of MITRE’s six Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs). In addition, this position would support other non-FFRDC focused contracts and grants as required. This role also serves as the single point of contact for the VP/FFRDC Director for all contract activity and primary responsibility for overseeing the management of the contract activity and other related center/division contracts. Roles & Responsibilities: The Contracts Manager is the single point of contact for the VP/FFRDC Director for all contract activity with support from other contracts staff within the contracts organization. The role oversees management, negotiation, and administration of FFRDC contract(s), and other related agreements at the Center/FFRDC level, actively shaping contracts strategy, operations, and lifecycle in partnership with MITRE leadership. This Contract Manager works in coordination with other contracts staff in support of contract lifecycle activities to report up to the VP/FFRDC Director on activities and status.

Requirements

Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 8 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 5 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
At least 8 years of experience in contract negotiation and administration, preferably specializing in federal contracts.
Problem Solving – Experience identifying challenges/opportunities, develop and implement effective solutions for Center/FFRDC business and mission needs.
Tech Savvy – Ability to use CLM/S2P and other business systems, including data extraction/manipulation, to improve and automate contracting.
Business Savvy – Knowledge of the industry and MITRE’s business model to represent MITRE’s position in negotiations and contract terms.
Stakeholder Management / Influence – Experience managing expectations, ability to empathize with stakeholders, and integrate MITRE’s business requirements while maintaining trusted relationships.
Critical Thinking – Awareness of all resources, stakeholders, and equities (legal, financial, technical, security, operational) when solving problems.
Surge Capability – Ability to prioritize and adjust workload to meet corporate/ sector/ Center/ division priorities, especially during major proposals and re-competes.
Contract Negotiation – Experience with assimilating corporate and stakeholder requirements into informed, balanced, and influential positions with Government and other CO counterparts.
Buy/Sell Experience – Mastery of contracts and subcontracts and “both sides of the fence” to inform effective negotiation and administration.
GOVCON Financial Literacy – Knowledge and understanding of corporate finance landscape and how contracts interact with finance functions, including forecasting, rate development, and fee structures for Center/FFRDC.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Suitability or Secret clearance within one year.
Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance
This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree plus 10 years related experience, including 2 years of leadership experience.
Excellent understanding of government contracts laws and regulations, including in an FFRDC context.
Ability to work in consultation and partnership (rather than formal supervision) with Center and corporate leadership.
Ability to lead as a first-level line manager on challenging assignments and to lead contracts strategy for an FFRDC/Center.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office in a Windows environment.
Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Oversee all contracting functions for supported FFRDC, including cradle-to-grave administration and timely processing of contract actions.
Actively guide and advise FFRDC/Center business model, strategy, and goals; support business planning, financial planning, and control (forecasting, rates, fee structures).
Lead major contract proposals, FFRDC renewals/re-competes, and new FFRDC pursuits.
Advise Center VP/Managing Director and negotiate/communicate with sponsor and Agency Contracting Officers on agreements throughout FFRDC lifecycle.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with sponsor COs and internal mission partners; act as trusted advisor to Center/FFRDC senior leadership.
Collaborate with Legal, Financial Services, Security, Subcontracts, and other partners to develop and execute compliant and effective solutions, policies, and practices.
Negotiate and manage non-traditional contracts, grants, and agreements with state, local, not-for-profit, and commercial entities.
Advise Contract Leadership team on initiatives to modernize and automate contracting through tools, processes and technology; suggest improvements and best practices aligned with MITRE’s strategy as well as Corporate Contracts Strategy.
Develop and shape reporting, contract strategy, and a compliance framework for the FFRDC/Center in coordination with Contracts Leadership.
Identify and mitigate contract risks; support internal/external audits and responses to findings.
Track lifecycle of FFRDC/Center contracts and establish norms and training to support strong operations and delivery.