Director, 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. Currently, our OTAs have more than 900 corporate, non-profit, educational, and financial institution members. For these members, NSTXL offers opportunities to bid on government contracts, education and training, and live/virtual forums on a wide variety of topics.


Job Description

NSTXL is seeking a Director, Contracts to provide highly visible leadership and real-time contracting expertise to the geographically dispersed NSTXL contracts team, while overseeing a large portfolio of complex Other Transaction Agreements focused on prototypes and other Research & Development activities. The Contracts Director, reporting to the Vice President of Contracts and Acquisition Strategy, will ensure and assist the team in developing flexible strategies and risk mitigations to support various government customers, conducting research focused on policy trends and impacts, and innovating business processes.

 

The ideal candidate will possess a demonstrable understanding of Other Transactions (OTs), have direct experience supporting the Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition lifecycle, demonstrate strong critical thinking skills, and enjoy working in a mission-driven, dynamic environment.

 

The role requires a strong contracting skillset combined with customer service & problem-solving skills.  The employee must have extensive knowledge of Government contracting requirements, processes, and associated documents, and possess a strong understanding of the contract life cycle, types of contracts, and applicable government regulations. 

 

Responsibilities

  • Provide real-time subject matter expertise bolstered by previous experience with Other Transactions (OTs), an awareness of market trends, and active involvement with Department of Defense processes.
  • Holds signature authority and is responsible for reviewing, executing, and approving various contract actions
  • Ensure contracting activities and new processes or initiatives are vetted across multiple internal stakeholders including Marketing, Membership, Finance and Program Management to mitigate risks and ensure all agreement obligations are met.
  • Provide direct oversight, management, and support to Senior Contracts Managers, to include appropriate delegation of tasks, assignments, and provide tactical guidance on complex Research & Development contracts.
  • Establishes, issues, and enforces execution guidance for Contracting staff. Reviews, approves, and supervises administration of contractual actions and decisions to ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and federal contracting policies, regulations, and statutes.
  • Primary Contracts liaison responsible for informing Vice President of contractual issues requiring executive attention. 
  • Develop, support, and maintain customer relationships to ensure positive and constructive interactions.
  • Independently prepares & delivers high-quality documentation and/or presentations to support various actions.
  • Provides leadership, and/or acts as lead moderator, in contract negotiations with performers and customers limited to complex and/or high visibility negotiations.
  • Creates and delivers (or delegates) relevant training to both internal & external stakeholders.
  • Responsible for initiating, documenting, managing, communicating, and/or delegating personnel actions.
  • Guide negotiation strategies, assist with the development of unique terms & conditions, and facilitate mutually beneficial outcomes.
  • Design & implement streamlined business practices that emphasize efficiency, reduce “touch-time”, and deliver high quality results.
  • Serve as lead contracting representative for critical engagements, to include exchanges with Senior DoD Leadership, speaking opportunities, and other strategic meetings as assigned.
  • Multi-task, prioritize, and assign work activities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Oversee and advise Sr. Contracts Managers in creative acquisition strategies for a broad variety of OT-based prototype projects focused on high-risk emerging technologies to include refining and overseeing the implementation of the strategy.
  • Act as an advocate for diversity and inclusion and create opportunities for positive employee engagement
  • Offer regular coaching, resources, and support to help team members succeed in their roles.
  • Promote open communication within the team, ensuring collaboration and resolving conflicts when necessary.
  • Lead team meetings to review progress, set priorities, and discuss challenges.
  • Identify training or development opportunities to enhance team performance and professional growth.
  • Create a motivating and inclusive environment that encourages productivity, creativity, and teamwork.
  • Schedule performance reviews, provide constructive feedback to promote growth, and track progress on goals with regular check-ins to assess development.
  • Assist with the development and input for the contracts team annual budgets through assessment of resources and needs.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s Degree or other Advanced Degree in relevant field of study such as Business Administration.
  • A minimum of 10+ years of prior relevant contracting experience, 3+ years of team management experience.
  • Possession of, or an ability to receive, SECRET-level clearance.
  • Previously held signature authority.
  • Significant experience in drafting or interpreting terms or policies, mentoring staff in contract negotiation and administration practices, and advocating for strategic business approaches with a deep understanding of the FAR and DFARS.
  • Extensive experience managing a defense-centric contracting portfolio and DoD acquisition policy related to R&D efforts and/or other alternative contracting methods.
  • Experience managing projects and contracts from inception to completion.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey ideas clearly and effectively.
  • Proven experience and strong ability to build relationships and work effectively and collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage and lead a team in managing 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.
  • High level of emotional intelligence and ability to analyze complex situations, understand different perspectives, and creative problem-solving to find solutions that satisfy all parties and address underlying issues
  • Demonstrable analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
  • An ability to analyze risk, make sound business judgments, and create meaningful strategies.
  • Demonstrable mastery of contract-related communications & research.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and oral communication skills.
  • Fluency with Microsoft Office suite (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint).

Preferred Skills/Experience 

  • DAWIIA Certification, NCMA Certification or equivalent certification.
  • Direct experience with Other Transaction agreements (10 U.S. Code § 4021 & 4022). 
  • Previous experience as Contracting Officer or Agreements Officer. 
  • Certification from National Contracting Management Association (or equivalent). 
  • Knowledge and understanding of the FAR Source Selection Processes and/or Commercial Supplier Selection Processes.
  • Previous experience briefing or presenting strategies to senior leadership and/or executive-level management.
  • Experience supporting Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects at any phase, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), Foreign Military Sales, Non-FAR based acquisitions, and/or other Research & Development contracts.

Location

Remote


Travel

Travel for this position is estimated up to 25%


Come join the team that is helping to pave the way for innovative technology advancement! 


What We Offer

We strive to be one of the best places to work in America. We offer competitive salaries and benefits that include:

  • Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance – company pays 90% of premiums for individual coverage and 71% of premiums for family coverage!
  • Retirement Plans: 401(k) with employer match
  • Paid Time Off: Paid sick leave, 11 floating holidays and generous PTO
  • Other:
    • Basic Life & AD&D policy company paid!
    • Flexible & remove work structure
    • Wellness plan
    • Mental health support
    • Community sponsorships
    • Donation matching
    • Professional development

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, CA, CO, DC, FL, IN, MO, NM, NC, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WY

Contracting

Remote (United States)

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