Contracts Manager - CSH; Hssedi FFRDC

Position: Contracts Manager - CSH (HSSEDI FFRDC)
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Department Summary:

MITRE has an immediate opening for a Contracts Manager responsible for all aspects of contract negotiation, management and administration supporting MITRE's Center for Securing the Homeland (CSH) which operates two Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs): the Homeland Security Systems Engineering and Development Institute (HSSEDI), sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National Cybersecurity Federally Funded Research and Development Center (NCF), sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

CSH also encompasses MITRE's State Department portfolio. In addition, CSH supports contracts with the Department of State.

This role serves as the single point of contact for the CSH VP/FFRDC Director for all contract activity and primary responsibility for overseeing the management of the HSSEDI FFRDC contract activity and other related center/FFRDC contracts.

Roles & Responsibilities :

The Contracts Manager is the single point of contact for the CSH 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 the HSSEDI 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 for this portfolio as well as the NCF FFRDC Contract Manager to report up to the VP on activities and status.

Key Responsibilities

* Oversee all contracting functions for HSSEDI 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 HSSEDI/Center contracts and establish norms and training to support strong operations and delivery.

Basic Qualifications:

* 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 CSH/HSSEDI 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 -…