Contracts Manager

The Allen Institute accelerates science for a healthier world through large-scale research designed to answer some of the most complex questions in biology. Our multi-disciplinary teams generate foundational knowledge, tools, and data to understand how our brain, cells, and immune system work. We share our work openly so others can build on it, move faster, and ask bigger questions. We drive discovery forward and create new possibilities for improving human health.

The mission of the Administration team is to enable the people and science of the Allen Institute. We connect teams, steward resources, and build strong systems that give our accelerators the stability and flexibility to pursue ambitious questions, collaborate across disciplines, and share their work openly.

We are searching for a Contracts Manager that will who will lead and optimize the Allen Institute's contracts program, oversee the full contract lifecycle, administer the contract lifecycle management platform, and draft and negotiate a wide range of research and commercial agreements. This role will also improve contracting processes through technology and AI, maintain templates and playbooks, establish service standards, and lead contract specialists in delivering responsive, high-quality support to stakeholders across the Institute.

At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone - and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly.

We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the point of contact and subject matter expert for the Contracts Program
• Organize and manage the Contracts Program for optimal performance for the Institute
• Administer a Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) platform, including maintaining the contracts playbook, form libraries, running reports, and optimizing automated workflows and templates
• Draft, maintain, and regularly update all related contract program documentation, including processes, templates, playbooks, and other materials
• Identify and implement process improvements by leveraging technology and AI tools that enable scalable and efficient contract management
• Set and monitor SLAs for contracting activities
• Draft and negotiate a wide variety of contracts, including collaborative research agreements, services agreements, and consulting agreements
• Identify and collaborate with Legal team members to share best practices, align and document contract drafting, negotiation and risk management strategies
• Manage and lead a team of contract specialists to provide excellent service to internal and external stakeholders and achieve Contracts Program and Legal Team goals

Note:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of experience and education
• Minimum 6 years' experience managing contracts for a small to mid-size organization
• Experience managing a contracts lifecycle management platform
• Experience supervising staff and leading cross-functional projects

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and 6+ years' experience in contract program management
• Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Certified…