Office Location:

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

#Li-hybrid

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

As the Contracts Manager, you will be leading our contract management and process while scaling capabilities for the Tri-State Chapter (MN-ND-SD). You will work as part of a team across the chapter, division, and region to ensure TNC contracts are complete and in alignment with organizational expectations. You will work collaboratively with our Finance team to align the chapter’s fiscal practices (budgeting, invoices and payments). You will have familiarity working in a matrixed environment indirectly or directly supervising and guiding employees who are serving as their program’s contract point of contact.

You will coordinate and communicate with stakeholders for program success and will serve as the chapter’s lead contract (including procurement and purchasing) point of contact. You will also partner with colleagues, beyond our chapter, to chart a course for contract scalability across the Great Plans Division (GPD). In this role, you will maintain, track, and report on key data related to contracts. You will also provide guidance in satisfying requirements that are in alignment with TNC’s policies and procedures e.g. SOPs. This role will also be accountable for ensuring appropriate documentation, recommendations for improvement, training and/or coaching and enhancing the processes and procedures.

The Contract Manager will maintain deadlines on deliverables and communicate on an ongoing basis with partners and internal clients about contractual timelines and issues. This person will review contractual performance to ensure compliance with terms and to identify conflicts or changes requiring resolution.

Examples of responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Act as a change leader by educating, influencing and coaching project and budget managers on TNC’s money-out contracting and grants practices.
• Explore and pursue opportunities to expand the chapter’s commitment to equity.  This may include raising obstacles and influencing procedure in partnership with colleagues across the chapter and TNC.
• Document and analyze and/or revise our end-to-end contract processes including approvals, invoices and payments.
• Partner with staff in the Great Plains Division to elevate and expand contract capabilities.
• Build strong relationships and partnerships with staff. Motivate and encourage improvement.
• Serve as our chapter’s lead agreements expert – research, communicate and activate our policies and procedures including contracting using government funds.
• Partner closely with Legal staff to understand and implement contracts that ensure TNC’s reputation and finance commitments are protected.
• Serve as a guide and first person of contact for staff who inquire about contracts.
• Partner and coordinate with Legal staff, Grant Specialists, and other TNC staff to ensure agreements adhere to compliance and legal guidelines.
• Mentor, onboard, and coordinate with cross departmental staff who are serving in contract-building roles.
• Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.

 We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. As our Contracts Manager, you should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills. You also feel comfortable completing activities with multiple variables, following realistic deadlines, and managing an expected timeline while considering areas for process improvement and effectiveness. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team! 

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, administration or law and 5 years related experience or equivalent combination with a minimum of 2 years working in a contract management role.
• Proven ability to establish and grow relationships with internal and external partnerships.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams on complex projects and programs with tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to empathetically communicate with multiple stakeholders.
• A commitment to taking smart risks and finding new ways of working in partnership with colleagues, evolving programs and organizational structures.
• Experience building, implementing and communicating scalable operational processes with a strong attention to detail.
• Experience interpreting, applying and negotiating standard operating procedures to ensure outcomes balance program and compliance goals.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate, establish and administer contracts.
• Experience generating financial reports and analyzing and interpreting data.
• Demonstrated experience handling confidential information.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

Additional Information:

 TNC also fosters an environment supportive of empowering our employees, amplifying an equitable workforce, and creating opportunities to participate in our nine Employee Resource Groups. 

In alignment with the global organization, the Tri-State chapter is making an intentional effort to creating a community of inclusivity and belonging through collaboration and feedback. We’re committed to building a culture based on trust, transparency, empathy, and accountability. We value individuality and difference of backgrounds and ideas, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. 

Based in Minneapolis, our office overlooks the Mississippi River, is across from Gold Medal Park, and within short distance to bike and pedestrian paths/trails, and other conveniences. We provide complimentary, heated underground parking. We also offer a hybrid work environment with opportunity to collaborate in person in office and remotely.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $63,900 - $89,675. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.