Senior Manager, Contracts

Senior Contracts Manager

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 developing, demonstrating, and assessing prototypes that address various operational and installation needs, from individual Warfighter technology to large-scale installation projects. NSTXL supports technology delivery 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. Our OTAs have over 900 members from corporate, non-profit, educational, and financial institutions. For these members, NSTXL offers opportunities to bid on government contracts, education and training, and live/virtual forums on various topics.

Work Location: Onsite DC Metro Area

Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI

Employment Type: Full-Time (Contingent)

Job Description:

The Senior Contracts Manager manages and oversees an assigned team and portfolio of OT (Other Transaction)–based projects focused on prototyping emerging technologies for defense applications. Reporting to the Director, Contracts, the Senior Manager is responsible for oversight, management, and support of assigned team members, including appropriate delegation of tasks, assignments, and review and approval of agreement documentation and related memoranda to ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and statutes.

The Senior Manager works closely with senior leadership, program managers, marketing, and finance to mitigate risk and ensure that all agreement obligations are met. The role requires a strong contracting skillset combined with customer service and problem-solving capabilities. The individual must have extensive knowledge of Government contracting requirements, processes, and associated documentation, along with a strong understanding of the contract lifecycle, contract types, and applicable regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contract Management and Execution
• Serves as agreement subject matter expert on OTs and acts as the primary liaison between the organization and performers and/or customers across the assigned portfolio throughout the project lifecycle.
• Holds signature authority and is responsible for reviewing, executing, and approving assigned actions up to their delegated approval threshold.
• Reviews and approves agreements to ensure compliance with Company policies, legal requirements, and federal contracting regulations and statutes.
• Reviews agreement terms to identify potential risks and monitors performance to ensure compliance within contractual and regulatory frameworks.
• Examines supporting materials and agreement documentation, conducts research, and provides authoritative guidance.
• Prepares high-quality documentation, correspondence, and presentations in support of contract actions.
• Ensures contract execution is timely, compliant, and aligned with both customer expectations and organizational objectives.

• Negotiation and Risk Management
• Leads and manages complex contract negotiations, effectively communicating and advocating for the interests of the organization while achieving balanced outcomes.
• Provides guidance, strategy, and support to team members during negotiations with performers and customers.
• Provides troubleshooting and well-supported recommendations to resolve contractual or performance issues and monitors implementation of resolutions.
• Applies sound judgment in evaluating risk and advising on appropriate courses of action in dynamic contracting environments.

• Team Leadership and Oversight
• Provides oversight, management, and support to assigned team members, including delegation of tasks, assignments, and review/approval of agreement documentation.
• Provides training, mentorship, and guidance to team members to support development and performance.
• Drives team accountability, consistency in execution, and adherence to contracting standards and processes.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
• Engages, informs, and collaborates with internal stakeholders to tailor strategies and services in support of customer missions.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with government customers, performers, and internal teams.
• Provides relevant training to internal and external stakeholders as needed.
• Ensures alignment across stakeholders to support successful program and contract outcomes.

• Compliance and Documentation
• Ensures the team maintains accurate, thorough, and complete contract records in compliance with contractual, reporting, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications Expected for Position:

Required Education /Clearance

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Law or related field.

• Active TS/SCI clearance

Required Experience and Abilities

• 7+ years of Government or Department of War (DoW) contracting experience

• 3+ years of supervisory or team management experience

• Direct experience managing a government-centric contracting portfolio and DoW acquisition policy related to R&D efforts and/or alternative contracting methods

• Ability to analyze risk, make sound business judgments, and develop effective strategies

• Demonstrated expertise in contract-related communications and research

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills (written and verbal)

• Deep understanding and practical experience with FAR, DFARS, and other relevant regulations and instructions

• Experience managing contracts and projects from inception to completion

• Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders

• Direct experience negotiating terms and resolving conflicts

• Strong ability to ensure compliance with terms and conditions and protect sensitive information

• Ability to manage multiple deadline-driven tasks and projects simultaneously

• Ability to adapt to changing 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 and develop effective solutions

• Strong proficiency with contract management systems and Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Skills/Experience

• 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)

• Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level III in Contracting (or equivalent)

• Previous experience briefing or presenting strategies to senior leadership and/or executive-level management

Location:

• DC Metro Area, MD, VA only as this is onsite

Travel:

• Travel for this position is estimated up to ≤10%

Salary Range:

$140,000 - $175,000

Equal Opportunity Employer:

NSTXL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

What We Offer: