Conservation Contracts Specialist at The Nature Conservancy in Durham, North Carolina

Job Description:

OFFICE LOCATION

Durham, North Carolina, USA

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Conservation Contracts Specialist will work on strategic priorities of the North Carolina Business Unit's Conservation Team, through efficient administrative support of contracts and related financial management. The types of contractual and financial agreements within the scope of this job include but are not limited to contracts for services, public and private grant sub-awards, other money out agreements, task orders, and related amendments. The Conservation Contracts Specialist will complete an internal training program to become a "Certified Contract Specialist" and participate in recertification training and community-of-practice discussions and meetings.

The primary role of the Conservation Contracts Specialist will serve as a resource to Conservation Project Managers by coordinating all aspects of the lifecycle for contracts and other financial agreements. They will develop, review, manage, and track contracts and other agreements. They will ensure that contracts and agreements comply with TNC's policies and procedures, as well as external requirements. They will aid Project Managers with the financial administration of contracts, agreements, and grants. The Conservation Contracts Specialist will communicate with staff in various programs across the Conservancy, as well as with vendors, consultants, partners, and business relations. The North Carolina Business Unit has a high volume of contracts and grants, and this is a new position that will be embedded in the Conservation Team to streamline workflow and improve effectiveness. To better serve programmatic needs, the Conservation Contracts Specialist will have a broad understanding of conservation and stay informed of TNC's restoration and protection efforts.

Specific responsibilities of the Conservation Contracts Specialist include:

• Advising Project Managers on requirements for contracts and agreements, including the necessary forms, approvals, and reviews.
• Assisting Project Managers with financial administration of contracts, agreements, grants, and sub-awards including preparing and monitoring budgets.
• Drafting contracts and agreements with input from Project Managers, using available templates.
• Assessing risk factors and reviewing contract documents for reasonableness, thoroughness, and accuracy.
• Acting as the primary liaison for communication between Conservation Project Managers, Finance, Legal, and Grants Specialists, including circulating contracts and other essential documents for approvals and signatures.
• Working directly with vendors, consultants, grantees, and partners to support requests for proposals and bids, obtain required forms and information, and coordinate efficient payment of invoices.
• Maintaining internal auditable files for each contract with required documentation to ensure they are complete and in compliance with TNC's standard operating procedures.
• Maintaining a database to track information, approvals, deadlines, and payment schedules related to contracts and agreements.
• Determining if a contract amendment is needed based on various factors related to the work and implementing steps to draft amendments and obtain approvals.
• Closing out contracts and agreements by confirming that all tasks and deliverables are complete, and the final payment is made.
• Communicating or distributing information to assist Conservation staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow.
• Providing guidance, training, and/or materials to Conservation staff related to compliance with standard operating procedures and best practices for contracts and agreements.
• Assisting Conservation staff with other contract-related administrative tasks, as needed, such as responding to inquiries, processing forms, creating reports and program materials, drafting correspondence, planning meetings, and supporting hiring and training.

Work is primarily in an office or home office and involves little to no exposure to outdoor settings and infrequent minor physical exertion. This position may occasionally require travel and working flexible hours as needed. The position is full-time for a three-year term subject to renewal based on available funding.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by supporting the work of our team!

We're looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver. The ideal candidate should have excellent communication and organization skills and experience coordinating complex projects. Candidates must live in the state of North Carolina and will work from their home office or in a hybrid work arrangement where TNC has an already established office. This position is not eligible for relocation or immigration assistance.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience, or equivalent combination.
• Experience performing and coordinating administrative processes.
• Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading.
• Experience generating reports and interpreting data.
• Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines.
• Experience working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
• Strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service skills and focus.
• Ability to write and edit written materials.
• Experience or coursework related to reading, writing, or interpreting contracts, agreements, or other legal documents.
• Knowledge of conservation.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $55,000 - $62,000 for annual base salary. 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. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 55854, submit your resume and cover letter online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on November 30th, 2024. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.

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