Position: Contracts Specialist
Reports to: Sr. Contracts Manager
Compensation*: Competitive starting hourly rate $39.23 - 49.42 commensurate with skills and experience, Full Pay Range: $39.23 - $59.62
*Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, and certifications in the pay equity assessment to determine equitable salary placement. Candidates should expect compensation offers within the starting compensation range. The full pay range is included to show the potential earnings for this position with sustained high performance.
Employment Classification: Full-Time, Contract
Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible, position is open until filled
Office Location: Portland Metro Area, Oregon, USA
What We're Looking For:
The Contracts Specialist plays an important role in supporting Energy Trust's purpose and values by providing a wide range of services related to contracts and customer program participation and incentive forms, including procurement support, contracts administration, and ensuring our agreements align with relevant policies, procedures, and program requirements. The Contracts Specialist analyzes information, identifies and helps resolve contracting issues, and supports strategies to minimize risk and improve contracting processes and workflows. The position also provides contracting guidance and support to staff across the organization.
The Contracts Specialist is responsible for negotiating, drafting, and finalizing contracts relating to Energy Trust programs, projects, and operations. They interface with employees across the organization helping to: develop, review, and approve forms that define obligations and responsibilities for program participation, incentive and grant funding; act as a subject matter expert and support competitive solicitations for identifying and selecting contractors according to organizational policies and procedures, including Energy Trust's inclusive procurement program requirements; help integrate contracts and forms with Energy Trust data systems; and maintain contracts and contract records. The Contracts Specialist takes considerable initiative, yet if the incumbent is not an attorney, will perform any work that is legal in nature under the oversight of an attorney. The position is not supervisory in nature.
This individual reports to the Sr. Contracts Manager.
This position is expected to report to the Portland office quarterly at a minimum for all staff and monthly team meetings, and other in-person meetings as determined by the General Counsel. This position would be required to travel as needed in support of regional board meetings and community events.
What You'll Do:
• Negotiates and drafts contracts for a range of programs and projects. Contract types and complexity varies widely, but may include nondisclosure agreements, licensing agreements and software agreements, services agreements, and other agreements supporting Energy Trust programs and operations. Supports more complex contracting matters in coordination with senior contracts management and legal staff.
• Reviews contract scopes and terms for consistency with Energy Trust policies, principles, and program needs and identifies issues requiring additional legal review.
• Develops and reviews program forms that define energy program participation obligations and responsibilities.
• Generates and/or edits unique documents (letters, memos, etc.) with the express purpose of translating programmatic desires and requirements into legally sufficient documentation detailing the contractual aspects.
• Supports plain language contract improvements and enhancements to Energy Trust's contracting processes, systems, administration, and compliance. Conducts research in areas of contracting and procurement, as needed; gathers and compiles data and information; prepares memos and/or reports. Capable of analyzing a regulatory framework and applying it to the situation at hand.
• Reinforces consistency in the organization's policies and procedures and provides support and guidance related to competitive solicitation and contracting requirements and administration.
• Supports staff in developing competitive solicitations, including requests for proposals, and in reviewing proposals in accordance with Energy Trust procurement policies and procedures. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
• Perform all functions of the job in a safe manner.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Requirements
What You'll Need:
• Bachelor's degree in business, contracts management, procurement, legal studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience. Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school is a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in contracting, procurement, contract administration, or similar directly related work.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating and developing contracts, with sound contract negotiation and administration skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with contracting language, processes and systems.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively across disciplines and with contract counterparties.
• Strong and effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and reprioritize work, perform effectively under pressure, adapt to changing demands, meet deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong customer service skills and experience working effectively in culturally diverse settings and groups.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, Copilot, etc., meeting collaboration software (e.g. Teams/Zoom, etc.), SharePoint, Adobe, DocuSign, and willing to learn new skills and applications.
• Demonstrated ability to use discretion, maintain the confidentiality of sensitive legal and financial information, exercise sound judgment, and take appropriate initiative as needed.
• Experience in energy efficiency, renewables energy or the utility industry is preferred.
The above information is designed to outline the major functions and position requirements of this job. It does not identify all tasks that may be expected, nor address the performance standards that must be maintained.
Application Instructions:
Please submit a cover letter and resume on Energy Trust's website www.energytrust.org/About/careers.
All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background check (which may include employment verification, education verification, criminal history, motor vehicle record) and reference checks.
Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that candidates from certain demographics are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification-for example, women and People of Color. At Energy Trust we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace-if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.
