Job Description

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems.

The Senior Contracts Manager is responsible for cradle-to-grave contract lifecycle management for a portfolio of federal government contracts and agreements. This role ensures compliance with FAR, DFARS, agency-specific regulations, and company policies while supporting business growth through effective contract strategy, negotiation, administration, and risk management.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned government contracts professional with extensive experience supporting proposal efforts, negotiating complex agreements, advising program leadership, and managing contract performance throughout the contract lifecycle. This position requires independent judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex contractual and business issues.

Location: Fairfax, VA, and Beavercreek, OH

Responsibilities

Contract Formation & Negotiation

• Draft, review, negotiate, and administer a broad range of government contracts and agreements, including prime contracts, subcontracts, task orders, OTAs, CRADAs, NDAs, teaming agreements, and other business arrangements.
• Partner with Finance, Procurement, Program Management teams to negotiate contract terms and conditions that protect company interests while supporting business objectives.
• Support business development and proposal activities by reviewing solicitations, assessing contractual risk, drafting contract volumes, and ensuring compliance with solicitation requirements.

Contract Administration & Management

• Manage a portfolio of contracts through the full contract lifecycle, including award, modification, funding management, performance monitoring, and closeout.
• Serve as the primary contractual interface with government contracting officers, contracting officer representatives, subcontractors, and business partners.
• Ensure timely contract closeout and records retention in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Interpret and apply FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, and other applicable regulations.
• Identify contractual, compliance, and business risks and develop practical mitigation strategies.
• Advise management and program teams on contractual rights, obligations, and compliance requirements.
• Support internal reviews, customer audits, DCAA audits, DCMA reviews, and other compliance assessments.

Process Improvement & Training

• Lead initiatives to improve contract management processes, procedures, templates, and internal controls.
• Develop and deliver training to program, business, and functional teams on contractual requirements and best practices.
• Promote consistency, compliance, and operational efficiency across the contracts function.

Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior management on contractual and business matters.
• Mentor and develop junior contracts professionals.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to resolve complex contractual issues and support strategic business initiatives.
• Serve as deputy to the Director of Contracts and Procurement and provide leadership support across the department as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Contracts Management, Finance, Law, or a related field; Master's degree preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in federal government contract management, preferably supporting R&D, technology, aerospace, defense, or government services organizations.
• Active TS or TS/SCI security clearance.
• Demonstrated expertise in FAR, DFARS, and federal acquisition regulations.
• Experience supporting proposal development, including contract strategy, compliance reviews, and cost volume participation.
• Extensive experience administering Cost-Reimbursement, Firm-Fixed-Price, Time-and-Materials, Labor-Hour, IDIQ, and GSA Schedule contracts.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using contract management and ERP systems, preferably Deltek Costpoint.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Thorough understanding of subcontracting, flow-down requirements, intellectual property considerations, and contract risk management.

Global Comp

$150,000- $190,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.