Contracts Associate

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Contracts Associate to join our growing biotechnology company. Reporting to the VP of Strategy and Business Development, this individual will be responsible for coordinating and administering the company’s contracting activities, ensuring contracts move efficiently through review, approval, execution, and ongoing management. The Contracts Associate will serve as the central point of contact for contract-related activities across the organization. This individual will also maintain our Contract Management System, coordinate purchase orders, monitor contractual obligations and deadlines, and ensure leadership has visibility into contract status and priorities.

This position will initially be part-time at approximately 20 hours per week, with the potential to expand asthe company grows.

What You'll Do:

• Contract Administration & Management
• Manage and coordinate the contracting process, including contract requests, preparation, review, approvals, execution, and filing of completed agreements
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contract-related activities, working closely with internal stakeholders, outside legal counsel, and external partners
• Maintain and continuously improve the company’s Contract Management System, ensuring all agreements and associated information are accurate, complete, and up to date
• Help establish and maintain efficient contracting workflows, standardized templates, and clear approval processes to streamline contract execution and minimize administrative burden on internal teams
• Proactively monitor contract obligations and deadlines, including payment milestones, renewals, termination notice periods, and deliverables, communicating upcoming commitments and required actions to appropriate stakeholders
• Contract Review, Negotiation & Legal Coordination
• Coordinate with outside legal counsel to facilitate timely review, negotiation, and execution of agreements
• Conduct initial administrative and business reviews of standard agreements to identify missing information, clarify business terms, and flag items requiring legal review
• Partner with functional leaders to understand business requirements and coordinate contract negotiations and revisions with internal stakeholders, vendors, consultants, and other external partners
• Support the preparation and processing of agreements, including confidentiality agreements (CDAs/NDAs), consulting agreements, master service agreements (MSAs), statements of work (SOWs), research agreements, and vendor contracts
• Purchase Order & Financial Coordination
• Coordinate with Finance to ensure purchase orders are appropriately linked to executed agreements, approved budgets, and spending commitments
• Track outstanding contractual obligations, following up on discrepancies, missing information, or required approvals
• Help maintain visibility into financial commitments associated with contracts and purchase orders

About You:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience
• Approximately 3-5 years of relevant experience in contract administration, contract management, legal operations, purchasing, or a related field
• Experience managing contract workflows, coordinating reviews and approvals, and maintaining contract databases or tracking systems
• Familiarity with common business agreements, including NDAs/CDAs, consulting agreements, MSAs, SOWs, and vendor contracts
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, scientists, and external partners
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and maintain momentum on projects with minimal oversight
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive business information with sound judgment and discretion
• Prior experience in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences is strongly preferred