Director Contracts

Job Summary

The Director of Contracts is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the contract lifecycle, including negotiation, execution, compliance, and renewal of contracts across Hillside Children’s Center (HCC). The role ensures that all contractual agreements align with legal, financial, and operational standards, while minimizing risk to the organization. This role manages relationships with various Strategic Partners (e.g. Departments of Social Services, OCFS, Managed Care Organizations etc.) in partnership with the Executive Directors, Vice Presidents, Chief Operating Officer and Legal Advisor.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement and oversee a system that ensures that all contracts are executed in a timely manner and that program and financial deliverables are acceptable to all involved stakeholders.
• Oversee the receipt and assessment of proposed service contracts, conducting high-level risk and impact analyses, ensure compliance and initiate internal review process. In collaboration with Finance, ED/VPs and other Support Departments, ensure strong revenue cycle management. As part of that process, identify and document the ultimate funding source (s) to each contract.
• Interpret and summarize complex contractual and legal issues, providing executive leadership with strategic recommendations, regarding creative solutions and risk mitigation planning.
• Serves as the organization’s primary liaison to the Funder’s Contract/Business Office, consults with Hillside’s Legal Advisor regarding contracts, and advises/supports ED/VPs as they negotiate details of the contract with the Funder.
• Provides leadership (EDs/VPs) with data to inform negotiation, management, and optimization of contracts that supports the financial health and operational efficiency of the organization.
• Collect all appropriate documentation for new contracts; such as current board profile, worker’s compensation certification, disability certification, general liability, W-9, etc.
• Draft and finalize contractual documents. Negotiate revisions, as appropriate, in collaboration with leadership and Legal Advisor. Review and note changes from previous contracts with same parties to notify Hillside stakeholders of any changes. Manage open items and deadlines to ensure timely processing of applications and execution of contracts.
• Maintain oversight of contract records and documentation such as receipt and control of all contract correspondence, contact information sheets, contractual changes and modifications, status reports and other documents for all projects.
• Ensure that signed contracts are received, stored and communicated to all relevant parties to provide contract visibility and awareness, and provide contractual interpretation to support implementation.
• Track re-credentialing deadlines and file re-credentialing paperwork, as well as any changes in credentialing (such as change of address, etc.).
• Manage contracting process through local, NYS and federal on-line systems.
• Monitor and track submissions and status changes with payers and update internal records.
• Provide strategic mentorship and onboarding to new leaders regarding contract ownership and responsibilities. Promote a culture of contract literacy and accountability across Programs.
• Partner with operational leaders to align contract requirements and ensure pre-submission deliverables are complete, accurate, and submitted on time. Facilitate collaborative planning to support readiness and compliance.
• While this job description covers many aspects of the role, employee may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

LEADERSHIP DUTIES

• Leadership: Communicates, supports and links Hillside mission, vision, values, goals, and strategies to everyday work and establishes clear, meaningful, challenging, and attainable objectives and expectations that are aligned with those of the organization.
• Management: Aligns the right work with the right people; delegates tasks according to people’s strengths and interests. Ensures staff has the skills and resources to be successful. Provides staff with coaching, training and opportunities for growth to improve their skills. Treats staff fairly and consistently. Shares accountability when delegating and involves staff in setting their performance goals.
• Governance: Ensures Hillside policies, procedures and all applicable governmental laws/regulations/guidelines are followed. Makes decisions and has authority to implement decisions in conjunction with the leadership structure of the given area of responsibility.
  
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human services or related area.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in contract management or related field required.
• Paralegal and/or risk management experience preferred.
  
  

Special Requirements

• Unrestricted, valid NYS driver’s license for minimum of 1 year with a clean driving record and minimum insurance coverage that meets agency standards.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

In addition to demonstrating the Hillside Professional Competencies of Communicates Effectively, Personal Excellence, Cultural Competence, Builds and Leverages Relationships, Optimizes Decision Making, Builds Talent and Engagement, Manages Change, Fosters Accountability and Results, the following occupational competencies must be demonstrated:

• Ability to apply systems thinking to problem resolution.
• Ability to remain current with industry trends which could impact contract management and administration.
• Ability to lead negotiations with funders, including use of legal terminology as required.
• Skilled at time management and demonstrated ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multifunctional team.
• High accuracy in reviewing contract language, identifying potential issues, and ensuring compliance with terms.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills for drafting clear contract language and collaborating across departments.
• Ability to evaluate complex contract terms, financial data, and legal risks to support sound business decisions.
  
  

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to work a variable scheduling including evenings and weekends
• The following physical demands are required:
• Occasional sitting (up to 4 hours)
• Occasional standing (up to 1 hour)
• Occasional walking (up to 2.5 hours)
• Occasional driving (up to 8 hours)
• Continuous balancing (up to 8 hours)
• Occasional balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching forward or down, reaching overhead, running, and twisting (up to 2.5 hours)
• Weekly lifting up to 50 lbs. (community-based staff may be required to lift an empty wheelchair weighing up to 50 lbs.), 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis
• Weekly carrying up to 55 lbs. approximately 10-100 ft., 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis
• Manual dexterity is required, including the frequent ability to grasp in both hands and continuous use of fine manipulation skills in both hands (approximately 1-2.5 hrs.)
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, gases or chemicals is apparent
• Protective clothing or equipment required: Close toed shoes; Protective Shields, Universal Precaution PPE, Gloves for toileting and food preparation
• Ability to change positions as needed

$70,000 Minimum pay rate, $105,000 Maximum pay rate, based on experience.