Contracts Manager, Global Economy and Development

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The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.  

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. 

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors. 

The Global Economy and Development program at Brookings aims to shape the policy debate on how to improve global economic cooperation and fight global poverty and sources of social stress.   The program’s research agenda is related to policies and trends affecting developing countries including global poverty, universal education, the global middle class, fragile states, globalization, inequality, foreign assistance and development effectiveness. 

Position Location: Most Brookings positions are hybrid, combining regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC, office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week. We will prioritize candidates in or willing to relocate to the DC area for hybrid work, but will also consider remote applicants. Remote work applicants may not work from the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.  

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.   

Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation.  Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.    

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The Contracts Manager is responsible for the overall contracting and procurement of goods and services for the Global Economy and Development program, along with providing financial and grant management and administration support. Responsibilities include the preparation, management, implementation, and reconciliation of contracts and financial transactions; management of contract and procurement processes; training, compliance, and due diligence efforts; and budget forecasting, expense tracking, and other financial and administrative tasks as requested.

Contract & Procurement Management (80%)

• Works in partnership with Global’s Senior Financial Officer (SFO), program staff, and the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), to draft and/or review research and vendor contracts, sub-award agreements, and memorandums of understanding.
• Based on the needs of program teams, drafts no-cost extensions and other amendments and agreements for funders/donors.
• Develops and manages a streamlined process for the intake and day-to-day contract workflow process.
• Provides training, guidance resources, and support to research and program staff on contract and procurement processes.
• Liaises with Global financial and program staff on receipt of contract deliverables and payments, ensuring proper accrual and classification and timely disbursement.
• Reviews required reports, certifications, and other deliverables from consultants and sub-awardees to monitor performance and ensure full compliance with grant funding.
• Routes documents through SharePoint for approval and files documents as appropriate.
• In partnership with OGC, develops and manages the program’s due diligence, training, and documentation processes for consultants, vendors, and sub-awardees.
• Coordinates contract activity with other Global financial staff in their respective portfolio areas.
• Oversees procurement processes and is responsible for the timeliness of transactions, paperwork submission, and the accuracy of posted charges.
• Assists and advises staff members on the Institution’s financial and procurement policies and processes including research contracts, external billing, memorandums of understanding, reimbursements, etc.
• Serves as a liaison with other Global financial and development staff, as well as other research programs and departments including: Central Development, Accounting, Grants Administration departments, as well as OGC.

Budget, Grant Management and Administration (20%)

• Forecasts, updates, monitors, and manages project budgets for a small, designated portfolio in coordination with project principals and the Managing Director. 
• Develops proposal budgets and monitors grants, pledges, and cash flow to allocate revenue accordingly.
• Implements grant setup and terms, which includes review and routing of award documents for signature, entering grant details, monitoring project expenditures against each grant, and ensuring proper documentation and financial reporting to maintain compliance with funding conditions, contractual obligations, and auditing criteria.  
• Manages and tracks revenue allocation and funding distribution; ensures sound fiscal stewardship of grant funds.
• Prepares monthly budget to actual reports, including variance analysis for presentation to project principals and the Managing Director and incorporation into dashboard reports.
• Provides analyses, reporting, and other materials to facilitate the review and decision making on financial matters related to the projects, as well as on cost savings and effective cross program efficiencies to best utilize program resources.
• Monitors all monthly financial costs associated with projects within portfolio and submits journal entries as necessary for corrections. Allocates labor across portfolio in collaboration with project principals and adhering to guidelines from the grant agreement.
• Provides additional assistance as requested by the Managing Director.

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications: 

Education/Experience Requirements: 

Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required (preferably in business or nonprofit administration, finance, or management).  Minimum four years of experience in contracting/subawards, procurement, grant management, budgeting and finance, and/or related fields required; experience supporting complex donor-funded grants strongly preferred. A background in a nonprofit, research or academic setting is strongly preferred. Experience working with international vendors and organizations strongly preferred. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. 

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

Ability to multi-task and be flexible on workflow; knowledge of Microsoft (MS) Office Suite and strong proficiency in MS Excel required, including the use of advanced formulas, pivot tables, charts and other data analysis tools. Knowledge of grants management, procurement, and/or subaward best practices in international contexts strongly preferred. Must be familiar with budgeting or accounting software; knowledge of Workday and/or PeopleSoft a plus. Knowledge of foreign government grants is preferred. Ability to manage a diverse portfolio of funding from proposal through final reporting preferred. Ability to build and manage budgets to include budget compliance and forecasting preferred. Must have ability to analyze data for historical perspective and risk management. Initiative and a high degree of judgment, tact and discretion in dealing with relationships at all levels, inside and outside of the Program, in addition to managing confidential and sensitive matters. Proven ability to work independently and efficiently under pressure and to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to work well in a team environment as a creative thinker and quick learner. Adherence to deadlines, attention to detail, and strong communications skills are essential.

Additional Information: 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. 

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment. 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings. 

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.