Contracts Specialist

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

THE DETAILS

Job Code:

11584

Grade:

24S

Status:

Exempt

POSITION AND PURPOSE

The Contracts Specialist will be responsible for coordinating and conducting the review of all new and existing third-party/vendor contracts to ensure alignment with applicable law and internal contracting standards. 

The Contracts Specialist will provide a broad range of contract management review, analysis, reporting and support to internal business partners. Acts as a specialist/expert in providing guidance/advice on a range of contract management matters. Assists the Legal and Enterprise Risk Management teams in implementing and educating business partners on the contract management policies, standards, guidelines, tools, and procedures required to support the Credit Union's vendor management program.

This role will interface extensively and collaborate with various internal and external stakeholders and cross functional teams, including vendors, business owners, Enterprise Risk Management, Information Technology, Information Security, Compliance, Finance, Project Management Office, etc.

WHO WE ARE

Golden 1 Credit Union is among the top credit unions in the country. As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, Golden 1 is guided by the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” We are committed to empowering our members and uplifting our communities as we create a more equitable and financially inclusive California. We welcome all who embrace our Core Values.

WHO YOU ARE

You independently review and analyze third party and vendor contracts of varying complexity to ensure alignment with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and internal contracting standards, escalating issues as appropriate based on established guidelines and risk thresholds.

You are a knowledgeable contracts and risk resource who applies sound judgment to identify contractual risks and collaborates with Legal, Enterprise Risk Management, Information Security, and other stakeholders to support appropriate review, mitigation, and resolution of contract issues.

You partner across the organization to support effective contract management practices by applying standard contract requirements, educating stakeholders on contract processes, and contributing to the ongoing effectiveness of Golden 1’s vendor management and third party risk programs.

THE WORK

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Independently review, analyze, and draft contractual documents of varying complexity, including but not limited to Master Services Agreements (MSAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), Order Forms, and Non Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). Interpret and assess terms and conditions of routine and non routine agreements, identifying risk exposure, control gaps, and required escalations.

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Serve as the primary contract resource for vendor engagements, partnering closely with Credit Union attorneys, Compliance specialists, Enterprise Risk Management, and subject matter experts to ensure contract terms align with legal, regulatory, policy, and risk tolerance requirements.

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Influence contract structuring and language strategy by assisting in the development, refinement, and standardization of contract clauses and templates—particularly those related to risk, privacy, security, business continuity, and regulatory compliance.

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Administer the end to end contract review process for higher risk and complex matters, acting as the central point of coordination among internal and external parties and ensuring timely, compliant review by all required stakeholders (e.g., Legal, Compliance, Information Security, Enterprise Risk Management).

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Support contract data integrity and governance within contract management systems, ensuring accurate risk classification, audit readiness, and traceability—particularly for contracts subject to enhanced scrutiny or regulatory review.

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Develop and maintain strong, trusted advisory relationships with key stakeholders across business units and corporate functions.

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Maintain working knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and regulations impacting credit unions, vendor contracting, privacy, information security, and compliance, as appropriate to higher risk contract matters.

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Monitor and apply emerging trends and best practices in third party risk, vendor contracting, and contract management, translating insights into practical improvements for Golden 1—particularly for complex vendor relationships.

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Champion enterprise awareness of the contract review and vendor management programs, with particular emphasis on educating stakeholders about risk based contract requirements, escalation thresholds, and expectations for higher risk engagements.

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Perform other duties as required to support the Legal Department and the Credit Union.

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Develop and maintain an understanding of the pertinent regulatory requirements and risks inherent to job responsibilities, establish, and maintain control activities that mitigate those risks consistent with the Credit Union’s risk appetite, and ensure operational integrity and compliance with applicable regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

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Bachelor’s Degree in business, Finance, Accounting, Legal Studies, or a related field required

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5+ years of progressively responsible experience in contract management, legal operations, procurement, or as a corporate paralegal, with demonstrated experience handling complex, higher risk vendor contracts required

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Experience in financial services or other highly regulated industries is strongly preferred

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Demonstrated/strong knowledge of contract frameworks, contract management, contract language and industry standards. Ability to review and draft contracts and identify legal issues and liabilities.

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Solid grasp of governance, privacy and security laws, business continuity/resumption, risk management and compliance principles relevant to third-party vendors. Familiarity with the financial services industry, terminology, products and services.

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Proven ability to assess and manage elevated contractual risk and coordinate effective escalation and resolution.

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Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence outcomes across diverse audiences.

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Strong analytical, judgment, and problem solving skills, with a high degree of discretion and integrity.

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Ability to independently manage multiple complex matters while driving accountability and results.

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Proficiency in Microsoft Office and contract management systems; ability to leverage tools to improve risk visibility and process efficiency.

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Paralegal certification preferred

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTACTS AND RELATIONSHIPS

INTERNAL:

All levels of staff and management, including senior and executive leadership; frequent interaction with Legal, Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance, Information Security, and Technology teams for complex vendor matters.

EXTERNAL:

Vendor executives, account managers, legal representatives, and industry partners associated with higher risk or strategically significant vendor relationships.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work time includes weekend and after-hours time, based on organizational needs. This position works in-office where working conditions, lighting, temperature, audio, and workspace are all sufficient.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work requires the ability to constantly operate a computer and the ability to read, type, and communicate. Work may require the ability to move work-related supplies weighing up to 10-15 pounds.

DISCLAIMER/INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification. Because the nature of positions and job functions can change over time, this job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all essential functions, duties, responsibilities and qualifications requirements of team members assigned to this job. Job duties may be changed or modified in the Credit Union’s discretion. The Credit Union will keep team members updated on key functions, duties, and requirements of their position by communications from the Credit Union and by updating the job description from time to time. Any team member with questions about the nature of their job duties is encouraged to consult with their supervisor.

DECLARATION/ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This job description outlines the essential functions and physical/mental requirements necessary to perform this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.