Director of Contracts

The Copper River Family of Companies is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Director of Contracts to lead and manage all aspects of government contracting for our organization. The Director of Contracts will be responsible for overseeing the development, negotiation, administration, and compliance of government contracts across federal, state, and local agencies. This individual will work closely with senior management, business development teams, legal departments, and government stakeholders to ensure the company’s contractual obligations are met while mitigating risk and ensuring full compliance with applicable regulations. This role is located in Chantilly, VA, and reports directly to the Chief Legal Officer (CLO).

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Contract Lifecycle Management
  • Manage the full contract lifecycle, from pre-award to post-award, including drafting, reviewing, executing, and modifying contract documents.
  • Partner with business development and capture teams to ensure contracts are structured properly during the proposal process.
  • Develop and execute contracting strategies for government contracts.
  • Negotiate government contracts, including those under FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and agency-specific regulations.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define terms, pricing, scope, and deliverables.
  • Implement process improvements to enhance contract management efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
  • Stay informed on changes to government contracting laws, regulations, and industry trends.

• Contract Compliance & Risk Management
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local government contract regulations, including FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific requirements.
  • Manage risks related to contract terms, performance, and compliance, implementing strategies to minimize exposure.
  • Provide guidance on contract terms, compliance, and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Lead responses to audits, investigations, and inquiries related to government contracts.
  • Handle disputes, claims, and protests, ensuring timely and compliant resolution.

• Government Relationship Management
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for government contracting officers and program managers.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key government stakeholders to facilitate contract negotiations and issue resolution.

• Training & Mentorship
  • Provide training to internal teams (legal, finance, operations) on government contracting processes, compliance, and best practices.
  • Mentor contract managers and administrative staff and foster a high-performance contracts team.

 

Essential Job Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Law, Contract Management, or a related field required.
  • A JD (Juris Doctor) or advanced certification in government contracting (i.e. CPCM, CCM) is a plus.
• Requirements:
  • At least 10-15 years' experience in government contracts management, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
  • Experience with federal contracts, as well as state and local government contracts.
  • ANC/Tribal experience and/or 8(a) experience preferred.
  • In-depth knowledge of the FAR, DFARS, and other government procurement regulations.
  • Strong experience in contract negotiation, administration, and compliance in the government sector.
  • Familiarity with government contract types, including firm-fixed-price (FFP), cost-plus, time-and-materials (T&M), and IDIQ.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple contracts and teams while ensuring compliance and minimizing risks.
  • Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills to engage with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Ability to manage conflict and resolve disputes effectively.

About Copper River