DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS SPECIALIST

Seeking a full-time Contracts & Risk Management Specialist to support ESa’s current Risk Manager. This individual should ideally have either a background in construction contracts or law and/or experience in risk management and contracts in the Architecture, Engineering or Construction Industry with a minimum of 3-5 years relevant experience.

This role will work in close collaboration with the current Risk Manager, firm leadership, Principals, design team members and the marketing team. They will be expected to understand and articulate knowledge of contracts and the risks associated with the design services provided by ESa.

ESa (Earl Swensson Associates, Inc.) is a 65-year-old nationally recognized architecture firm located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. The firm provides design services in architecture, interior architecture, master planning and space planning, serving clients across the country in commercial, community arts, education, healthcare, hospitality, residential and senior living markets.

Position: Full-time with benefits

Position Reports to: ESa’s President

Base Salary: Based on experience/expertise

Office Location: Nashville, TN

Primary Work Location: ESa’s office when not traveling for business

Travel: Limited travel required

ROLE / RESPONSIBILITES

Assist the Risk Manager in:

• Maintaining and updating ESa’s risk management process
• Reviewing, writing and communicating/negotiating ESa proposals and contracts with both project owners & consultants
• Reviewing RFQs and RFPs relative to the evaluation of risks and contracts and providing guidance on the firm’s responses
• Reviewing and offering feedback on special forms, certifications and Supplemental Conditions in architectural specifications
• Providing insurance and risk education within firm, including Emerging Professional education for ARE exams; communicating the value of risk management; and educating the organization on the risk management process
• Serving as a liaison between ESa and our outside counsel and insurer, relative to contracts and professional liability
• Tracking database information related to contracts and certificates of insurance
• Managing ESa’s document retention process and off-site document storage
• Conducting research related to architectural licensing in various jurisdictions
• Assisting project teams with troubleshooting issues related to firm liability
• Integrating risk management with other organizational processes – building bridges to other functional and business areas within the firm, including Marketing and Design Technology
• Developing and integrating crisis management processes within the firm in collaboration with the firm’s Crisis Management Team
• Participate in community activities / civic groups / professional organizations to establish good outside relationships and to support the community
• Other duties as assigned by the Risk Manager

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 3-5 years of experience in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction (AEC) contract negotiation and drafting; AEC litigation / dispute resolution; and experience in risk identification, assessment, and mitigations related to AEC contracts.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Law, Risk Management or equivalent

Preferred

• Understanding of design process as well as design and construction trends and best practices, including design technology
• Basic comprehension of design & construction contract language
• Excellent communication skills – written and oral
• Ability to distill complex concepts into simple, understandable terms
• Process and detail-oriented focus – with demonstrated analytical, organizational and proofreading skills and ability to identify and analyze for the mitigation of risk
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to work collaboratively across various teams and communicate candidly, with honesty and sensitivity to the audience
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and work calmly under the stress of multiple deadlines
• Good listener with the ability to objectively hear opposing views and arrive at independent solutions that avoid unnecessary risks for the firm
• Ability to negotiate with multiple parties and varying priorities in order to reach consensus on acceptable solutions
• Ability to balance between enforcing compliance and adapting to the realities of the firm’s culture and organization
• Persuasive, yet flexible and open to diverse ideas
• Inquisitive with the desire for continuous growth and learning
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity

Software Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel and Powerpoint)
• Adobe Acrobat and BlueBeam
• Knowledge of AIA Contract Documents Software (Preferred, but not required)