Senior Contracts Manager (TS Clearance)

Location US-VA-Fairfax

ID 2026-4204

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.

The Sr. Contract Manager supports cradle to grave contract lifecycle management. This role ensures compliance with FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific regulations while facilitating efficient contract execution and performance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of U.S. government contracting processes. The position is located in Fairfax, VA.

This is a senior-level position suited for professionals experienced in federal contracts who can work independently and provide support on complex or high-value contracts. The ideal candidate should have management, proposal cost volume and day-to-day experience in the full range of contracts and requires independent judgment and identification, analysis and resolution of significant issues.

Contract Formation & Negotiation

Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of government and contract agreements, including, OTA's, CRADA's, task orders, and NDAs.
• Coordinate contract language with internal stakeholders (legal, finance, technical program teams, procurement).
• Support proposal development drafting contract volumes and ensuring contractual compliance with solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, BAAs, etc.).

Contract Administration & Management

• Maintain and track all active contract files, modifications, funding ceilings, deliverables, and performance periods.
• In-depth understanding of FAR, DFARs and CMMC requirements
• Experience with Commercial Products and Services and Reseller agreements, to include FAR Part 12
• Manage correspondence and change documentation between the company, subcontractors, and government representatives (e.g., CO, COR).
• Ensure proper closeout of completed contracts and documentation per FAR requirements.

Compliance & Risk Mitigation

• Interpret and apply FAR/DFARS clauses and agency supplements.
• Identify potential compliance risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Support internal and external audits as required.

Process Improvement

• Recommend and assist in implementing process improvements for contract management workflows, templates, and documentation standards.
• Train internal project teams on contract and compliance best practices.

Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across the organization to solution business needs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor more junior members of the contracts and procurement team
• Serves as Deputy to the Director of Contracts and Procurement Team.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Contracts, Law, Finance, or related field, Masters degree a plus, or experience in lieu of degree.
• 12 years of experience in contract administration in Federal Contracting environment (preferably in an R&D, technology, or defense environment).
• Active TS or TS/SCI security clearance
• Demonstrated experience with FAR, DFARS, and other federal acquisition regulations.
• Hands-on experience with cost-reimbursement, time & materials, and firm-fixed-price contract types.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with contract management and ERP tools (e.g., Deltek Costpoint).
• High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Solid understanding of contracting principles and flow-down requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of government property management requirements under FAR Part 45 and FAR Part 52.245-1
• Experience supporting property tracking, inventory control, or government-furnished property (GFP) processes.
• Experience supporting OTA's, CRADA's and other non-standard contract types
• Familiarity with DCMA and DCAA audit processes.

$150,000- $190,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.