Agreements Manager

Company description

Since 1995, The Forest Stewards Guild’s national network of members, staff, and partners have advanced the culture of forest stewardship based on ethical principles, best-available science, and diverse experience. We explore and demonstrate what works in the woods and showcase effective forest management practices through outreach, training, and policy development. In other words, we combine strategy and action to position ourselves as the heart of the forest stewardship movement, driving its growth and impact nationwide.  

Job Description

The Forest Stewards Guild is hiring a full-time Manager specializing in agreements and contracts. The Agreements Manager will support the strategic and operational priorities of the Forest Stewards Guild by managing the full lifecycle of contracts and agreements. The Manager will play an essential role in implementing ecological forestry in on-the-ground projects across the country. For example, the Manager will work with the Guild’s Program Managers to establish and track agreements with contractors to thin unhealthy forests, remove invasive plants, plant seedlings, and other restoration activities. This position strengthens the Guild’s growing national portfolio by ensuring compliance, efficiency, and strong internal systems across multiple states and funding sources.  

Working closely with Program Managers, the Business Director, and the Chief Development Officer (CDO), the Agreements Manager will serve as a key resource for contracts and agreement and organizational procurement processes.

Responsibilities 

The primary responsibility of the Agreements Manager is to coordinate and manage the lifecycle of contracts and agreements to ensure compliance with Guild policies and applicable federal regulations. The Manager will work simultaneously on multiple projects within defined timelines and budgets. They will track key deadlines, deliverables, payment schedules, and amendments while ensuring compliance with Guild policies and external funder requirements.  

Contracts and Agreements (Procurement & Partnerships) 

The Agreements Manager will work closely with Guild Program Managers on agreements with vendors, consultants, subrecipients, and partners. For example, the Manager will: 

• Lead the process for developing and disseminating requests for proposals (RFP),
• Present an assessment of contractors’ RFP responses to Guild program staff,
• Negotiate with contractors on agreements,
• Track payments to project contractors,
• Initiate and manage contract amendments when scope, budget, or timelines change,
• Support field verification of project implementation and completion, and
• Confirm deliverables are met; final payments are processed and close agreements.

In addition, the Contract and Agreement Manager will assist the Business Director to ensure the Guild’s standards, templates, and processes for contracts and agreements are robust and efficient. This will include: 

• Create and update the Guild’s agreement templates for contracting and entering partnerships with individuals and organizations.
• Draft, review, and manage contracts and agreements in conjunction with program managers for vendors, consultants, subrecipients, and partners.
• Ensure agreements align with the Guild procurement policy and comply with applicable federal regulations (e.g., 2 CFR and FAR).
• Assess organizational risk and review of contract documents for accuracy, rationality, and completeness.
• Coordinate required internal approvals and serve as a liaison between program staff, development, leadership, and external partners.
• Serve as a resource for all Guild staff on best practices for agreements and contracts.
• Support continuous improvement of internal systems and standard operating procedures.
• Provide guidance, training, and materials to staff to improve compliance and workflow efficiency.
• Join monthly development team meetings to maintain awareness of new contracting opportunities.
• Exercise sound, independent judgment and the wisdom to elevate unusual or complex issues to Guild leadership.
• Support continuous improvement of internal systems and standard operating procedures.
• Analyze research and address changes to rules and regulations.
• ​​​​​​​Maintain confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive information.

Qualifications

The Guild expects the Agreements Manager to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, non-profit management, or related field.
• At least two years of experience reading, interpreting, drafting, negotiating, and implementing contracts and agreements.
• ​​​​​​​A Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) certification or willingness to become certified within 18 months of hire and maintain certification.
• Experience collaborating with government agencies, nonprofit partners, vendors, and consultants.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and administrative skills including demonstrated excellence in,
  • Working both independently and collaboratively with staff across multiple remote locations and departments,
  • Juggling multiple projects with varying deadlines at the same time,
  • Connecting with a wide range of people and conflicting opinions.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy, with skill in working in a timely and well-organized fashion.
• Commitment to the mission of the Forest Stewards Guild to both practice and promote stewardship for a healthy future for people and forests.
• Experience with forestry, restoration, or natural resource management is preferred.
• ​​​​​​​Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States with a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Additional Information

Compensation and Benefits  

The starting compensation is $33.50 to $35.51 per hour depending on experience. The Forest Stewards Guild offers the opportunity to advance based on performance and leadership, which we assess annually. The Guild offers a competitive benefits package that includes: 

• Paid time off and sick leave,
• Employer-sponsored comprehensive health, vision, and dental care coverage paid at 80%,
• Short and long-term disability policies, accidental death/dismemberment, and life insurance,
• Paid and unpaid family leave and unpaid medical leave,
• Flexible Spending Accounts, and
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 5% employer match.

The Guild is dedicated to providing an open, transparent, and just organization and workplace. We foster a work culture that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports a healthy work-life balance, and fosters personal growth. The Guild is an equal opportunity employer.    

Location  

This is a remote position, and the Agreements Manager can work out of a home office or co-working space. The Guild’s goal is to hire an Agreements Manager who can drive within two hours to one of our existing staff hubs to facilitate collaboration. The Guild will give preference to applicants near the Guild’s existing staff hubs in Santa Fe, New Mexico; Portland, Maine; Northern Minnesota, or Asheville, North Carolina. The Agreements Manager will be expected to meet with other staff regularly at the Guild Staff hub they are located nearest to. Occasional travel (one or two multi-day trips per year) for Guild team meetings will also be required.