ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Chapin Hall is an independent policy research center at the University of Chicago that provides public and private decision-makers with rigorous research and achievable solutions to support them in improving the lives of children, families, and communities. Chapin Hall partners with policymakers, practitioners, and philanthropists at the forefront of research and policy development by applying a unique blend of scientific research, real-world experience, and policy expertise to construct actionable information, practical tools, and, ultimately, positive change for children, youth, and families. Established in 1985, Chapin Hall's areas of research include child welfare systems, community capacity to support children and families, and youth homelessness. For more information about Chapin Hall, visit www.chapinhall.orgor @Chapin_Hall. Also, take a moment and view this video clip from various staff regarding why they enjoy working at Chapin Hall.

Chapin Hall’s unwavering partnership mindset is also demonstrated in its commitment to employees by always fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that is committed to reflecting diversity and inclusion in its culture, projects, and workforce. We embrace diverse backgrounds, diverse perspectives, and diverse experiences in everything we do, in every partnership, and in our workplace. Our inclusive approach to people, partnerships, and communities makes us a better and stronger organization by bringing in innovative, highly motivated, multidisciplinary staff committed to fostering a truly collaborative work environment. We are committed to a respectful and inclusive work environment, work life flexibility, and partnerships that support both the diversity amongst our staff and within the communities we serve.

We are committed to maintaining a flexible, family-friendly work culture that meets the needs of our staff and external partners. We embrace a work from anywhere mindset that allows our staff to be empowered regarding their work and personal commitments while working remotely.

This position reports to Lisa Williams, Chapin Hall Counsel. The work location for this position is flexible and remote work will be considered.

JOB DESCRIPTION

At any one time, Chapin Hall is engaged in contractual relationships with over 100 project sponsors, 75+ individual contractors, and a myriad of vendors who supply goods to the organization and its projects. The Paralegal is responsible for overseeing all aspects of contracts management at Chapin Hall. Other responsibilities include assisting with risk management activities and critical administrative tasks in support of Counsel and Counsel’s responsibilities. The role will work closely with Research Administration, Accounting, administrative departments, and project staff to ensure seamless and efficient contracting and execution.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Contracts Management

• Serve as the main point of contact for all organizational contracting requests to include facilitating the initial intake of requests
• Draft, review, revise, and negotiate various contracts under the supervision of Counsel ensuring optimal contract structure and terms for effective and efficient financial and project execution
• Assist with ensuring all contracts follow legal and regulatory requirements and Chapin Hall policies
• Manage the contracts routing process to include tracking contracts through the life cycle from initial request through execution, following-up with relevant parties as needed; and managing the signature process with internal and external signatories
• Manage and maintain contracts management software including optimal reporting and leveraging software tools to ensure timely and efficient contract action
• Communicate expiration dates and other important contract terms to colleagues across the organization
• Complete new vendor requests for all newly contracted vendors and support onboarding
• Provide summaries of business terms in agreements as needed to include verifying all documents are accurate and fully executed in a timely manner; and ensuring that procurement documentation meets the requirements of internal policy
• Serve as a primary point of contact for procurement requests; manage the procurement request process and ensure compliance with procurement policy and procedures
• Coordinate with Research Administration, Accounting, administrative departments, and project leads, as needed

Risk Management

• Manage relationship with external state registration partner; serve as Chapin Hall liaison and point on contact for all state registrations to include maintaining accounts on sponsor systems to update online registrations and complete reporting requirements
• Maintain accounts on all sponsor/state systems
• Facilitate insurance requests for certificates and annual commercial insurance renewal process
• Coordinate all non-financial administrative reporting requirements for federal, state, local, and foundation contracts

Administrative

• Provide service and support to the organization by working in collaboration with functional areas/colleagues on critical administrative initiatives aimed at efficiency and effectiveness
• Assist Counsel and Chief of Staff with policy administration and implementation
• Assist Counsel with other administrative duties as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certification preferred; five (5) years of work experience in the legal/contracting field required.
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to understand process flows and recommend and implement improvements
• Understand deadlines and apply an appropriate sense of urgency to all tasks
• Understand implied tasks in directions and able to move projects toward completion
• Work independently and demonstrate initiative; be thorough, detail oriented, and organized
• Always demonstrate attention to detail with a focus on accuracy
• Must be able to work in a high-volume contracting environment
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and work habits
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated capacity for working collaboratively with others
• Demonstrate judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information
• Culturally sensitive and willing to interact with diverse staff at all levels
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Chapin Hall is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our staff. We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and follow the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time; prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to operate a computer extensively for four (4) or more hours per day.

Important Note for Potential Candidates: On September 9, 2021, President Biden announced a six-point COVID-19 action plan. As a follow up to the initial announcement, the government has shared more details about the federal contractor guidance, including that staff who work for businesses that perform certain federal contracts are required to be fully vaccinated. As a federal contractor, Chapin Hall must follow and implement the federal vaccination requirements. This requirement applies to all current and future Chapin Hall employees. Chapin Hall is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it is our policy to provide reasonable accommodations to any qualified individual who because of a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief or practice receives an exemption from the vaccination requirement, provided that such accommodation would not result in an undue hardship for the organization.

Pre-employment background checks are required for all Chapin Hall positions. To express interest in this opening, please visit https://csschcc.sentrichr.com.

Formal expressions of interest are accepted online only.

A cover letter, resume, writing sample, and reference contact information are required to be considered for this position.

Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations to complete the application process should contact Human Resources by calling (773) 256-5157, or by sending an email to humanresources@chapinhall .org.

Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that values and actively seeks diversity in its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, status as an individual with disability, ancestry, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

• Legal: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: Remote

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