Director of Contracts

Black River Systems Company, Inc. is an established, employee-owned engineering firm headquartered in Utica, NY. We specialize in advanced research and development for the U.S Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and commercial customers. We are seeking an experienced Director of Contracts to lead our Contracts Department. This individual will manage all aspects of government contract administration while helping to build scalable processes that support the continued growth of the company. The Director of Contracts is responsible for overseeing the negotiation, administration, compliance, and closeout of prime contracts and subcontracts. The position ensures compliance with applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other contractual requirements; oversees contract deliverables and reporting requirements; and communicates contractual obligations to management and technical staff. The Director of Contracts works closely with Executive Management, Business Area Leaders, Program Managers, Finance, and Business Development to support successful program execution and growth. Responsibilities include: * Lead the Contracts Department and supervise contracts personnel. * Negotiate, administer, and manage contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements, and other contractual instruments throughout the contract lifecycle. * Ensure timely processing of contract awards, modifications, extensions, supplemental funding actions, key personnel notifications, and contract closeouts. * Review solicitations, contract modifications, and other contractual documents to identify risks, ensure compliance, and support proposal development. * Interpret and communicate contractual requirements, terms, and conditions to executive leadership, program managers, and technical staff. * Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, and Black River policies and procedures in meeting all requirements of Contract Purchasing System Reviews and other Government audits. * Oversee contracts deliverables, reporting requirements, and internal compliance processes. * Coordinate with Program Managers and Finance regarding funding, billing, contractual obligations, and contract administrative matters. * Maintain company registrations, including SAM.gov, and oversee other required federal regulations. * Develop and maintain relationships with contracting officers, Defense Contracts Management Agency (DCMA), Defense Contract Audit Agency, and other government representatives. * Review and maintain contract information within Deltek Costpoint. * Prepare, review, and negotiate non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), teaming agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and other business agreements. * Review, negotiate, and administer commercial agreements, including supplier terms and conditions, purchase orders, basic ordering agreements (BOAs), and Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreements. * Support Business Development by reviewing contractual requirements associated with new business opportunities. * Advise executive management on contractual risk, compliance issues, and business implications. Position Requirements: * Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Management, Accounting, or related field. * Minimum of 10 years of experience in federal contract management, including at least 5 years in a leadership role. * Demonstrated expertise administering FAR- and DFARS-based contracts throughout the contract lifecycle. * Experience negotiating and administering prime contracts, subcontracts, and related contractual agreements. * Strong understanding of government procurement regulations and contract compliance. * Experience supporting proposal development, contract negotiations, and contract closeouts. * Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. * Strong wr