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Contract Drafting Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Contracts Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$102K - $136K/yr

Significant experience in contract drafting, negotiation, and administration, underpinned by a keen attention to detail and precision. * Exceptional communication skills, adept at liaising with a ...

Contracts Manager

Arlington, VA

$102K - $136K/yr

Significant experience in contract drafting, negotiation, and administration, underpinned by a keen attention to detail and precision. * Exceptional communication skills, adept at liaising with a ...

Qualifications: 4-7+ years of contract drafting and negotiations experience or advanced degree (e.g., MBA not JD) and 3-5 years of experience In-house legal department experience is strongly ...

Contracts Manager

Annapolis Junction, MD · Hybrid

$97K - $130K/yr

Proven Contract Drafting and Negotiation skills. * FAR/DFAR knowledge; OTA knowledge, working knowledge of US Government acquisition laws and regulations * Broad experience with a variety of contract ...

Contracts Manager

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$102K - $136K/yr

Proven Contract Drafting and Negotiation skills. * FAR/DFAR knowledge; OTA knowledge, working knowledge of US Government acquisition laws and regulations * Broad experience with a variety of contract ...

Contracts Manager

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$102K - $136K/yr

Proven Contract Drafting and Negotiation skills. * FAR/DFAR knowledge; OTA knowledge, working knowledge of US Government acquisition laws and regulations * Broad experience with a variety of contract ...

Contracts Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$102K - $136K/yr

Proven Contract Drafting and Negotiation skills. * FAR/DFAR knowledge; OTA knowledge, working knowledge of US Government acquisition laws and regulations * Broad experience with a variety of contract ...

Significant experience in contract drafting, interpretation, negotiation, and administration. * Proven experience supporting federal proposal development, including cost proposal preparation and ...

Significant experience in contract drafting, interpretation, negotiation, and administration. * Proven experience supporting federal proposal development, including cost proposal preparation and ...

Contracts Operations Manager

Reston, VA · On-site

$180K - $261K/yr

Experience in pricing, contract law, contract drafting, administration, and negotiation of change orders; effective correspondence; and planning and scheduling * Proficiency in the formation and ...

Contracts Manager

Columbia, MD · On-site

$88K - $118K/yr

Identifying risks and issues with contract documents while assessing terms and conditions on all assigned contracts * Drafting standard legal documents to include subcontracts, waivers, purchase ...

Contracts Manager

Columbia, MD · On-site

$88K - $118K/yr

Identifying risks and issues with contract documents while assessing terms and conditions on all assigned contracts * Drafting standard legal documents to include subcontracts, waivers, purchase ...

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Contract Drafting information

See Washington salary details

$20

$35

$72

How much do contract drafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract drafting in Washington is $35.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.15 and $39.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is contract drafting difficult?

Contract drafting can be challenging as it requires strong legal knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret complex information. Success in this role often depends on understanding legal terminology, using drafting tools, and reviewing documents carefully. It typically involves continuous learning and precision to ensure clarity and enforceability.

What types of contracts will I typically work on in a Contract Drafting position?

In a Contract Drafting role, you may be responsible for preparing a variety of agreements, such as employment contracts, vendor agreements, non-disclosure agreements, service contracts, and partnership agreements. Depending on the industry and employer, you could also draft complex commercial contracts or specialized documents like licensing or intellectual property agreements. Your daily responsibilities may include collaborating closely with legal teams, business stakeholders, and sometimes clients to tailor each contract to specific needs and legal requirements. This diversity offers valuable experience and helps you develop a strong understanding of various business arrangements, enhancing your skills and career growth in the legal field.

Do contract jobs pay well?

Contract drafting jobs can offer competitive pay, often higher than permanent positions due to the temporary nature and specialized skills required. Compensation varies based on experience, industry, and project complexity, with skilled contract drafters earning higher rates, especially when working independently or with specialized legal knowledge.

What is a Contract Drafting job?

A Contract Drafting job involves preparing, reviewing, and revising legal agreements to ensure clarity, compliance, and enforceability. Professionals in this role work closely with clients, legal teams, and other stakeholders to draft contracts that protect the interests of all parties involved. They must have a strong understanding of contract law, legal terminology, and industry-specific regulations. Attention to detail and excellent writing skills are essential to minimize risks and prevent disputes.

How to get into contract drafting?

To pursue a career in contract drafting, gaining a strong understanding of legal language, contract law, and relevant regulations is essential. Typically, a bachelor's degree in law, paralegal studies, or related fields is required, along with developing skills in attention to detail and negotiation. Experience through internships or entry-level legal roles can also help build proficiency in drafting and reviewing contracts.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer to draft a contract?

The cost for a contract drafting lawyer typically ranges from $500 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of the agreement and the lawyer's experience. Some lawyers charge hourly rates between $150 and $350, while others offer flat fees for standard contracts. Costs may vary based on location and specific client needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Drafting position, and why are they important?

To excel in Contract Drafting, in-depth knowledge of contract law, strong analytical abilities, and exceptional attention to detail are essential, along with a relevant legal or paralegal background. Familiarity with document management systems and legal research tools, such as LexisNexis or Westlaw, is widely required, and certifications like a Paralegal Certificate can be advantageous. Excellent written communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills help set candidates apart in this role. These competencies ensure clarity, compliance, and protection of interests in all drafted agreements, minimizing potential legal disputes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drafting jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Drafting jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Drafting jobs in Washington? For Contract Drafting jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Drafting jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Drafting jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Contract Drafting jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Contract Drafting job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Drafting job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 6% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,658 per year, or $35.4 per hour.
Principal Associate, Contract Manager

Principal Associate, Contract Manager

Capital One

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Capital One rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 144 rated banks


Job description

Principal Associate, Contract Manager
At Capital One, we dare to dream, disrupt and deliver a better way. Our goal is simple - bring ingenuity, simplicity and humanity to an industry ripe for change. We are seeking a Principal Associate, Contract Manager to join our Enterprise Supplier Management (ESM) team. In ESM, we empower associates to deliver their best by cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging, where varying perspectives and opinions are valued. We embrace each other's differences and encourage all team members to lean into their talents and skills to deliver superior experiences for both internal and external clients.
As a Principal Associate, Contracts Manager, you will work in a collaborative environment that values insight, creative thinking, problem solving, intellectual curiosity and a growth mindset. You will partner with world-class professionals to bring procurement resources, tools, methodologies and judgment to business units. You will work closely with internal business resources, procurement stakeholders, legal and other stakeholders across the enterprise to ensure all third-party agreements meet Capital One's rigorous contracting standards, processes and requirements. You will draft and negotiate agreements that capture business intent and clearly lay out the responsibilities of the parties to drive business value while mitigating risk to the enterprise.
If you enjoy negotiating and driving deals to completion while collaborating on cross-functional teams and working in a fast-paced, world-class procurement department, we are looking for YOU! Come be a part of something special where you work with teams who appreciate your contributions, and where sharing your thoughts and ideas is encouraged.
Key responsibilities of the Contracts Manager, Principal Associate role include:
  • Assessment and Planning: Assessing transactions and creating deal strategies. You will work closely with business customers and internal stakeholders to understand needs, evaluate risks and design appropriate execution plans.
  • Drafting: Drafting and/or redlining contracts to ensure that Capital One is adequately protected from risk by leveraging industry best practices and subject matter expertise, including from a myriad of line of business and stakeholder resources.
  • Negotiation: Effectively negotiating with suppliers to produce contracts within Capital One contracting standards and business objectives. You will be responsible for planning and executing negotiation strategy in a timely manner while remaining flexible to changing circumstances and partnering with internal team resources as needed.
  • Transaction Management: Managing transactions proactively and efficiently, driving transactions to completion in a timely manner. As the central point of contact for each contract, you will leverage your organizational skills and influence to ensure deals are negotiated and executed in accordance with business and ESM timelines.
  • Communication: Effectively communicating with fellow associates, leadership and third parties. You will regularly communicate with internal stakeholders including the line of business, legal, compliance and data security groups to determine what risks are truly material in each transaction.
  • Collaboration: Working closely with the larger ESM team, business teams and various stakeholders as appropriate.
  • Strategic Advice: Leveraging a working knowledge of Capital One's Contract and Third Party Management Policies & Procedures to coordinate with internal stakeholders and advise business customers on ways to minimize risk contractually.

Note: Limited travel may be required.
Basic Qualification
  • Bachelor's Degree or Military experience
  • At least 2 years of experience in contract drafting, evaluation, negotiation and execution or legal experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Juris Doctorate
  • 2+ years of experience in drafting, evaluating, negotiating and executing procurement contracts
  • 2+ years of experience creating and executing contracting and negotiation strategies

At this time, Capital One will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.
The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount Capital One is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.
Sales Territory: $119,400 - $136,200 for Principal Assoc., Contracts
Plano, TX: $119,400 - $136,200 for Principal Assoc., Contracts
McLean, VA: $131,300 - $149,800 for Principal Assoc., Contracts
Richmond, VA: $119,400 - $136,200 for Principal Assoc., Contracts
New York, NY: $143,200 - $163,500 for Principal Assoc., Contracts
Riverwoods, IL: $119,400 - $136,200 for Principal Assoc., Contracts
Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate's offer letter.
This role is also eligible to earn performance based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonus(es) and/or long term incentives (LTI). Incentives could be discretionary or non discretionary depending on the plan.
Capital One offers a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial and other benefits that support your total well-being. Learn more at the Capital One Careers website. Eligibility varies based on full or part-time status, exempt or non-exempt status, and management level.
This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days.
No agencies please. Capital One is an equal opportunity employer (EOE, including disability/vet) committed to non-discrimination in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Capital One promotes a drug-free workplace. Capital One will consider for employment qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws regarding criminal background inquiries, including, to the extent applicable, Article 23-A of the New York Correction Law; San Francisco, California Police Code Article 49, Sections 4901-4920; New York City's Fair Chance Act; Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Records Screening Act; and other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding criminal background inquiries.
If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Capital One Recruiting at 1-800-304-9102 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@capitalone.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
For technical support or questions about Capital One's recruiting process, please send an email to Careers@capitalone.com
Capital One does not provide, endorse nor guarantee and is not liable for third-party products, services, educational tools or other information available through this site.
Capital One Financial is made up of several different entities. Please note that any position posted in Canada is for Capital One Canada, any position posted in the United Kingdom is for Capital One Europe and any position posted in the Philippines is for Capital One Philippines Service Corp. (COPSSC).

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