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Contract Operations Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

You will serve as a key business partner across Strategy, Life Sciences, Service, Sales, Legal, Finance, Business Operations, and Data Operations teams to ensure contracts are accurate, compliant ...

Contract Administrator

Lake Forest, IL ยท On-site

$61K - $122K/yr

This position plays an important role in ensuring contract accuracy, compliance, and timely execution while delivering excellent customer service and operational support. This role is based in the ...

Contract Recruiter

Rosemont, IL ยท On-site

$30 - $40/hr

As a Contract Recruiter, you'll help build the teams that keep operations running across manufacturing facilities and field service locations in a fast-paced, scaling environment. Responsibilities

Contract Administrator

Lake Forest, IL ยท On-site

$61K - $122K/yr

This position plays an important role in ensuring contract accuracy, compliance, and timely execution while delivering excellent customer service and operational support. This role is based in the ...

Demonstrate operational expertise with contract workflow management system and PO system. * Responsible for compliance with applicable Corporate and Divisional Policies and procedures. * Primary ...

ENTERPRISE CONTRACT ANALYST

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$71K - $86K/yr

The Enterprise Contract Analyst is responsible for market research, solicitation, negotiation, evaluation, operations and administration, issue resolution and internal coordination of assigned ...

Contract Administrator

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$76K - $90K/yr

Senior Director, Division Operations Estimated compensation for this position is: $76,100 - $90,000 annually What this job involves: JLL's Technology Division is seeking an experienced Contract ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Operations information

What are some typical challenges faced in a contract operations role, and how can new hires effectively navigate them?

Professionals in Contract Operations often encounter challenges such as managing multiple contracts with tight deadlines, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and coordinating with various internal departments, such as legal, sales, and procurement. New hires can navigate these obstacles by developing strong organizational skills, proactively communicating with stakeholders, and staying up-to-date on relevant policies and contract management software. Building relationships with cross-functional teams and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can also help ease the transition and contribute to long-term success in the role.

What is the difference between Contract Operations vs Contract Management?

AspectContract OperationsContract Management
Primary FocusExecuting, monitoring, and supporting contract processesCreating, negotiating, and overseeing contract terms
ResponsibilitiesContract administration, compliance, and workflow managementContract drafting, negotiations, and strategic oversight
Skills & CertificationsContract administration, project management, attention to detailLegal knowledge, negotiation skills, contract law certifications
Work EnvironmentOperational teams, legal, procurement departmentsLegal, sales, procurement, and executive teams

Contract Operations focuses on the execution and support of contracts, ensuring smooth workflows and compliance. Contract Management involves the strategic creation, negotiation, and oversight of contract terms. While they overlap, Contract Operations is more about day-to-day contract support, whereas Contract Management emphasizes contract strategy and negotiations.

What is contract operations?

Contract Operations refers to the processes and activities involved in managing contracts throughout their lifecycle, from drafting and negotiation to execution, compliance, and renewal or termination. Professionals in this role oversee contract creation, ensure adherence to terms, monitor deadlines, and facilitate communication between stakeholders. Their work helps organizations minimize risks, maintain compliance, and optimize the value of their contractual agreements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in contract operations?

To thrive in Contract Operations, you need a solid understanding of contract management, attention to detail, and analytical skills, often supported by a business or legal background. Familiarity with contract lifecycle management (CLM) software, compliance tools, and knowledge of relevant regulations or certifications (such as CFCM or CPCM) is typically required. Strong organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help professionals excel in managing multiple contracts and stakeholder expectations. These skills ensure accurate contract execution, risk mitigation, and efficient operations in a regulatory-driven environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operations jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Operations jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Operations jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Operations jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Contract Operations jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Contract Operations job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Operations job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Legal Operations and Contracts Specialist

Erikson Institute

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Erikson Institute ("Erikson") is seeking a highly organized and resourceful Legal Operations and Contracts Specialist to provide direct support to the General Counsel/Corporate Secretary under the Office of the President. To support Erikson’s legal, compliance, and operational priorities. Reporting to the General Counsel, this position is responsible for implementing and managing the institution’s contract management system and processes; coordinating contract administration from start to finish; and providing administrative, research, and operational support for legal, policy, governance, and compliance matters. The position works collaboratively across departments to promote operational efficiency, institutional accountability, and adherence to policies and best practices.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated sound judgment, discretion, strong project-management skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative higher education and nonprofit environment.

I. PRINCIPAL DUTIES:Legal and General Counsel Support:
  • Provide day-to-day paralegal, administrative, and project support to the General Counsel/Corporate Secretary.
  • Conduct research and assist with correspondence, summaries, presentations, forms, and other legal or governance materials.
  • Coordinate legal requests, maintain matter files and trackers, monitor deadlines, and follow up on action items.
  • Assist with governance, compliance, risk-management, and other matters under the direction of the General Counsel.
Contracts Administration:
  • Coordinate the contract lifecycle from intake and review through approval, signature, filing, renewal, amendment, or termination.
  • Receive and triage contract requests, confirm required information is complete, and coordinate legal, finance, operational, and stakeholder review.
  • Support the launch, administration, and ongoing management of Erikson's dedicated contract lifecycle management platform, including workflow configuration, user support, data quality, reporting, and continuous improvement.
  • Organize and submit agreements, renewals, and other documents for review by the General Counsel.
  • Support the review and administration of vendor and service agreements, MOUs, grants, sponsored-research agreements, data-sharing and licensing agreements, and other institutional contracts.
  • Track key dates, deliverables, notice requirements, approvals, insurance documentation, and compliance obligations, and provide timely reminders and follow-up.
  • Coordinate electronic signature and maintain complete contract records, templates, forms, reports, and dashboards.
Project Management, Processes and Policies:
  • Coordinate legal and cross-functional projects through work plans, timelines, trackers, meeting materials, and follow-up communications.
  • Help design, document, and implement efficient legal and contracting workflows, intake procedures, approval processes, and recordkeeping practices.
  • Facilitate policy reviews and updates by maintaining an inventory and review calendar, coordinating stakeholder input, tracking revisions and approvals, and organizing final records.
  • Assist with drafting, formatting, publishing, and implementing policies, procedures, forms, guidance, training materials, and compliance documentation.
  • Support internal information requests, audits, due-diligence reviews, insurance and claims matters, and other compliance activities as assigned.

Stakeholder Communication and Other Support:

  • Collaborate with internal departments and as directed, outside counsel, vendors, governmental agencies, partners, and other third parties.
  • Guide internal stakeholders through established contract and legal processes while referring legal judgments and advice to the General Counsel.
  • Support meetings, special projects, and institutional initiatives involving the Office of the General Counsel.
  • Support vendor set up, invoice payment, communication and related tasks.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
II. SOFTWARE COMPETENCIES:

Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint, and the ability to learn and master contract-management, document-management, electronic-signature, project-management, and financial systems. Experience with contract management platforms is a plus.

III. PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant field from an accredited program; paralegal certificate or related legal or business administration training or experience strongly preferred.
  • At least five+ years of relevant experience in a law firm, in-house legal department, higher education institution, nonprofit organization, contracts function, or comparable professional environment.
  • Experience with contract administration, contract lifecycle management systems, legal operations, project coordination, policy administration, governance, or compliance support strongly preferred.
  • Working familiarity with contracts and legal documents and the ability to organize information, identify issues, and escalate questions appropriately.
  • Excellent organizational, project-management, proofreading, recordkeeping, and document-management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a collaborative, service-oriented work style.
  • Ability to work independently within established authority, manage concurrent assignments, and meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrated discretion and sound judgment in handling confidential, privileged, and sensitive information.
  • Experience in sponsored research or grants, procurement or related fields a plus.
  • High standards of integrity, ethics, professionalism, and accountability. Demonstrated experience implementing and managing a contract management or similar workflow system.
  • Strong writing, editing, and research skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise discretion with confidential information, and work collaboratively across departments.
IV. SUPERVISION AND SCOPE OF ROLE:

This position works under the direction and supervision of the General Counsel/Corporate Secretary. The position supports legal work and established processes but does not independently provide legal advice, make legal determinations, or bind Erikson to contractual or other commitments.


APPLICATION:

Please include a cover letter and resume in a single PDF file.


Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.

About Erikson Institute

We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.

Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.

Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).

To learn more, please visit our web site at www.erikson.edu