Contract Researcher Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Higher Logic is an industry leader in cloud-based engagement platforms. Our data-driven approach gives organizations an expanded suite of engagement capabilities, including online communities and marketing automation. From the initial web visit to renewal and ongoing engagement, we help you track and manage interactions along each stage of the digital customer experience. Organizations worldwide use Higher Logic to bring people all together, by giving their community a home where they can interact, share ideas, answer questions, and stay connected. Everything we do - the tools and features in our software, our services, partnerships, best practices - drives our ultimate goal of making your organization successful.

The Contract Specialist owns the day-to-day drafting, negotiation, and administration of Higher Logic's customer and vendor agreements. This is a role that will operate with meaningful autonomy, direct visibility to leadership, and will serve as the primary contracts function alongside the Senior Director of Legal Operations & Strategy. The person coming in will have genuine latitude to help shape how the contracts function operates - improving workflows, refining templates, and building process alongside the team.

Contract Drafting & Negotiation

Draft, review, and negotiate a full range of commercial agreements including Master Services Agreements, SaaS subscription agreements, Statements of Work, Data Processing Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, order forms, amendments,     and AI-related addenda.

Redline and negotiate both company paper and third-party paper, representing Higher Logic's interests and risk position independently on calls with customers and vendors.

Identify non-standard or novel legal issues; maintain sound judgment about what to handle independently vs. when to escalate to leadership.

Maintain and update standard contract templates, clause libraries, and internal playbooks to ensure consistency and reflect evolving legal and business requirements.

Data Privacy & Compliance

Review, negotiate, and support Data Processing Agreements and data privacy provisions in collaboration with Information Security team, applying GDPR, CCPA, and applicable state privacy frameworks.

Identify data protection, security, and compliance risk in vendor and customer agreements and escalate appropriately.

Support the legal team's compliance initiatives by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements.

Vendor Management

Manage contract intake, review, risk identification, negotiation, and collaboration with stakeholders on vendor agreements.

Conduct initial risk assessment of inbound vendor agreements, flagging non-standard terms related to liability, data rights, IP ownership, and security obligations.

Track renewal dates, auto-renewal exposure, and key contractual obligations across the vendor portfolio.

Legal Research

Conduct legal research and prepare summaries on relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards to support contract negotiations and compliance efforts.

Training & Cross-Functional Support

Train internal stakeholders, including Sales, Finance, and Product teams, on contract policies, procedures, and key terms.

Serve as a primary point of contact for contract-related questions from internal teams and external parties.

Support the Senior Director of Legal Operations with legal research, policy development, and cross-functional legal operations initiatives.

Conduct all business in accordance with Higher Logic policies and procedures.

All other duties as assigned

Required

Demonstrated experience independently drafting, redlining, and negotiating commercial contracts - not solely in a review or coordination capacity.

Familiarity with B2B SaaS contract structures, including SaaS subscription agreements, MSAs, SOWs, and data processing agreements.

Working knowledge of data privacy frameworks, including GDPR and/or CCPA, as applied to commercial contract negotiations.

Demonstrated ability to operate independently, exercise sound legal judgment, and know when to escalate matters to leadership.

Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable representing the company's position directly with customers, vendors, and counterparties.

Contract Law Knowledge: Strong understanding of contract law, legal terminology, and principles.

Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate contract terms effectively, ensuring favorable outcomes for the company.

Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in reviewing and drafting contracts.

Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple contracts and deadlines simultaneously.

Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with internal teams, vendors, and clients.

Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze contract terms and conditions to identify potential risks and provide recommendations.

Team Collaboration: Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Proficiency with DocuSign or equivalent e-signature platform, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice to Have

Experience with vendor management processes including RFP coordination, vendor risk assessment, and renewal management.

Familiarity with AI-related contract provisions, including data training restrictions, model output ownership, and acceptable use frameworks.

Paralegal certificate, legal studies degree, or equivalent formal legal training.

Experience in a PE-backed or high-growth SaaS environment.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You'll earn: 

• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive health benefits package. 
• 401(k) plan with employer match. 
• Healthcare and dependent-care flexible spending account. 
• Company short-term and long-term disability insurance. 
• Company culture that recognizes its employees. 
• Room for growth and development and management that cares about your professional growth and will help you achieve your goals. 
• Significant advancement opportunities for outstanding performers.