Director of Contracts, Risk Management & Compliance

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents.” Our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website. Please visit us at www.upo.org to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our company and services. 

POSITION: Director of Contracts, Risk Management and Compliance

DIVISION/OFFICE: Office of Legal Affairs

BULLETIN No: 02112026

SALARY RANGE: $101,654-$107,654(Commensurate with Experience)

OPENING DATE: November 6, 2026

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

FIRST SOURCE: N/A

MAJOR DUTIES:

The Director of Contracts, Risk Management and Compliance is responsible for identifying programmatic, financial safety and security risks for the organization through risk assessment and evaluation and recommending ways to reduce those risks through planning and problem-solving. Additionally, the Director maintains the Liability insurance policy, fulfills requests for contracts, NetSuite requisitions and various other corporate compliance and matters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: 

Leads the identification, communication, measurement and management of organization-wide risk. Conduct quarterly assessments to define and analyze possible programmatic, financial, safety and security risks. Evaluate the gravity of each risk by considering its consequences and take appropriate measures to address the risk. Manages liability insurance procurement process with insurance broker. Develops and manages the implementation of risk management and compliance policies/procedures and manages insurance claims.

Manage relationships with third-party service providers including brokers, underwriters, and other third-party administrators. Audits current safety processes and procedures. Work with UPO Offices and Program Division Management to develop and implement risk management controls and systems. Identify UPO safety sites (where would staff go?) in case of fire emergency, natural disaster, etc. Ensures Basic Business License renewals for UPO, UPO inspire and UPO CDC. Coordinate with Office of Facilities Management (OFM) to ensure fire drills, elevator and other safety protocols are met. Work with UPO Officers and Program Division to design processes to eliminate or mitigate potential risks. Create organization-wide contingency plans to manage crises. At the direction of the General Counsel evaluate existing policies and procedures to ensure UPO is compliant with applicable laws.

Maintain Data for PMR reports and present recommendations for executive management, senior management and, if necessary, the board of directors. Help implement solutions and plans. Evaluate employees’ risk awareness and recommend and or conduct training when necessary. Assist with the management of Contract and Procurement matters. Assist Program and Office managers with negotiating certain contracts (when applicable). Review, edit 

and draft documents, such as contracts, memoranda of agreement/understanding, letters, leases, policies, and procedures. Perform legal research and analysis on a wide range of topics and monitor new and updated laws.Utilize computerized legal research programs, such as A.I. software (e.g., ChatGPT) to assist in conducting legal research. Analyze and interpret applicable laws, regulations, contracts and other documents. Establish, maintain, and improve effective system of compiling, organizing, and indexing files and records, including using an on-line system. Assist with document retention and destruction.  Assist in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the office. Maintain, update and improve legal resource materials. Work closely with other staff on tasks and projects. Maintain confidentiality. May perform clerical duties such as filing, typing, copying, invoicing, purchasing supplies, and answering the phone. May assist with Board of Director matters. Become familiar with the agency mission and strategic plan goals and strategies. Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor’s Degree. Excellent computer, data entry and MS Office skills. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to handle private, sensitive, confidential information appropriately. Strong attention to detail and organization. Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Experience working Liability Brokers and Insurance Company. Knowledge of compliance and risk-management matters involving federal (e.g., OHS, CSBG, OSSE) and local government funding streams.

Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s or Juris Doctorate Degree and at least two years of experience with risk assessment and control. Experience with auditing and reporting procedures. Familiarity with compliance standards and regulations. Familiarity with DC and federal funded programs or nonprofit environment. Strong computer and research skills. Analytical mind with problem-solving aptitude. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Prior work experience with a non-profit or government agency.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In the event that an offer is extended, the selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.

This position IS NOT covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the CWA Union.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full Time / Regular (37.5 Hour Workweek) 

POSITION ELIGIBLE FOR 

WORKING REMOTELY: þ YES o NO

Competitive Benefits:

To be considered for this position:

Submit your cover letter and resume to the Career Center Online. 

UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer