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Start Early · 1 day ago

Contracts and Legal Support Specialist

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$68K/yr - $80K/yr

2+ years exp

Start Early is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country. The Contracts & Legal Support Specialist will serve as the primary liaison with the organization’s charitable registration vendor, managing all charitable registrations and renewals to ensure timely and accurate filings.

CharityEducationNon Profit

Responsibilities

Coordinate closely with the vendor to support the timely completion of annual state filings and business registrations. This includes providing financial, corporate, and organizational information required for these filings; ensuring that the vendor is able to complete all submissions accurately; confirming the status of filings; and maintaining regular communication with the vendor to resolve any outstanding questions or documentation needs. The position will also support the organization’s entry into new jurisdictions when additional registrations become necessary

Oversee and manage all internal information flow, document collection, and coordination needed to support the vendor’s work. This includes developing and maintaining organized systems for collecting and validating required materials, tracking deadlines and outstanding items, reviewing correspondence and confirmations, preparing periodic status reports, and collaborating with internal teams to ensure timely responses to vendor requests. The individual is expected to anticipate information needs, resolve documentation gaps, and maintain a high level of accuracy and consistency in all records related to charitable registration and state filings

Serve as a contract manager for divisions across the organization that require contracting support, including but not limited to Marketing & Communications and Development. The role includes managing fundraising and cause-marketing agreements, maintaining tracking systems for all assigned agreements, supporting any state filing requirements associated with such agreements, and ensuring proper documentation for organizational grant submissions. The individual will assist with contract review processes for any division as needed, including conducting redlines, drafting or revising language as appropriate, and supporting internal stakeholders throughout the contract intake, review, and execution procedures

Qualification

Charitable registration managementContract managementNonprofit complianceLegal document reviewProfessional writingCommunication skillsAttention to detailOrganizational skillsTeam collaboration

Required

Minimum of Associates degree, Bachelor's degree preferred

Certifications in corporate legal affairs, business, or nonprofit administration are desirable

Two (2)-three (3) year experience in nonprofit compliance, legal operations, charitable registration management and contracting is advantageous

Strong contracting skills, including the ability to review, redline and draft contractual language with precision and clarity

Excellent professional writing and communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly, concisely, and appropriately for internal and external stakeholders

High attention to detail and accuracy, with strong organizational abilities and the capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Demonstrated ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as a team player, taking initiative and driving tasks to completion, including tactful and persistent follow-up when others' input or actions are required

Preferred

Paralegal experience, though not required, may be helpful, particularly for candidates with experience reviewing, drafting, or managing legal documents in a fast-paced environment