Sr. Contracts Counsel

Portland, OR / Waggener Edstrom Worldwide

Overview

Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, one of the leading independent public relations firms in the world, provides strategic communications to companies that bring new inventions, discoveries and ideas to market. Waggener Edstrom currently has offices in Washington DC, New York; Boston; San Francisco; Seattle; Portland, Or.; Austin and Dallas, Texas; London; Paris; Munich, Germany; Hong Kong, Beijing and Singapore. The Legal Services team at Waggener Edstrom is growing! We are responsible for providing legal advice to its internal clients on a diverse range of issues. Waggener Edstrom has an immediate opening for an attorney or contract administrator to join our Portland, Oregon office. This position will report to the Vice President of Legal and Business Affairs. Some international travel may be required.

Responsibilities

Responsible for preparing and negotiating contracts of significant importance to Waggener Edstrom within assigned areas of responsibility. In this position you will be asked to review and improve the contracting process including contract intake, review, negotiation, drafting/editing, review/approval and execution. You will work collaboratively across the agency with a diverse group of people to define business offerings, and prepare and negotiate contracts. You will be responsible for developing and presenting legal/contract training Waggener Edstrom personnel. You will be asked to continually seek to improve the contracting processes within the agency, seeking out and developing improvements, including the creation of contract templates. You will tracks the status of license and contract renewals and work with the internal clients to ensure timely renewals.

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  Expert grasp of contracting concepts and strong analytical skills.


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  Strong internal and external negotiation skills and ability to influence.


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  Ability to quickly understand business objectives of an agreement, identify related issues, and facilitate a risk/benefit analysis.


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  Strong organizational and drafting skills, with exceptional attention to detail.


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  Ability to perform in a complex cross-functional business environment.


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  Ability to work under tight deadlines as part of a team.


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  Proven program and project management skills.


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  Interest in process improvement.


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  Interest and ability to move projects forward to closure.


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  Interest or experience in communications issues related to the PR field, including the use of social media, knowledge of FTC rules, and drafting of web design and web development agreements.


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  Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.

Qualifications.

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  Requires a Bachelors degree or equivalent plus a minimum of 5-8 years related experience or law degree with 5-8 years related business experience. Strong legal and business judgment.


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  Excellent drafting and writing skills.


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  Interest in forming functioning interpersonal relationships with co-workers.


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  Prior in-house experience in a licensing or contract administration position for a professional services organization or in-house experience in a contracts or legal function preferred.

Waggener Edstrom Worldwide (WE) is a global, integrated communications agency. For more than 25 years, the independently owned firm has developed strategic communications programs for innovative and world-changing clients, working to influence markets, inspire people and improve lives. In 2009, WE was named one of Oregon Business’ 100 Best Companies to Work For. WE was also named European Technology Agency of the Year in 2008 and Best Large Agency to Work For by the Holmes Report in 2006. WE has earned numerous honors for its outstanding work on behalf of clients, for its exceptional people, and for its innovation in communications. The agency has more than 800 employees in 16 offices around the world, and its Global Alliance program expands the agency's reach to 13 additional international markets. WE offers six global practices: Consumer Marketing, Corporate Communications, Environment, Healthcare, Public Affairs and Technology.

Our greatest asset at Waggener Edstrom Worldwide is our people. We place a high premium on those who share our belief in the power of change, discovery and innovation. And when we find them, we’re committed to providing an Innovation Workplace with compelling work and work environments that encourage a culture of innovation and collaboration, professional development, outstanding total rewards, and an opportunity to make a difference.

Waggener Edstrom Worldwide believes its people are its greatest asset. The company offers outstanding professional development and competitive compensation and benefits.  Please submit your resume (in a Word document only please) via our website at http://jobs-waggeneredstrom.icims.com/jobs/3952/job