ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, CONTRACTS MANAGER

About Cresset

Cresset is a firm built by clients, for clients. As an independent, award-winning multi-family office and private investment firm, we are reimagining the way wealth is experienced. Our purpose is to help ensure that both wealth and life are fully optimized—integrated, intentional, and aligned with each client’s vision of success.

We provide access to the caliber of talent, ideas, and investment opportunities typically available to the largest single-family offices and institutions. Our approach is personalized, entrepreneurial, and client-first.

Proudly owned by our clients and employees, Cresset was built to endure. We are creating a 100+ year firm—one focused on delivering an exceptional experience, not only for the families we serve but for the team that serves them. Recognized by Barron’s and Forbes among the nation’s top RIA firms, and as one of the industry’s best places to work,* Cresset is guided by long-term relationships, shared success, and a belief that wealth should serve a life well lived.

Cresset is seeking a skilled Contracts and Legal Operations Manager to join our dynamic legal team. In this role, you will drive contract management excellence and operational excellence while overseeing our Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) platform while also supporting legal and business functions with paralegal and administrative tasks within a regulated financial services environment. This dynamic role requires strong organizational skills, legal and business acumen, and the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently and with precision attention to details in a fast-paced environment.

You will be instrumental in shaping the legal operations model, fostering collaboration within the team and with internal and external partners, and optimizing contractual processes to protect the company's interests and enhance overall efficiency of operations. The position will be based out of Cresset’s Chicago headquarters and will participate in Cresset’s hybrid in-office flexibility model.

Responsibilities will include:

• CLM Platform Ownership and Stakeholder Collaboration:
  • Assume ownership and oversee the administration and optimization of the CLM platform (LegisWay).
  • Stay updated with legal technology trends and introduce innovative solutions to enhance departmental productivity.
  • As necessary, assist in evaluating and selecting technologies and tools to modernize practices, and support their implementation.
  • Foster strong relationships with cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• End-to-End Contract Lifecycle Management:
  • Manage the full contract lifecycle.
  • Maintain and organize contract database or management system.
  • Ensure timely renewals and compliance tracking.
  • Monitor contract milestones and deliverables.
  • Maintain accurate and accessible contract records, generating reports and metrics for management review.
  • Standardize processes, guidelines, and workflows to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Compliance, Risk Management, and Policy Governance:
  • Ensure compliance with internal policies and legal requirements.
  • Maintain the centralized repository for all Company policies, scheduling regular reviews and updates.
• Legal Team Support:
  • Support corporate governance activities, including maintaining entity records, preparing board resolutions, and filings.
  • Help prepare materials for internal or external audits and compliance reviews.
  • Foster strong relationships with cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Act as a liaison between the legal department and other units to facilitate collaboration and information exchange.
  • Liaise with internal stakeholders (legal, finance, procurement, operations) and external parties to facilitate contract execution and updates.
• Administrative Responsibilities:
  • Provide administrative support to legal team, including scheduling, tracking deadlines, and organizing files.
  • Manage signature processes, both electronic and hard copy, and maintain version control of documents.
  • Help coordinate communication between legal and other departments.
  • Support ad hoc projects and process improvements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Business or a related field preferred; paralegal certificate or legal studies background preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years of proven experience in contract administration, paralegal work, or a similar legal support role, with a focus on legal operations or ancillary functions (e.g., legal, finance, operations)
• Proficiency in contract lifecycle management platforms (Legisway, preferred) and other relevant legal software/tools, including e-signature platforms.
• Strong communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• High attention to detail and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Familiarity with legal and regulatory compliance requirements relevant to contract management.
• Proficient in using productivity and document management tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, contract management software).
• The ability to adapt to changing business needs and demonstrate flexibility.

What We Offer:

At Cresset, we focus on people first. As a service business, our people are our assets. Engaging our clients and employees is our highest priority. Starting base salary range: $120,000 - $155,000.  Salary will be based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, licenses/certifications, industry knowledge, and geographic location. Cresset offers a competitive compensation package including an annual incentive and a benefits package to all full-time employees including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, health savings accounts, short and long-term disability insurance, voluntary critical and accident insurance, and pre-tax parking and transportation programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of Cresset to ensure equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, or related conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a parent, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. It is Cresset’s policy to comply with applicable laws concerning the employment of persons with disabilities, including reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities.

*Disclosures related to awards, recognitions, and rankings available here.

Cresset refers to Cresset Capital Management, and all its respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Cresset Asset Management, LLC, also conducts advisory business under the names of Cresset Sports & Entertainment, CH Investment Partners, and Cresset Capital. Cresset provides investment advisory, family office, and other services to individuals, families, and institutional clients. Cresset also provides investment advisory services to investment vehicles investing in private equity, real estate, and other investment opportunities. Cresset Asset Management, LLC is an SEC registered investment advisor. SEC registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training.