Overview
Legal Secretary, Public Finance Jobs in Kansas City, MO at Kutak Rock LLP
Job Title: Contracts & Compliance Manager
Company: OptoKnowledge Systems, Inc.
Location: Open to Hybrid, Headquarters are in Torrance, CA
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $85,000 – $130,000
OKSI is seeking an experienced Contracts and Compliance Manager with a strong background in the aerospace and defense industry. This role manages the entire contract lifecycle, ensuring FAR/DFARS compliance and overseeing contractual relationships with government agencies, clients, and subcontractors. The ideal candidate has expertise in government contracting and subcontract management with strong skills in contract drafting, compliance tracking, and negotiation. Paralegal experience in government contracting is highly desirable.
In addition to negotiating and managing contracts, this role involves significant administrative responsibilities, including entering contract data into DCAA-compliant accounting systems, tracking contract obligations and deliverable due dates, and coordinating contract execution details with program managers. Candidates must be comfortable balancing high-level contract work with hands-on tracking and compliance tasks in a small-team environment where adaptability is key.
Key Responsibilities:
Contract Management: Oversee the full lifecycle of government (FAR/DFARS), G2B, B2B, and subcontract agreements, including drafting, negotiation, onboarding, compliance, and close-out.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure contracts comply with ITAR, cybersecurity, export controls, and government regulations. Identify and mitigate risks proactively.
Contract Administration: Manage data entry in DCAA-compliant systems, track deliverables, and coordinate contract obligations with program managers.
Stakeholder Coordination: Serve as the primary liaison with government agencies, prime contractors, and internal teams (legal, procurement, finance).
NDAs & MNDAs: Draft, review, and manage confidentiality agreements with partners and clients.
Process Improvement: Continuously enhance contract workflows to improve efficiency and compliance.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Contract Management, or a related field (paralegal certificate with contracts experience is highly relevant).
CPCM, CFCM, or CCCM certification is strongly preferred.
5–10 years of experience in contract management, compliance, and legal agreements (preferably in aerospace/defense).
Extensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and other government regulations.
Proven ability to manage complex, high-value contracts independently in a fast-paced environment.
Negotiation, contract drafting, and document management skills.
Important Note on Role Scope:
This role focuses on contract administration and compliance—not legal advisory work. It includes contract tracking, DCAA data entry, and coordinating deliverables with program managers.
While a JD is acceptable, it’s not required. Attorneys must be comfortable with operational contract work and administrative tasks, not traditional legal practice.
This role may be ideal for paralegals with strong contract management and compliance experience, especially in government contracting.
Skills:
Proficiency in contract management tools, including DCAA-compliant systems.
Knowledge of ITAR, cybersecurity, and export control compliance.
Organizational skills to manage multiple contracts and deadlines.
Attention to detail in data entry and compliance tracking.
Ability to work independently while coordinating with cross-functional teams.
Process improvement mindset for contract workflows.
Why OKSI?
OKSI has been a pioneer in aerospace and defense technology for over 34 years, specializing in EO/IR sensors and integrated AI/ML solutions. Our technologies drive critical decision-making, optimize outcomes, and provide the warfighter with cutting-edge capabilities. As a privately held small business headquartered near Los Angeles, California, we are proud to support national security and technological advancement. Learn more at www.oksi.ai.
Title: Legal Secretary, Public Finance
Company: Kutak Rock LLP
Location: Kansas City, MO
