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Legal Contract Manager, Public Sector

OpenAIWashington, DCLegal
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Salary
$216K – $240K
Job type
Full-time
Work mode
Remote
Experience
Senior · 7+ yrs
Posted
5 Oct 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

OpenAI is hiring a Legal Contract Manager for the public sector in Washington, DC, to manage government agreements and compliance frameworks. This role suits a seasoned professional with a background in government contracting and active security clearance who wants to support public sector business operations.

Role Overview

OpenAI seeks a Legal Contract Manager to support the expanding public sector business within OpenAI for Government. The position is based in Washington, D.C., and reports directly to the Associate General Counsel, Head of Public Sector Legal. The individual will handle the entire lifecycle of contracting activities involving federal, state, and local government customers and partners.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee the complete contract lifecycle for government agreements, such as non-disclosure agreements, services agreements, teaming agreements, subcontracts, and order forms.
Handle contract negotiations with government agencies and integrators, balancing risk management with business goals.
Maintain compliance with contract mandates, including flow-down clauses, reporting tasks, and specific certifications like FAR, DFARS, FedRAMP, CMMC, and NIST 800-171.
Assist with contract pursuits and proposals by reviewing RFP and RFQ terms, building compliance matrices, and coordinating required representations.
Collaborate with internal departments like Legal, Finance, Security, Capture and Proposals, and Product to align contract terms with technical capabilities, pricing, and compliance frameworks.
Keep accurate contract records and oversee data related to key terms, renewals, and deliverables.
Build scalable contracting processes and playbooks to support government sales while managing legal and regulatory risks.
Track regulatory updates and provide advice on their impact regarding government contracts and compliance programs.

Requirements

Seven or more years of professional background in government contracting, contract management, or technology transactions, featuring substantial exposure to U.S. federal acquisition regulations.
Active U.S. Government TS/SCI clearance.
Background in negotiating and managing agreements with U.S. government agencies or prime contractors.
Familiarity with public sector compliance frameworks, including FedRAMP, NIST 800-171, CMMC, ITAR, EAR, and government data rights.
Ability to operate with autonomy and sound judgment in technical and fast-moving environments.
Practical background using artificial intelligence tools to automate legal and compliance workflows.
Organizational skills and attention to detail for managing complex contract portfolios.
Written and verbal communication skills to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical guidance.

Nice to Have

A Juris Doctor, law degree, or a relevant contract management certification such as NCMA CPCM or CCCM.
Experience working within a high-growth technology company or a government integrator.

Skills and Tools

FAR/DFARS
FedRAMP
CMMC
NIST 800-171
ITAR/EAR
Artificial intelligence tools for legal and compliance automation

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this role is $216K to $240K with equity offers included.

About the Company

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment organization focused on ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits humanity. The company creates AI systems with safety and human needs at the core, valuing diverse perspectives and operating as an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply

Candidates should apply directly on the official OpenAI careers page.

Skills and tech stack

FAR/DFARSFedRAMPCMMCNIST 800-171ITAR/EAR

Questions candidates ask

Where is this job located?

This position is based in Washington, D.C.

What security clearance is required for this role?

Candidates must hold an active U.S. Government TS/SCI clearance.

How much experience do I need to apply?

Applicants need 7+ years of experience in government contracting, contract management, or technology transactions.

What is the salary and compensation structure?

The salary ranges from $216K to $240K and includes offers of equity.

Is a law degree mandatory?

A JD, law degree, or relevant contract management certification is preferred but not required.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official OpenAI careers page.

Apply on company site