The role of a Contracts & Operations Manager at a Public Health Institute (PHI) is a vital and multifaceted position that blends strategic oversight, operational management, and contract administration to advance the mission of public health. Public Health Institutes like PHI are dedicated to improving health, equity, and wellness through innovative research, leadership, partnerships, and sound public health policy. The Contracts & Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the operational and contractual aspects of these complex public health initiatives are efficiently managed and compliant with regulatory and funding requirements.
Overview of Public Health Institutes (PHI)
Public Health Institutes serve as leaders and collaborators in public health research and program implementation, driving impact across communities domestically and globally. PHIs act as fiscal sponsors, thought leaders, and partners, providing the essential administrative and operational infrastructure needed to support public health projects. This support enables researchers and program teams to focus on impactful work while ensuring financial, contractual, and regulatory compliance.
Core Responsibilities of a Contracts & Operations Manager
A Contracts & Operations Manager at PHI typically manages a wide scope of responsibilities that intersect contract management, procurement, and day-to-day operational functions. These responsibilities include:
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Contract and Grant Management: Overseeing the full lifecycle of contracts and grants, including preparation, submission, compliance monitoring, reporting, and financial reconciliation to ensure alignment with public, private, and corporate funders’ requirements. This includes close collaboration with program leadership and finance teams.
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Operations Oversight: Managing operational workflows that maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of the institute. This includes developing and implementing policies and procedures to optimize organizational processes, resource allocation, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
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Compliance and Risk Management: Ensuring that all contracts and operations conform to the award terms and conditions as well as institutional policies. The manager is responsible for identifying, mitigating, and communicating risks related to contracts, budgets, regulatory requirements, and audits.
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Stakeholder Coordination: Acting as a liaison between internal teams, external vendors, funding agencies, and partners to facilitate smooth contract execution and operational support, thereby strengthening collaboration and program delivery36.
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Financial and Administrative Reporting: Generating and submitting detailed financial and contractual reports to funders and executive leadership, while supporting audit processes and maintaining accurate documentation.
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Vendor and Supplier Management: Overseeing procurement activities, negotiating contracts with suppliers, and ensuring cost-effective purchasing aligned with project needs and organizational goals.
Skills and Qualifications
Successful Contracts & Operations Managers at a Public Health Institute typically possess:
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Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Health, or related fields, with many holding advanced qualifications.
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Several years of experience in grants, contracts management, procurement, and operations within nonprofit or public health environments.
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Strong knowledge of budgeting, accounting practices, and contract law.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills to draft, negotiate, and manage contracts as well as engage with diverse stakeholders.
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Organizational acumen to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
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Strategic thinking ability to align operational processes with institutional missions and goals.
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Familiarity with compliance standards, regulatory frameworks, and audit procedures.
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Experience with technology platforms, including contract management and CRM software like Salesforce, is preferred.
Impact on Public Health
The role of Contracts & Operations Manager is critical in supporting the overarching mission of Public Health Institutes by providing the essential scaffolding that enables public health programs to thrive. By managing the complex web of contracts, grants, procurement, and operational logistics, the manager ensures programs have the resources and compliance assurance needed to deliver effective public health interventions.
Furthermore, a well-managed operations and contract framework helps PHIs respond rapidly to emerging public health needs, such as outbreaks or chronic disease programs, thereby contributing to resilient and adaptive health systems. Through meticulous contract oversight and operational governance, the manager directly contributes to creating healthier communities and advancing equity and wellness at scale.
Challenges and Opportunities
Managing contracts and operations in a public health context presents unique challenges including navigating complex funding landscapes, ensuring compliance across diverse regulatory environments, and coordinating multiple stakeholders with sometimes competing priorities. However, it also offers rewarding opportunities to influence public health policy implementation, support innovative health research, and foster partnerships that amplify impact.
By continuously improving operational processes and contract management practices, a Contracts & Operations Manager can help PHIs achieve greater efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. This role requires a proactive approach, adaptability, and a passion for public health to meet the evolving demands of global health challenges.
In summary, the Contracts & Operations Manager at the Public Health Institute is a cornerstone role that supports the institute’s mission by expertly managing contracts, grants, procurement, and operational functions. This role ensures that public health programs have strong administrative and financial foundations, enabling them to make measurable impacts on the health and well-being of communities worldwide. The position demands a blend of strategic oversight, detailed contract compliance, stakeholder coordination, and operational excellence, making it an essential part of the public health infrastructure.
If you aspire to contribute to public health through a dynamic and impactful management role, understanding the multifaceted nature of this position provides a comprehensive picture of the vital contributions made by Contracts & Operations Managers within Public Health Institutes.
