Associate – Paralegal/Contract Administrator

About this role

About BlackRock SMA Solutions

BlackRock SMA Solutions helps clients customize portfolios for unique tax, values-alignment, or investment exposures across direct indexing, fixed income, active equity, and multi-asset. We deliver world-class service to all of our clients, from wealth advisors to family offices to endowments and foundations.

About This Role

We are looking for a highly organized and collaborative Client Contract Associate to support our growing Client Operations and Client Experience Management teams based in Princeton, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Sausalito.

As a Client Contract Associate, you will be the primary person within the Client Operations/Client Experience Management team who is responsible for supporting our contract management process for onboarding new relationships across Aperio and BlackRock within USWA. You will work closely with Business Development and Legal teams and other team members to ensure that contracts balance commercial outcomes and compliance with fiduciary and regulatory obligations.

The ideal candidate will possess exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills and the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.

The Client Contract Associate has no direct reports.

Key Responsibilities:

·        Draft, negotiate, and review standard client investment advisory agreements and amendments.

·        Coordinate contract reviews and approvals with internal stakeholders across business functions as necessary (e.g., Business Development, Legal, Operations, Portfolio Management, Billing, etc.).

·        Research and respond to client contract-related inquiries and resolve issues in a timely and professional manner, escalating to the Legal team as appropriate.

·        Support maintenance and day-to-day administration of our contract life cycle management system and document repository (DocuSign CLM), including tracking of contract terms, amendments, and relationship-specific forms.

·        Take a lead role in harmonizing our USWA contracting processes across Aperio and BlackRock to move to a single platform/process, coming up with a plan for supporting other Client Contract Associates so that we have continuous coverage and back up when one is out of the office.

·        Document and maintain contract processes and participate in projects to enhance the client contracting experience, streamline and scale processes, reduce errors, and support the firm’s growth.

·        Develop a contract playbook and approval framework in partnership with the Client Operations, Client Experience Management, and Legal teams.

·        Assist with providing onboarding training related to contract topics for business and operational personnel.

·        Perform other projects and tasks, as assigned.

Qualifications:

·        Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required; paralegal certification or coursework a plus

·        At least three years of experience as a contracts manager or administrator, paralegal, legal assistant, or equivalent in an in-house environment or law firm

·        Some experience in the asset management industry, with knowledge of investment management and sub-advisory agreements preferred

·        Comfort and experience working with contract life cycle management platforms (familiarity with DocuSign CLM is a big plus)

·        Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat, and familiarity working in CRM systems such as Salesforce

·        Ability to work independently and manage workload in a fast-paced environment with some guidance and oversight

·        Demonstrated strong work ethic and a willingness to do what it takes to solve complex problems and/or resolve complex client requests

·        Excellent attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy and consistency

·        Exceptional interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills, including the ability to tailor your message for different audiences

·        Considerable tact and discretion when dealing with client or sensitive data and maintaining strict confidentiality

·        Possession of a growth mindset, always seeking areas for improvement

·        High level of self-awareness and integrity; ability to take and give constructive criticism with humility, introspection, and respect

·        Willingness to embrace challenges that come with working in a high-growth environment

For California only the salary range for this position is $0 - $0. Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, and benefits including heath care, leave benefits, and retirement benefits. BlackRock operates a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy and your total compensation may vary based on role, location, and firm, department and individual performance.

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.

BlackRock will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in a manner consistent with the requirements of the law, including any applicable fair chance law.