ETF/Mutual Fund Client Contract Negotiator, VP - New York

Do you thrive in a stimulating and multifaceted environment where legal, commercial and risk management skills are key? We are seeking an associate who is curious, analytical, and passionate to become part of our team. The Contracting team drives successful contract negotiations for US open-end mutual fund, Retail Alternatives, and Liquidity products, managing the end-to-end lifecycle from due diligence to execution. This role involves negotiating contracts, assessing legal and operational risks, coordinating with legal and compliance, and improving client experience, ensuring compliance with regulatory and fiduciary obligations.

Must Have

• 5+ years of cumulative work experience in legal contract negotiation in the financial services industry
• Proven ability to draft, analyze and negotiate legal contracts across the complexity spectrum
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Highly detail-oriented
• J.D. is required
• Deep knowledge of mutual funds, ETFs and the asset management industry
• Self-starter with the ability to independently manage tasks and workload
• Able to work effectively and efficiently on multiple tasks simultaneously
• Think critically, identify and raise issues and risks in a legal contract or process
• Values working in a collaborative way and understands the importance of strong working relationships

Good to Have

• Change management experience

Perks & Benefits

• Strong retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive healthcare
• Support for working parents
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Hybrid work model (4 days in office, 1 day work from home)

About this role

Do you thrive in a stimulating and multifaceted environment where legal, commercial and risk management skills are key? We are seeking an associate who is curious, analytical, and passionate to become part of our team. At BlackRock, we strive to empower our employees and actively engage your involvement in our success! Experience what it feels like to be part of an organization that makes a difference!

Technology & Operations

Technology & Operations handles a breadth of services that impact the product and trade lifecycle as well as BlackRock’s client and employee experience. Tech & Ops provides solutions to evolving challenges faced by clients, employees and the firm.

Team Overview

The Contracting team is responsible for driving the successful completion of contract negotiations in support of the US open-end mutual fund, Retail Alternatives and Liquidity products lines. We manage the end-to end- contract lifecycle including facilitation of initial due diligence approvals, contract negotiations, contract execution and storage. Our scope includes new contractual arrangements and amendments to existing arrangements in the US Wealth Advisory, Cash Management and Retirement Group business channels. We work closely with our business partners and internal teams to negotiate contracts. Our goal is to achieve the best commercial outcomes for clients while ensuring compliance with BlackRock’s regulatory and fiduciary obligations.

Role Responsibilities

• Experienced contracting lawyer responsible for supporting the mutual fund and ETF products sets, including:
• Contract negotiation based on BlackRock’s template or client forms of agreement
• Assessment of legal, business and operational risks for escalation to impacted stakeholders
• Coordinate efforts with the Legal Department, Compliance and business on new product launches that require distribution contracts
• Assist in migration of new product coverage to the Contracting team
• Ensure that contractual documentation is executed and filed in compliance with internal procedural and regulatory/recordkeeping requirements
• Effectively manage client and Relationship Manager expectations and communication throughout the negotiation process
• Identify and implement opportunities for process and client experience improvements

Experience/Qualifications:

• 5+ years of cumulative work experience in legal contract negotiation in the financial services industry
• Proven ability to draft, analyze and negotiate legal contracts across the complexity spectrum (e.g., from template -based contracts to bespoke drafting)
• Strong written and oral communication skills that can be modified based on one’s audience (e.g., Relationship Manager, Legal Department, Client)
• Motivated by steep learning curves and highly detail-oriented
• J.D. is required
• Deep knowledge of mutual funds, ETFs and the asset management industry
• Change management experience would be helpful

Proficiencies:

• Self-starter with the ability to independently manage tasks and workload
• Able to work effectively and efficiently on multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining the highest standard and attention to detail
• Think critically, identify and raise issues and risks in a legal contract or process
• Values working in a collaborative way and understands the importance of strong working relationships

For New York, NY Only the salary range for this position is USD$137,500.00 - USD$194,000.00 . Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, and benefits including healthcare, 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.