SOS - Contract Admin. Manager II

Job Description

General Description:

The Secretary of State seeks a Contract Administration Manager II to work in the agency's Legal Division. The Contract Administration Manager performs highly advanced (seniorlevel) contract administration functions related to the oversight, execution, and administration of largescope or highdollar contracts. This position involves coordination with the agency's legal staff and other divisions to define requirements and negotiate, award, develop, and monitor contracts. The Contract Administration Manager works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position reports to the General Counsel IV.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees or prepares the scope of work, specifications, and conditions for new contracts; prepares contracts; assists with negotiation strategies under the direction of the Legal Division; and awards new contracts.
• Oversees the operations and activities of monitoring contract performance, including developing and tracking key metrics.
• Examines billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with contract terms and agency policies.
• Oversees and coordinates the processing of contract documents to ensure that management understands and authorizes contract terms.
• Develops short and longterm strategies and goals for the administration of assigned contracts.
• Collaborates with agency legal staff to investigate and resolve discrepancies, complaints, and disputes by negotiating settlement agreements or by canceling or terminating contracts.
• Initiates and oversees special studies or surveys to assess consumer and program outcomes for evaluation.
• Serves as the principal contract liaison between agency management and other agency staff, contractors, the Legislature, and other state agencies and customers.
• Provides input on or prepares the contract budget; recommends budget allocations for proposed contract agreements; arranges, monitors, and reviews budget allocations with management; and provides budget forecast and proposes alternatives.
• Reviews and analyzes legislation related to procurement and contract management, including tracking legislative bills and assisting with bill analysis.
• Identifies or forecasts cost savings for initial contract, extensions, and amendments compared to previous contract.
• Plans, develops, and conducts presentations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of negotiation strategies and techniques; contract administration and cost monitoring for largescope or highdollar contracts; systems and procedures used to evaluate a thirdparty vendor's performance; and local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the administration of federal or state funds.
• Skill in developing contracts, in problem resolution, and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions, to analyze complex information and develop plans, to interpret complex data, to effectively demonstrate negotiation and facilitation skills, to communicate effectively, and to supervise the work of others.
• Ability to meet established deadlines and work with agency staff, contractors, and the general public.
• Excellent time management skills, and regular and punctual attendance.
• Detailoriented, dependable, resourceful, and able to work independently.
• Knowledge of PCs, office equipment, and work place protocols.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to follow through with assigned tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to be flexible and quickly adjust to new situations and changing demands.
• Consciously foster a workplace environment that is consistent with the Secretary of State's culture and emphasizes the identified mission, vision, guiding principles, and values of the Agency.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and be an effective team player in a pleasant, professional, and respectful manner.
• Ability to appropriately handle confidential or sensitive information.

Required Minimum Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited fouryear college or university with major coursework in business, public administration, law, or a related field.
• 35 years of experience in contract administration and in the management, evaluation, or monitoring of contract providers .
• Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Registration, Certification, or Licensure

• Requires certification as a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and/or a Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or the ability to obtain such certification within the first six (6) months of employment with the Secretary of State.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6+ years of experience in contract administration and in the management, evaluation, or monitoring of contract providers.

Working Conditions

• Work primarily performed in a professional office environment.
• Regular use of computer and office equipment.
• Prolonged sitting
• Work involves frequent interactions with employees, management, and customers while managing multiple priorities and confidential information.
• Work may involve interruptions, multiple deadlines, and changing priorities.
• If/when working from home, a strong reliable internet connection and a dedicated workspace are required.
• Must be able to lift and carry boxes weighing up to thirty (3) pounds.
• Work hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Military Crosswalk:

Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category Information and Communication

Application Requirements:

A State of Texas application is required to apply. For more information on how to apply for this position, go to Employment Opportunities

Notes to Applicant:

If you require any reasonable accommodation for the interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls to schedule your interview. This position has been designated as a security sensitive position. A background investigation will be conducted on the final candidate for this position.

Veterans Information: Our agency is committed to hiring Veterans. To receive Veteran's Preference, a copy of the FORM DD214 member #4, must be attached when submitting your application.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.