Contract Manager Specialist (Contracted/Temporary)

State of Massachusetts - Boston, MA

Boston, MA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Contract Manager Specialist is part of EOED's Community Programs and Resources Office (CPRO) team and is primarily responsible for performing program and contract management functions that support the operations of the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund. The Contract Manager Specialist will manage a portfolio of funding contracts in various regions of the state and regularly interact with grantees. Duties include managing the preparation and execution of contracts, as well as assisting grantees with contract, payment, and reporting requirements. The position works in close coordination with the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund Administrator. Requires demonstrated experience with state contracting rules and procedures. Knowledge of cannabis business development, a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of the CPRO team to assist with projects and initiatives that support EOED's implementation of strategies and achievement of goals, outlined in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Economic Development Plan.
• Assist in carrying out the goals of the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund, which was created to facilitate the full participation in the Commonwealth's regulated marijuana industry of entrepreneurs from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement.
• Regular and direct interaction with assigned grantees to provide technical assistance, project support, facilitation, and grant monitoring.
• Responsible for identifying and helping to resolve issues with projects (and/or grantees).
• Responsible for reporting problems to, and seeking assistance/guidance from, appropriate senior staff.
• Coordinates with each grantee to ensure that all required documentation for contracting is submitted.
• Consults with finance and legal staff to determine specific program contract requirements, and to ensure compliance with all applicable state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Maintains detailed and accurate records of assigned projects and grants, including through the online grants management system.
• Reviews and submits regular reimbursement requests from grantees.
• In coordination with CFO, monitors and keeps track of disbursements on contracts, adherence to drawdown schedules, and signs-off on project closeouts.
• Processes contract amendment requests, as needed.
• Coordinates and responds to all project inquiries and requests in timely and professional manner.
• Assist in developing briefs, summaries, presentations, and other office reports used for both internal and external communications and events.
• Prepares and submits timely reports and presentations in support of project management and as requested by supervisor.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience and/or knowledge in government grants management and/or business program administration.
• Familiarity or working knowledge of federal, state and/or local economic development programs, government contracting, as well as relevant governmental policies and regulations.
• Experience working with various project constituencies, including government agencies, citizen and community advocacy groups, private sector businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to work in a team-based project setting, and demonstrated ability to multitask and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interactive and relationship-building skills with an ability to effectively communicate and present information and respond to questions from different constituents/grantees.
• Successful experience communicating and working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong computer skills in standard productivity software.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of the cannabis industry and development of cannabis related businesses, particularly as it pertains to the participation of entrepreneurs from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement.
• Fluency in other language(s), in addition to English, a plus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits package
• Support for employees and their loved ones
• Career development opportunities