Contracts Specialist 2

$56,880 - $76,608/Yr

State of Washington - Tumwater, WA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Tumwater, WA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Contract Specialist 2 position at the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) is a vital role focused on the management and oversight of contracts to ensure compliance, accuracy, and timely execution. This position requires a keen eye for detail and a strong background in contract monitoring. The successful candidate will be part of a team dedicated to managing public resources effectively through diligent contract management practices. The role is dynamic and emphasizes the importance of diversity, belonging, and a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal opportunity for individuals who thrive in such environments. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring that the Enterprise Contracts Management System (ECMS) is current with all contracts and amendments. You will prepare contracts using DRS templates and engage in contract negotiations. Additionally, you will develop purchasing agreements and statements of work to support purchasing through master contracts. A significant part of your duties will involve collaborating with DRS vendors to provide guidance on subcontractor reporting requirements and ensuring that contract forecasting and outreach efforts are up to date. You will also analyze contract terms and make recommendations for renewals and amendments to the Contract Manager, PMO Director, and contract administrators. Coordination with agency contract owners will be essential to ensure that statements of work and compensation terms are complete. Furthermore, you will facilitate vendor onboarding activities, including the signing of vendor access agreements and coordinating IT security training. After a successful review period, there may be opportunities for telework, allowing for a flexible work schedule while maintaining a commitment to team collaboration and mandatory in-person meetings as needed.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring the Enterprise Contracts Management System (ECMS) is up to date with contracts and amendments.
• Preparing contracts using DRS templates and conducting contract negotiations.
• Developing purchasing agreements/statements of work in support of purchasing through master contracts.
• Working with DRS vendors to provide guidance and education for subcontractor reporting requirements and ensuring contract forecasting and outreach efforts are current.
• Analyzing contract terms and recommending contract renewals and amendments to the Contract Manager, PMO Director and contract administrators.
• Coordinating with agency contract owners to ensure complete statements of work and compensation terms.
• Coordinating vendor onboarding activities including facilitating the signature of vendor access agreements and coordinating IT security training.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience administering the acquisition of goods or services contracts, including compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
• At least three (3) years of professional experience in contract management.
• Demonstrated experience in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, particularly for spreadsheet tasks and database management.
• Proficiency in communication, technical knowledge, facilitating others, analysis, and problem-solving.
• Commitment to diversity and creating an inclusive environment.

Nice-to-haves

• A Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, economics, mathematics, statistics, or a closely allied field.
• One year of experience in negotiating contracts.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules
• Free parking
• Commute Trip Reduction Program
• Infants at Work Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Subscription to LinkedIn Learning
• Commitment to team member safety and wellness
• Community involvement/charitable giving