Lead Contract Specialist

POSTING TYPE: Open
DEPARTMENT: Finance
HOURS: Full-time
FULL SALARY RANGE: $78,981- $123,408 (Grade 109)
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: : $78,981 - $98,726
LOCATION: Hybrid/Hastings ADC/West St. Paul, NSC
UNION: AFSCME 306
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 2/11/2025

The LEAD CONTRACT SPECIALIST is a critical team member who will not only fulfill the role of the Contract Specialist but will also assist the Contract Unit Manager with training, mentoring and coaching the Contract Specialists, as well as assisting in the monitoring and enhancement of overall contract compliance & quality assurance of the Contract Unit.

What You'll Do

As Lead Contract Specialist, you will play a key leadership role in the purchase of quality, cost-effective services to meet the needs of Finance and its clients. You will interface with program staff, County Attorney's Office, Risk Management, IT, community-based service providers, vendors, and others to manage solicitations and a portfolio of contract and grant agreements from development to termination. You will assist the Contract Unit Manager to monitor and enhance overall contract compliance and quality assurance. You will monitor performance and lead the development and implementation of process, procedure, and technology improvements to optimize contract operations. You will also complete other projects and duties as assigned.

Who We Are

Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

• Associates Degree in public administration, business management, human services, or related field; AND
• Minimum of three years contract management experience

• A Bachelor's Degree in public administration, business management, human services, or related field; AND
• Minimum of one-year significant contract management experience;

• An equivalent combination of education and experience to total five or more years;
• Minimum of one-year experience in any combination of program evaluation, data analysis, performance measurement, process improvement, or related discipline

PEFERRED EXPERIENCE BEYOND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience managing compliance with government contracts and/or grants.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

Contract Management

1. Facilitate the development, negotiation, and execution of contractual agreements in conjunction with Department program staff, vendors, and others, ensuring compliance with the terms, conditions, policies, and operational procedures established by Dakota County

2. Assist in the development, management, and monitoring of solicitations, grant agreements and State master contracts

3. Prepare Requests for Board Action and other documents to support contract and grant development and implementation

4. Track and analyze budgets, expenditures, and service rates to achieve cost effective purchase of services in alignment with County policies and procedures

5. Monitor vendor performance and compliance; develop and oversee corrective action and/or improvement plans as needed

6. Provide technical assistance to internal program staff, leaders, and external vendors

7. Cultivate effective partnerships with County Attorney's Office, the Office of Risk Management, and others within and outside of the County as required

Operational Performance & Compliance

8. Train and mentor contract staff in the performance of assigned duties, as needed

9. Update and maintain policies and procedures to ensure compliance and support efficient operations

10. Monitor compliance through file review audits and other methods

11. Lead the development and implementation of process improvement efforts

12. Evaluate and recommend application of tools to support operational efficiency, staff productivity, and service quality.

13. Utilize the county's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application, contract management and automated technology systems to monitor, analyze and report on the contract unit's overall operational performance, including the status of contracts, grants, and solicitation workflows.

14. Coordinate with other county departments on initiatives, projects, and tasks, as needed.

15. Provide leadership and/or represent the agency on assigned tasks and projects.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, & 15 are essential functions.

• Knowledge of contract management, compliance, and oversight including familiarity with legal rules, regulations, and government obligations related to the management of contracts, grants and solicitations.
• Understanding of and ability to employ conflict resolution, mediation, facilitation, and negotiation techniques.
• General financial management skills including the ability to develop, analyze, monitor, and track budgets, expenditures, and service rates.
• Ability to effectively monitor and analyze program, client, financial, and outcome data.
• Ability to exhibit a professional, positive attitude and work ethic.
• Ability and commitment to work effectively with others from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Strong technology skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to develop proficiency in software tools that support enterprise resource planning & management, electronic document management, and data analysis and reporting.
• Understanding of and commitment to the mission and vision of Dakota County Finance, as well as program operational guidelines, business practices, staff needs, and customer service outcomes.
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate work according to internal and external stakeholder needs
• Ability to problem solve while demonstrating good judgment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to manage through influence rather than positional power
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills

SELECTION PROCESS: The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays each year
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time