TxDMV - IT Contract Specialist (Remote in Texas)

State Title: Contract Specialist III

This position is eligible for remote work within the state of Texas (subject to change). Must attend meetings/training at headquarters in Austin, TX as required by management.

To apply for this position, complete an on-line application through the Applicant Career Section or through WorkInTexas. TxDMV does not accept paper applications.

Applicants who require accommodation for the interview process should contact Human Resources at 512-465-4043 when contacted to schedule an interview.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Our mission at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) is to serve, protect and advance the citizens and industries in the state with quality motor vehicle related services. We are a dynamic state agency dedicated to customer service, consumer protection and the success of motor vehicle-related industries.

The TxDMV Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) is seeking a highly skilled information technology (IT) contract specialist. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for creating and developing comprehensive statements of work to support the procurement and management of IT products and services, ensuring compliance with State of Texas laws, policies, and best practices. You will develop, monitor, and manage contracts to achieve the agency's IT objectives while ensuring fiscal responsibility and regulatory compliance. As a liaison between ITSD, other TxDMV divisions, and stakeholders, you will promote transparency and accountability throughout the contracting process. This role requires extensive collaboration with Finance, Legal, IT project teams, and business areas, demanding exceptional communication skills. Reporting to the IT Operations Director, you will operate with limited supervision and considerable latitude, utilizing your initiative and independent judgment to drive success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Contract Development and Solicitation:

• Drafts and reviews solicitations providing precise SOW documents for IT projects, ensuring they meet legal, budgetary, and project management standards.
• Collaborates with program staff to define specifications, deliverables, and evaluation criteria.
• Ensures contracts reflect agency objectives while complying with applicable laws, including the Texas Government Code and procurement standards.

Project Assistance:

• Provide project management support by assisting in the evaluation of contractor deliverables, including reports, services, or products, for quality and timeliness as it pertains to IT projects.
• Helps identify potential risks, such as non-compliance, and escalates issues to leadership with proposed solutions.

Budget Alignment:

• Collaborate with the Finance department to develop, align, and track IT project budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with project goals.

Policy and Legal Document Review:

• Read and edit legal and policy documents, ensuring they are in alignment with IT operational requirements and compliance standards.

Interdepartmental Communication:

• Serve as a communication liaison between IT Operations, Finance, Legal, and business areas to facilitate clear and effective collaboration on IT contract documents.

Training and Mentoring:

• Conducts training sessions for ITSD staff on IT procurement processes, contract management best practices, and state compliance standards.
• Mentors IT Operations staff and provides expertise on complex IT procurement activities.

Program Analysis and Reporting:

• Perform analysis of applicable IT operations and prepares reports that recommend improvements and efficiencies in processes.

Legislation Analysis:

• Monitors legislative and regulatory changes impacting state IT procurement and contracts.
• Ensures all contracts comply with applicable standards, including Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) requirements and transparency initiatives.

Audit Support and Risk Mitigation:

• Assists with internal and external audits by providing documentation and explanations of contracting decisions.
• Develops corrective action plans to address identified risks or deficiencies.

Policy and Procedure Development:

• Assist in developing IT policies, procedures, and standards that align with organizational objectives and ensure the effective operation of IT services.

Strategic Planning:

• Supports the agency’s long-term goals by aligning IT procurement strategies with operational needs.
• Advises leadership on emerging trends, technologies, and opportunities for innovation in IT procurement.

General Duties:

• Represents the agency at meetings as applicable.
• Performs related work as assigned to support the agency’s mission.
• May travel up to 5% of the time. Travels by car (may include flying). May include overnight travel. May require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Required to attend work regularly and adhere to approved work hours in accordance with department policies and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

State of Texas procurement and contract management laws as it pertains to information technology, including the Texas Government Code and applicable programs under the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR).

Relevant legal and policy frameworks impacting IT projects.

Project management principles, especially relating to IT and technical projects.

Budgetary processes and financial management within IT project contexts.

IT service management frameworks (ITIL) and cybersecurity compliance requirements.

AI platforms and tools for contract analysis and document review.

Skill in:

Creating, developing, and managing solicitations, SOWs, contracts, and amendments using state templates and guidelines.

Effective interdepartmental communication and collaboration.

Analyzing and interpreting IT procurement-related legislation and policies.

Training and mentoring team members to strengthen contract management capabilities.

Advanced Microsoft Office functionality, with emphasis on complex document creation and formatting in Word.

Ability to:

Analyze and resolve complex contracting issues in a fast-paced environment.

Interpret and apply legal, regulatory, and procedural requirements in contracting.

Develop clear and concise documentation for contracts, audits, and reports.

Foster strong relationships with diverse stakeholders to achieve agency objectives.

Work independently with minimal supervision.

The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills held or performed by employees in this job. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Business Administration, Contract Management, Legal Studies, IT Management, Accounting, or a related field.
• Must have at least two (2) or more years of developing and processing statements of work (SOW) or similar contract documents for IT projects at a State of Texas agency. Substitution Note: Relevant Experience may be substituted for education on a year-per-basis up to the minimum requirements.
• Familiarity with state of Texas regulations and statutes applicable to IT procurements.
• Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) or Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) is required or must be obtained within six months of hire.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position is eligible for remote work in the state of Texas (subject to change). Must attend meetings/training at headquarters in Austin, Texas as required by management.

Remote work employees must meet these criteria for the remote work location:

• Adequate desk space in a dedicated, contained area that is secured and protected at all times.
• Remote work location is in a quiet environment free of background people and noise during business hours.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

QUALIFIED EMPLOYER: In addition, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is considered a qualified employer for the Department of Education’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSURE

A valid Class "C" driver's license is required. If not currently a Texas resident, must obtain a Texas Driver's License within ninety (90) days after entering Texas as a new resident. A satisfactory driving record is required for operating state or personal vehicles to conduct department business.

JOB OFFERS AND CONTINUATION OF EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON:

• Proof of education and experience listed on the application
• Eligibility to work in the United States
• Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background check and driver’s record check
• Compliance with Selective Service registration for males ages 18-25
• Required to attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with department policies and procedures.

MILITARY

If selected for the position the following must be provided for proof of military employment preference:

• Veteran must provide form DD 214
• Surviving Spouse or Orphan must provide DD 1300 or DD 214.

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes that may correspond to the state classification title for this position are listed on the State Auditor’s Office Job Descriptions; click on the occupational category for the position. Additional MOS can be found at the State Auditor’s Office Military Crosswalk Guide.

The Texas Veterans Commission provides helpful employment information.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

Your application must be complete, accurate and reflect all experience and education. Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification. "See Resume" is not accepted in lieu of a completed online State of Texas application but attached resumes may be considered as additional supplemental information.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, pregnancy, disability, military status, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. The TxDMV provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodation, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance on 512-465-4043.