What are the responsibilities and job description for the IT Contract Specialist (Austin) position at Texas Workforce Commission?
WHO WE ARE:
Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. While we are based in Austin on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol, we have offices statewide. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits.
This position is based at 1411 Brazos St, Austin, Texas.
TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.
WHO YOU ARE:
Seeking a professional to provide contract leadership on a portfolio of complex Information Technology (IT) contracts and solicitations. The ideal candidate will effectively organize, prioritize and manage multiple assignments and priorities, work effectively and independently in a dynamic environment, communicate in a professional and customer-focused manner, and collaborate with other IT teams, TWC Purchasing and Contract Services, and Office of General Counsel, as well as business customers to accomplish work.
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
The IT Contract Specialist/Contract Manager (Contract Specialist IV-V) is selected by and accountable to the IT Acquisitions Director with the approval of the Deputy Chief Information Officer (DCIO). The Contract Specialist/Contract Manager performs advanced to highly advanced (senior-level) contract development and contract management work. Work involves developing and evaluating a broad range of contracts used to acquire technology goods and services, as well as contract management of technology-related contracts for goods, services, deliverables, performance, and service level agreements throughout the life of the contract. Work under minimal supervision, with considerable to extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
- Perform advanced to highly advanced contract development work within the IT division to acquire technology goods and services through Department of Information Resources (DIR) Cooperative Contracts, DIR’s Shared Technology Services (STS) Program, DIR’s Telecom Program, as well as on the open market.
- Perform advanced to highly advanced contract management within the IT division to manage technology-related contracts including hardware, software, Software as a Service (SaaS) licenses, maintenance and operations support services, application development, telecommunications, data communications, and IT Staff Augmentation.
- Provide innovative and continuous improvement of processes for managing and implementing IT contracts while supporting the mission and ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
- Collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to develop needs assessments, proprietary justifications, and solicitation documents including gathering and documenting business, technical, performance, and other requirements to be included in Invitation for Bids (IFB), Request for Offers (RFO), and Statements of Work (SOW) documents.
- Collaborate with purchasing department to develop the solicitation schedule for assigned IT procurements and ensure solicitation stays on schedule, escalating delays to the IT Acquisitions Director.
- Participate in the evaluation, negotiations and acceptance of the contracts.
- Monitor contract requirements and vendor performance to assess compliance with contractual obligations; track deliverables for timely submission and quality; hold vendors accountable for contract compliance; recommend and take corrective actions as needed; and evaluate vendor performance in accordance with state statute and agency policies and procedures.
- Coordinate with DIR STS for assigned STS contracts and solicitations providing required solicitation documents and vendor performance reports in accordance with state statute and agency policies and procedures.
- Provide advanced technical knowledge related to contract management and vendor performance.
- Develop and facilitate review and approval of contract amendments within established guidelines.
- Follow all applicable contracting and procurement practices to ensure quality of deliverables. Draft Deliverable Expectations Documents (DED) in collaboration with Subject Matter Experts and coordinate reviews and approvals of acceptance criteria and final deliverable.
- Develop and manage contract-related budget trackers; validate invoices for accuracy and within scope; and review cost estimates and projections ensuring funds are available in the contract.
- Perform other duties as assigned to maintain IT operations.
- Four years of experience with technology-related contract management and purchasing/procurement management in local, state or federal government.
- Experience with contract management and monitoring of technology-related contracts ensuring goods, services, deliverables, performance, SLAs, and other contract requirements are in compliance with the contract.
- Experience with contract development of technology-related solicitation documents including development of business, technical, cybersecurity, and performance requirements.
- Experience with Seat Management and/or Data Center Services.
- Knowledge of applicable local, state, or federal rules, regulations and policies related to technology procurement and contract management for Texas State agencies. Knowledge of procurement and contract management policies and procedures as defined in the Texas Procurement and Contract Management Guide.
- Experience with Comptroller of Public Accounts, DIR, and Data Center Services (DCS)/STS procurement and contract processes for technology goods and services, as well as the DIR exemption requirements and processes.
- Experience with reviewing and evaluating contracts and vendor deliverables.
- Effectively demonstrate negotiation and facilitation skills.
- Experience with Microsoft Windows and Office products: Outlook, Word, Excel, Visio and PowerPoint. Experience with SharePoint.
- Ability to work independently while understanding the need for communicating and coordinating work efforts with others.
- Ability to handle multiple priorities while meeting strict deadlines and make critical decisions.
- Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organization skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to lead, work closely with cross-functional teams. Establish and maintain cooperative and constructive work relationships.
- Formal project management training and/or certification.
REQUIRED:
Formal Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certification or must obtain CTCM certification within six months of employment and CTCD certification within one (1) year of employment and maintain both certifications throughout employment.
- Contract Specialist IV: Four years of full-time experience in contract development, management, evaluation, monitoring, or training of contract providers or customers; or in the delivery of workforce development services which included contract development, management, evaluation, monitoring, or training of contract providers or customers.
- Contract Specialist V: Five years of full-time experience in contract development, management, evaluation, monitoring, or training of contract providers or customers; or in the delivery of workforce development services which included contract development, management, evaluation, monitoring, or training of contract providers or customers.
- Both Levels: Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.
- A Family Friendly Certified Workplace.
- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
- Medical Insurance
- Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave
VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_PropertyManagementandProcurement.pdf
HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or on Taleo.
TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.
Salary : $6,000 - $7,300
