SOS Contract Admin Manager II; JP- Executive

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Secretary of State is one of six state officials named by the Texas Constitution to form the Executive Department of the State. The Secretary is appointed by the Governor, with confirmation by the Senate. The Secretary serves as Chief Election Officer for Texas, provides a repository for official and business and commercial records required to be filed with the office;

publishes government rules and regulations and commissions notaries public; and also serves as keeper of the state seal and attestor to the Governor's signature on official documents.

The Secretary of State seeks a Contract Administration Manager II to work in the agency’s Legal Division. The Contract Administration Manager performs highly advanced (senior-level) contract administration functions related to the oversight, execution, and administration of large-scope or high-dollar contracts. This position involves coordination with the agency’s legal staff and other divisions to define requirements and negotiate, award, develop, and monitor contracts.

The Contract Administration Manager works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

• Oversees or prepares the scope of work, specifications, and conditions for new contracts; prepares contracts; assists with negotiation strategies under the direction of the Legal Division; and awards new contracts.
• Oversees the operations and activities of monitoring contract performance, including developing and tracking key metrics.
• Examines billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with contract terms and agency policies.
• Oversees and coordinates the processing of contract documents to ensure that management understands and authorizes contract terms.
• Develops short‑and‑long‑term strategies and goals for the administration of assigned contracts.
• Collaborates with agency legal staff to investigate and resolve discrepancies, complaints, and disputes by negotiating settlement agreements or by canceling or terminating contracts.
• Initiates and oversees special studies or surveys to assess consumer and program outcomes for evaluation.
• Serves as the principal contract liaison between agency management and other agency staff, contractors, the Legislature, and other state agencies and customers.
• Provides input on or prepares the contract budget; recommends budget allocations for proposed contract agreements; arranges, monitors, and reviews budget allocations with management; and provides budget forecast and proposes alternatives.
• Reviews and analyzes legislation related to procurement and contract management, including tracking legislative bills and assisting with bill analysis.
• Identifies or forecasts cost savings for initial contract, extensions, and amendments compared to previous contract.
• Plans, develops, and conducts presentations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

A DETAILED AND COMPLETE APPLICATION IS REQUIRED TO DEMONSTRATE HOW YOU MEET THE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS BELOW.

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in business, public administration, law, or a related field.
• 3‑5 years of experience in contract administration and in the management, evaluation, or monitoring of contract providers.
• Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

• 6‑10 years of experience in contract administration and in the management, evaluation, or monitoring of contract providers.

• Knowledge of negotiation strategies and techniques; contract administration and cost monitoring for large‑scope or high‑dollar contracts; systems and procedures used to evaluate a third‑party vendor’s performance; and local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the administration of federal or state funds.
• Skill in developing contracts, in problem resolution, and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions, to analyze complex information and develop plans, to interpret complex data, to…