IT Contract Specialist III

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

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The Contract Specialist III reports to the Director of IT Contract Management and performs highly complex (senior-level) contract management functions for information technology contracts. The CS III is responsible for monitoring contractor performance, coordinating risk assessments, maintaining the contract record and other contract management functions throughout the contract lifecycle. The CS III works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Contract Oversight & Life-cycle Management: Responsible for end-to-end management of assigned contracts, serving as the primary point of contact for contractors and internal stakeholders. Provides subject matter expertise during acquisition to support business needs and ensures a comprehensive understanding of contract terms, scope, deliverables, milestones, and expenditures. Establishes and executes contract monitoring activities, including risk-informed monitoring plans, deliverable tracking, expenditure oversight, and vendor performance reporting.

Ensures contractor accountability by monitoring performance against contractual standards and initiating corrective actions or escalation when deficiencies arise. Oversees financial integrity through invoice validation and alignment with contract terms, and manages contract changes through formal amendment processes. Ensures timely delivery of services and completion of all contract requirements, including closeout, performance evaluations, and compliance with record retention standards. Coordinates HUB reporting and supports team capability building by providing guidance and mentorship to staff.

(50%)

Contract Record Management & Compliance: Maintains complete, accurate, and audit-ready contract records across designated systems of record, including SCOR and CAPPS Financials. Ensures timely review and validation of contract documentation upon execution and maintains all required artifacts throughout the contract lifecycle, including inception, amendments, and closure. Enforces adherence to agency documentation standards, record retention requirements, and applicable regulatory frameworks. Supports audit readiness by ensuring documentation integrity and responding to audit findings or quality reviews with appropriate corrective actions.

Contributes to operational consistency and continuous improvement through maintenance of metadata standards and participation in knowledgebase development to strengthen departmental processes and documentation practices. (30%)

Risk Management :
Integrates risk management practices throughout the contract lifecycle by identifying, assessing, and monitoring potential risks associated with contract performance and compliance. Conducts initial and ongoing risk assessments, ensuring that risks are documented, evaluated, and updated as conditions evolve. Applies judgment to determine when issues require escalation and coordinates with leadership, System Contracting, or legal counsel to address complex or high-impact risks.

Promotes consistent application of risk mitigation strategies to support contract integrity and minimize exposure to operational or compliance issues. (10%)

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement :
Facilitates clear, proactive, and professional communication with internal and external stakeholders to support effective contract execution. Ensures shared understanding of contractual expectations by leading post-award meetings and communicating key administrative and performance requirements. Presents complex contract information in a manner tailored to diverse audiences and represents the IT Contract Management function in cross-functional initiatives, planning sessions, committees, and work groups. Maintains responsiveness and transparency in stakeholder interactions to promote alignment and informed decision-making.

(10%)

Knowledge of:

• State contract management requirements and best practices.
• Business administration and accounting principles and practices.

Skill in:

• the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to:

• interpret regulations, statutes, administrative rules, policies, processes, and procedures.
• evaluate fiscal data.
• write and edit well.

Must have Certified Texas Contract Manager certification or obtain the certification within…