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 and many of our positions are suitable for teleworking. 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 eligible for telecommuting from anywhere in the State of Texas.

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 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 management work. Work involves developing and evaluating a broad range of contracts used to acquire technology goods and services. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable to extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO: -Perform advanced to highly advanced contract management work within the Information Technology division involving contract development, procurement and management to acquire technology goods and services through Department of Information Resources (DIR) Cooperative Contracts and open market. -Provide innovative and continuous improvement of processes for managing and implementing acquisitions while supporting the mission and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. -Plan, develop and provide assistance to pre-solicitation program descriptions, performance requirements, and development of Invitation for Bids (IFB), Request for Offers (RFO), and Statements of Work (SOW). -Facilitate and coordinate with the team to develop and implement processes, timelines, solicitation documents, evaluation plans, scoring instruments, funding availability and contract procurement and development -Participate in the evaluation, negotiations and acceptance of the contracts. -Monitor contract requirements and vendor performance to assess compliance with contractual obligations, hold the vendor accountable for contract compliance, recommend and take corrective action as needed, evaluate vendor performance in accordance with state statute and agency policies and procedures. -Coordinate with DIR Shared Technology Services (STS) for assigned STS contracts and solicitations. -Provide advanced technical knowledge related to contract management and vendor performance. -Facilitate amendments to contracts within established guidelines. -Follow all applicable contracting and procurement practices to ensure quality of deliverables. -Develop and manage contract-related budgets, validation, cost estimates and projections. -Perform other duties as assigned to maintain IT operations.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH: -Four years of experience with technology contracting, contract management, and purchasing or procurement management in local, state or federal government. -Experience with Seat Management and/or Data Center Services. -Knowledge of applicable local, state, or federal rules, regulations and policies related to contract procurement administration and management. Knowledge of procurement policies and procedures as defined in th Texas Procurement and Contract Management Guide. -Experience with DIR and Data Center Services (DCS)/STS procurement and contract processes for technology goods and services, as well as DIR exemptions. -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 withing six months of employment and CTCD certification within one (1) year of employment and maintain both certifications throughout employment.

YOU QUALIFY WITH: -Contract Specialist IV: Completion of two years (60 semester hours) of accredited college work, plus 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: Completion of two years (60 semester hours) of accredited college work, plus 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: One year of experience may be substituted for each year (30 semester hours) of education.

YOU GAIN: -A Family Friendly Certified Workplace. -Telecommuting offered from anywhere within the State of Texas -Competitive starting salary: $6,000.00 - $7,300.00/month -Defined Retirement Benefit Plan -Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts -Medical Insurance -Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave -Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits.

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.

-Applicants must be legally authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States. We will not consider applicants that will need sponsorship now or in the future.

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