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Contract Specialist Lead
- State of Colorado (Denver, CO)
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Contract Specialist Lead
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/newprint/5052669)
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Contract Specialist Lead
Salary
$71,544.00 - $75,600.00 Annually
Location
Denver Metro, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
QAA 06687 8.21.2025
Department
Department of Early Childhood
Opening Date
08/22/2025
Closing Date
9/12/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
710 S. Ash Street, Denver, CO 80246
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
+ Description
+ Benefits
+ Questions
Department Information
STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENCY REQUIRED
NOTE: This announcement may be used to fill multiple openings.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis is committed to building a Colorado For All, a place where everyone has an opportunity to succeed and live the Colorado way of life. Governor Polis is focused on lowering health care costs for hardworking Coloradans, transitioning the state to renewable energy sources, ensuring every Colorado child gets a quality education, and building an economy that works for everyone.
Committed to Diversity - We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities. If you’re looking for a place where you can be your authentic self at work and celebrate the uniqueness of those around you, then we want to talk to you! State of Colorado employees were asked to reflect on their experience with equity, diversity, and inclusion. Click here to learn more about their experiences Colorado For All - Colorado Employees Reflect on Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAPo-IRsOZU&t=3s)
We offer a generous benefits package including:
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• State paid life insurance policy
• Choice of 2 retirement plans (defined benefit or defined contribution)
• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
• State paid short-term disability coverage
• Additional optional life and disability plans
• Credit Union membership
• Training and professional development
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.
This position will have the opportunity for a hybrid schedule (combination of in-office and remote workplace) . **Please note - equipment provisioning and certain onboarding tasks will take place in person, in our Denver office, on the first day of employment.**
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) ensures the delivery of a comprehensive, community-informed, data-driven, high-quality, and equitable early childhood system that supports the care, education and well-being of all Colorado's young children, their families and early childhood professionals in all settings. CDEC provides access to collaborative, coordinated, quality early childhood programs and support to children, families, and early care professionals in an effort to best prepare Coloradans for future success. CDEC works with many partners, including parents, schools, child care providers, Early Childhood Councils, counties, Community Centered Boards, early intervention service providers, family resources centers, county human services, county public health, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders to provide high-quality early childhood and family support programs.
The Procurement and Contracts unit provides expert technical assistance to program managers, stakeholders and management staff in purchasing and implementation of financial operations. This includes contracting, Statement of Work and budget development, negotiation and implementation, solicitation development and implementation, development of contract language, development and implementation of policies and procedures related to purchasing goods and services.
Description of Job
Class Code & Class Description:
H1H4XX Contract Administrator IV
This position is partially responsible for assigning tasks, monitoring progress and workflow, checking the product, scheduling work, and establishing work standards. This position may at times provide input into supervisory decisions made. In addition to work lead responsibilities, this position exists to provide oversight of contract development and implementation processes to satisfy Federal, State and Department requirements. Activities may include interpreting and developing contract language; identifying necessary supporting documentation to be provided by program staff or contractors; validation of information; and overall quality control. This position is responsible for managing all types of solicitation methodologies and executing contracts and procurements that result from those solicitations. This position reviews and analyzes requisitions for: State and Departmental pre-approvals; adherence to OIT processes; proper accounting coding; and draft specifications, scopes-of-work, and any other applicable contract terms and conditions. This position will advise program staff on actions needed to ensure contract compliance and risk mitigation or elimination.
What you’ll be doing:
+ Drafts Department requested contracts, leases, contract modifications, or other legal documents to ensure legal sufficiency under applicable legal standards.
+ Negotiates various contracts, leases, or other legal documents with contractors and drafts contracts that benefit the State and the taxpayers as a whole.
+ Provide program staff consultation and guidance on contract development and implementation within the scope of the Office’s activities.
+ Provide customer service, training/orientation and guidance to contractors of CDEC to ensure contractors’ compliance with State Fiscal and Procurement Rules, Federal Regulations and Guidelines and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
+ Meet independently with contractors and internal staff to provide expertise in procurement and contracting.
+ Guides, advises, and assists assigned program staff, regarding delegated purchasing authority processes and procedures.
+ Provides assigned groups guidance on completing and obtain written sub-delegations, pre-approvals processes and procedures.
+ Position is accountable and responsible for selecting the proper, legal vendor selection methodology and drafting, issuing, managing, and awarding the solicitation.
+ Coordinate procurement activities with the accounts payable unit of the Controller’s office to ensure timely payment of all invoices to vendors, and with budget to rectify coding error issues.
+ Manage solicitations for assigned business unit(s) including analyzing program requests and selecting the proper award and drafting award documents, negotiating specifications, statements of work, cost, delivery terms, payment methodology, and legal terms and conditions, and obtaining proper insurance certificates from contractors.
+ Responsible for the effective management, maintenance, and optimization of the OnBase enterprise content management system.
+ Prioritize and assign work, monitor services and products to ensure quality, timeliness, and quantity meet standards and deadlines for deliverables to meet work plan objectives.
+ Implement methods, procedures, and processes to improve workflow and productivity.
+ Develop plans for training and development, and provide training as needed.
+ Provide feedback and coaching, monitor performance, and contribute to each assigned employee’s annual performance plan and annual performance evaluation.
+ Maintain oversight on project management plans.
+ Review attendance, workplace behavior, communication and competencies with employee on a regular basis.
+ Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience only
Seven years of experience in contract management, procurement, or a related field
Education and Experience
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Contract Management, Law, or a related fieldANDThree (3) years of experience in contract management, procurement, or a related field
Please note:The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application and in the supplemental questions. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section and supplemental questions of your application will be reviewed to determine this. “See Resume” statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.
Substitutions:
+ Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.
+ Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred qualifications:
+ State experience relevant to this position
+ A master's degree in business administration, law, or a related field can be preferred to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills.
+ 5 plus years of experience in contract management or procurement, particularly in complex or high-value contracts.
+ Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving project initiatives to completion.
+ Proven track record of successful negotiations that have resulted in favorable contract terms and conditions.
Highly Desired:
+ Strong analytical abilities to assess compliance issues, and financial implications effectively.
+ Strong analytical skills to assess contracts, identify risks, and develop effective solutions to complex issues.
+ Experience with contract management software or procurement systems, as well as proficiency in data analysis tools.
+ In-depth understanding of federal, state, and local procurement regulations, as well as relevant industry standards.
+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to various stakeholders.
+ Experience in leading and managing teams, demonstrating the ability to mentor and guide team members effectively.
+ Demonstrates the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, fostering a positive and supportive work environment while minimizing conflict and maintaining professionalism.
DEFINITION OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Work that involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment, and personal accountability, and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field; and continuously studied to explore, extend, and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials, equipment, applications and methods.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
+ Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment.
+ Employees who have been disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of disciplinary termination, or negotiated their termination from the State of Colorado must disclose this information on the application.
APPEAL RIGHTS:
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email ( [email protected] ), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov ; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply (https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply) (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
Please note that ONLY your State of Colorado job application will be reviewed during the initial screening; if you submit a resume and cover letter, they will be reviewed in later stages of the selection process. Therefore, it is paramount that you clearly describe all your relevant experience on the application itself. Applications left blank or marked "SEE RESUME" will not be considered.
Complete Applications must include the following documents:
+ A complete CDEC Application for Announced Vacancy (please submit online using the green 'APPLY' button at the top of this announcement)
+ A complete Supplemental Questionnaire (The questionnaire is part of the online application. You will be prompted to answer them as you are completing your online application.)
+ If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing that your degree has been conferred and the name of your school, or your NACES accreditation. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
+ If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
Your application will be reviewed against the minimum qualifications for the position. If your application demonstrates that you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be invited to the comparative analysis process, which is described below.
Comparative Analysis Process
The comparative analysis process will consist primarily of a review of applications against the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Applications will be reviewed in comparison to all others in the applicant pool in order to identify a top group of candidates who may be invited for a final interview. Depending on the size of the applicant pool, additional selection processes may be utilized to identify a top group of candidates. Applicants will be notified of their status via email.
Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date will result in your application being rejected.
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
ADAAA Accommodations: The Colorado Department of Early Childhood is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Specialist: [email protected]
The Department does not offer sponsored visas for employment purposes.
Technical Assistance
If you experience difficulty in uploading or attaching documents to your online application, or for any other technical difficulties, call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 anytime between 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).
HOW TO APPLY: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
IF NOT APPLYING ON-LINE, SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:
Online applications are strongly preferred. If you are unable to submit an online application, please reach out to the contact listed. Please note, all applications must be received by the closing date listed on the job posting.
DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION:
METHODS OF APPOINTMENT: Appointment to the vacancy or vacancies represented by this announcement is expected to be from the eligible list created. However, at the discretion of the appointing authority, the position(s) may be filled by another method of appointment for a valid articulated business reason.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
All positions at the Department require that potential employees undergo a thorough background check. As a condition of employment, you are required to submit to pre-employment screening if offered the position. Are you willing to meet this requirement?
+ Yes
+ No
02
Are you willing to accept an offer within the posted salary range?
+ Yes
+ No
03
Former state employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position. Otherwise, please list N/A.
04
If you are a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please provide your EID (employee identification number will start with 99....), and please list your dates of employment and classifications for all State of Colorado Departments or institutes of Higher Education for which you have worked.
05
This position has been designated as hybrid. The Hiring Manager will discuss the expectations and details of the schedule with you during the interview process. A hybrid position can work a portion of the time from home and a portion of the time in the state workplace location. A workspace is provided for the employee when they come into the office, which could include a cubicle, office, or hoteling station. When required to come into the assigned state workplace, the employee is required to bear the expense of commuting. Do you understand this expectation and are you willing to meet this requirement? [Please write "YES" in the space below in order to continue in the selection process.]
06
List any additional relevant experience you would like us to consider in determining if you meet the qualifications of this position. Please, include the months and years relevant to the experience you describe.
07
Describe a time you led your team through a complex, high-stakes contract negotiation. Walk us through your strategy for managing both your team and the negotiation itself. What specific challenges did you face, and how did your leadership contribute to the outcome?
08
As a lead overseeing multiple critical contracts, how do you approach prioritizing the team's workload and delegating responsibilities? Describe your system for ensuring both urgent deadlines and long-term quality standards are consistently met.
09
Walk us through a specific instance where a contracted provider did not meet their performance obligations or was out of compliance. What steps did you take to manage the situation, communicate with stakeholders, and protect the department's interests while seeking a resolution?
10
Describe an instance where you ensured compliance with specific regulatory requirements in a contract.
11
Describe a specific initiative you led to improve a contract management process. What was the problem you were solving, what steps did you take, and what was the measurable impact on efficiency or risk?
12
The mission of this department is central to our work. How would you mentor your team to ensure the contracts they administer are not just legally and financially sound, but also structured to actively advance our mission of supporting the well-being of young children and families?
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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