Contract Administrator

Salary: $59,737.60 - $94,432.00 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00737
Agency: 444 Judicial
Opening Date: 09/10/2026
Closing Date: 9/27/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP
Point of Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io
To Apply: Candidates need to complete the NEOGOV application and attach a cover letter and resume. Final applicants are subjected to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.


Job Description
Juvenile Court Services, State Court Administration, within the Iowa Judicial Branch, seeks applicants for a Contract Administrator. This position will be located in one of the JCS Offices within JCS Districts 3 and 4; possible office locations include in Sioux City and Council Bluffs, Iowa. The specific location for this position will depend upon selection of the successful candidate. This position may qualify for hybrid work after successful completion of probationary period.

Under the supervision of the JCS Contract Administration Supervisor, this individual will be responsible for administering and tracking a district allocation, drafting and overseeing the district's service contracts for JCS Districts 3 and 4 and overseeing assigned statewide contracts. This position will prepare, negotiate, review, oversee, and administer contracts including both formal and informal procurement processes as well as contract terms to ensure contracts conform to legal requirements and meet objectives; additionally, this position establishes and accurately tracks an annual district budget, as well as each assigned contractual budget.

The successful candidate will have strong organizational skills, time management skills, and sharp attention to detail. This position will be able to communicate professionally in person, virtually and on the phone with a variety of vendors and stakeholders. This person will be able to maintain confidential and sensitive information. This position may occasionally be required to travel outside the assigned judicial districts.

What's in it for you:

• Collaborative, positive professional work environment
• Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the Iowa communities
• Excellent benefits package
• Paid Holidays/Vacation/Sick Leave
• Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) plan
• Employee discount program
• Employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch may qualify for the federal student loan repayment program.

The pay range for this position is $59,737.60 - $94,432.00 annually. This is a non-contract, FLSA-exempt position. The starting salary for new state employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Adjustments may be made if the successful candidate has relevant experience.


Position classification is determined as the 'best fit' of the duties assigned to and performed by a position. This position is classified as a Contract Administrator as summarized below.


Summary


Prepare, negotiate, review, and oversee contracts and terms to ensure the contracts conform to legal requirements and objectives.


Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure contract compliance with legislation, policies, and procedures. Identify potential risks associated with contract terms. Recommend adjustments and mitigation strategies.
• Draft and administer contracts with contracting parties to ensure compliance with the terms of the contract.
• Liaise with the Iowa Judicial Branch project stakeholders to ensure the projects are executed safely and properly.
• Prepare reports and data regarding contract compliance, progress, and administration.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of all contracts.
• Track contract milestones, deliverables, renewals, and deadlines. Monitor contract performance and resolve any issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legal documents, financial reports, and technical documents.
• Knowledge of legal requirements and execution of contracts.
• Knowledge of purchasing and supply chain procedures.
• Knowledge of a government accounting environment.
• Effective negotiation skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage time effectively.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail.

The Iowa Judicial Branch is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Applicants may review the Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report from the Iowa Judicial Branch website as part of our commitment to transparency and compliance with federal and state regulations. Please go to and click on the Careers page.


Candidates need to complete the NEOGOV application and attach a cover letter and resume. Final applicants are subjected to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.


This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Judicial Branch. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.


Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
The incumbent must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for the position.

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, contract management, accounting, finance, economics, statistics, math, public administration, or a closely related field.

Additional Qualification Requirements
Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with formal and informal Requests for Procurement processes.
• Experience or familiarity with drafting, revising, and tracking contract milestones.
• Experience establishing, maintaining and documenting an annual budget.
• Experience determining accuracy and appropriate supporting documentation for invoices/claims as required by State law(s), Administrative Rule(s), or Court Rule(s) .
• Experience applying a document retention schedule.
• Knowledge of generally accepted governmental accounting principles. (GAAP)
• Experience conducting audits or compliance reviews.
• Experience compiling statistical data and reports.
• Knowledge of state laws and administrative rules.

01


Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch.

• Yes
• No

02


PLEASE READ CAREFULLYHave you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. S611 et seq?

• Yes
• No

03


Please explain any gaps in your employment history?
04


Have you ever received a disciplinary suspension, been asked to resign, or discharged from a job? If yes please explain below.
05


What is your minimum salary requirement?
06


Your application for employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch will generally be treated as confidential under Iowa Code section 22.7(18). However, if you consent to allow Judicial to treat it as a public record per Iowa Code section 22.7(18)(a), please check "Yes, I consent" below.

• Yes, I consent
• No

07


List any professional licenses you hold:
08


Current Iowa Judicial Branch Employees ONLY: Have you completed the Iowa Judicial Branch LinkedIn Learning Leadership and Professional Development Certification?

• Yes
• No
• Not Applicable

09


Applicants with international degrees: Have you attached an international education equivalency verification document? We highly recommend for further consideration.

• I have attached an international education equivalency verification document
• I have not attached an international education equivalency verification document
• Not Applicable

10


Are you related to or do you have a close personal relationship with any current employee? If so, please identify the individual and department.
11


This role requires regular, in-person work. Are you willing to commute or relocate, if necessary, to fulfill this requirement?"

• Yes
• No

Required Question