Contracts Specialist Advanced

Introduction The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin. The Department of Corrections is currently recruiting to fill a Contracts Specialist Advanced position. This position can be based out of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Central Office located at 3099 E Washington Ave Madison, WI or an institution within the Division of Adult Institutions. The headquartered location will be determined upon hire. Position Summary This position works with Department of Corrections staff and vendors to negotiate and administer the multi‑million‑dollar contracts for programs related to services and commodities provided to Persons In Our Care. The position will be involved in the entire process from determining needed services, gathering information, and data from within and other state procurements, to incorporating the services into program, implementation, monitoring, contract management, negotiations, issue resolution, vendor performance monitoring, reporting and auditing. The position serves as the Division contract expert and works in conjunction with the Division of Management Services contract manager to resolve significant contractual violations and contract renewals, and serves as a liaison between the vendor and DMS as well as vendor and Division of Adult Institutions. The position will be involved in analysis of services, policy recommendations, staff training, and coordination of Department policies and procedures related to such contracts and services. The position conducts market research and makes recommendations on innovative and creative new approaches related to the Persons in our Care service and associated commodities and equipment. It holds key responsibility for cross‑divisional communication, training, program implementation and coordination of contracts related to Persons in our Care services such as telephone, tablet, video visitation, messaging, canteen, hobby, property, third‑party mail, shoe, clothing, textiles, food, etc. As the primary contact, this position is responsible for dispute resolutions and responding to external stakeholders regarding such contracts and policy. Responsibilities Administrating and managing large multi‑service level vendor contracts Identifying and resolving contractual performance issues and contract compliance Negotiating contract terms Performing project management related duties Analyzing services and making policy recommendations Coordinating staff training related to contract policies and procedures Conducting market research for innovative contract approaches Managing cross‑divisional communication and coordination of programs related to Persons in our Care services Resolving disputes and responding to external stakeholders regarding contracts and policies Qualifications Minimally qualified applicants will have experience: Administrating and managing large multi‑service level vendor contracts Identifying/resolving contractual performance issues and contract compliance Negotiating contract terms Performing project management related duties In addition to the above, well qualified applicants will have training and/or experience: Applying state and federal laws, government procurement rules, and administrative policies to programs Procuring and operating large service level commodities in areas such as communication equipment, computer tablets, commissary, food production and clothing Performing financial related duties (purchasing, accounting, financial data collection, creating financial reports, accounts reconciliation) Maintaining working relationships with internal and external DOC stakeholders (staff, management, contracted vendors) Salary Information This position is in pay schedule and range 07-03 with an annual salary of $57,574 to $94,993 . Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. A 12‑month probationary period is required. Benefits Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year. Insurance: Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance. An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment. An optional tax‑advantaged 457 retirement savings plan. The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well‑being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives. Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well‑being. DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Work Environment Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application. The Department of Corrections may conduct pre‑employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre‑employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency of employment. The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting. This position may have the flexibility of a hybrid in‑office and remote work schedule up to 3 days/week. Final schedule will be determined upon hire. Shift: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday. EEO Statement The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Veterans Employment The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service‑connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non‑Competitive Appointment program. Current State employees are not eligible for non‑competitive appointment. Application Deadline Online application and materials must be submitted by 11:59 pm on June 21, 2026 . #J-18808-Ljbffr