Procurement Specialist

DescriptionThe Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas. Within the Executive Office of Education, Children’s Trust combinesstate/federal appropriations and fundraised dollars for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Children’s Trust is overseen by a board of directors, currently has about 36 employees, and also supports a 501c3 organization, Children’s Trust Fund, Inc. Mission: Children’s Trust partners with organizations and communities to drive systemic change that impactsthe root causes of child abuse and neglect.Vision:CTenvisionsa MA whereall childrengrow up inthrivingfamilies andcommunities.Approach: Using a primary prevention approach that centers equity, we fund high-quality programswhile providing training andtechnical assistance to the family support workforce. We are intentional about being strengths-based and family centered. Framework: Our workprioritizeshelping Massachusetts's families build Protective Factors in their lives. Values: Collaboration | Accountability | Inclusion | Celebrating Successes Learn more about us and our programs here: Stop Child Abuse | Children's Trust Massachusetts (childrenstrustma.org) It’s an exciting time at Children’s Trust...we are growing! Do you want to help advance our mission? We are seeking a Procurement Specialist with Massachusetts State procurement expertise to help ensure every dollar is invested with integrity, transparency, and purpose. In this key role, you'll partner across the agency and with state leaders to guide ethical, compliant, and strategic purchasing that supports our mission. If you enjoy solving problems, building trusted partnerships, improving processes, and helping others navigate procurement with confidence, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today in MassCareers and make an impact where it matters most.The Procurement Specialist will be responsible for managing the procurement process across the agency and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, while maintaining the highest standards of fiscal responsibility and transparency. The Procurement Specialist will collaborate with other agencies such as the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) and the Operational Services Division (OSD) to ensure compliance with strategic sourcing guidelines, state finance law, and procurement regulations. This may include, but is not limited to, the Health and Human Service regulations governing Purchase of Service (POS) contracts that the Children’s Trust also utilizes. The Procurement Specialist will advise both the finance team and staff on the proper protocols for contracting and amendments, including the build-up of rates, and ensuring CT establishes clear contracts for services. The procurement officer plays a critical role in managing the procurement of goods and services, focusing on cost-effectiveness, legal compliance, and strategic sourcing. The procurement officer will also develop and maintain internal controls as they relate to contracting and procurement, and lead training sessions on procurement ethics, preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, and regulation updates (when applicable). This includes creating standardized documentation requirements that ensure transparency throughout the procurement process.Key Responsibilities:Manage comprehensive procurement process.Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with state budgetary constraints and policy objectives.Prepare and review complex Request for Proposals (RFPs). Invitations to Bid, and other procurement documents.Conduct thorough market research and vendor evaluations.Ensure strict compliance with state procurement laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines.Maintain detailed documentation of all procurement activities in alignment with procurement documentation retention,scoring, etc.Analyze existing model rates across the Commonwealth and make recommendations for alignment of our services/rates for greater uniformity.Manage the entire procurement lifecycle from needs assessment to contract execution and amendments, when needed.Coordinate with various state agency representatives to understand specific procurement requirements.Maintain vendor records on hand (including UFR data, when applicable).Ensure transparency and accountability in all procurement activities.Utilize/manage state procurement system, CommBUYS for RFRs, RFIs, RFPs, quotes, and managing awards Assist vendors in utilizing CommBUYS, in conjunction with OSD helpdesk, when neededEstablish the contracts in MMARS in accordance with existing protocols for greater financial control/awareness. Other duties as assigned.Preferred Qualifications:Massachusetts State procurement expertiseRegulatory ComplianceFinancial AnalysisEthical decision-makingDetailed record-keeping5-7 Years experience in public sector procurement or government contracting ·Comprehensive understanding of state and federal procurement regulationsExcellent knowledge of public procurement laws and ethical standardsProficiency in Microsoft office suiteStrong analytic and problem-solving skillsExceptional communication skillsQuestions regarding this position or the application process please contact consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.Substitutions:I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience.* III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.**Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience.Comprehensive BenefitsWhen you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.Job Field: Administrative ServicesOrganization: Department of Early Education and CareSchedule: Full-timeShift: Day