Senior Contract Specialist

Senior Contract SpecialistContract SpecialistAbout the Department of Education:We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of innovative support to Indiana's schools, teachers, students, and parents. We are proactively working with educators, policymakers, business leaders, and community-based organizations to achieve our mission of "Working Together for Student Success."About the Job:The Contract Specialist reports to the Director of Academic Planning and Operations and works with other academic staff and contractors. The Contract Specialist is responsible for maintaining large scale, complex, multi-million-dollar contracts, as well as oversight of scope and schedule related to academic programs, contracts and grants. The Contract Specialist stays abreast of current policy in order to answer questions related to associated work as needed.The Essential Functions of This Role Are As Follows:Defines and monitors contract performance metrics to ensure contracts are developed and executed on schedule, vendor meetings and deliverables occur in accordance to agreed upon timeframes, and invoices are received and processed in a timely mannerMonitors contracts and initiate appropriate action with business owners to ensure amendment procedures or new procurement procedures are launched prior to ending dates.Collaborates with Senior Program Management Specialists to review risks in Master Project Plan in relationship to executed contracts.Facilitates contract execution with contractors, including scheduling and deliverable submissions and interaction with contract and Master Project Plan.Manages scope of work development for mid-level to multi-million dollar projects with collaboration from team members and follows protocol for establishing as yellow sheets, grants or formal contracts.Manages contract executions and amendments according to defined internal schedules and following state procurement guidance.Manages invoice review process related to contracts to ensure alignment to budgets or billing schedules prior to payment.Leads and attends applicable vendor calls to note upcoming work and any potential deviations from approved contract terms.Assists with the day-to-day aspects of Academics programs.Communicates clearly and efficiently with educators, contractors, and IDOE staff.Works cooperatively and collaboratively with contractors and IDOE staff members.Assists the Director of Academic Planning and Operations, other Academic leadership staff, and Chief, as needed.Adheres to local, state, and federal laws and policies.The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.What You'll Need for Success:This person must have the following requirements to be considered for employment:Bachelor's Degree requiredThree years contract management experience requiredAbility to work as part of a teamStrong interpersonal and communication skillsExperience working in and with schoolsStrong attention to detailProficient in Microsoft Office and Google Drive software, specifically Word, ExcelAbility to maintain detailed records and filesBachelor’s degree in business, public administration, business management, or related field.RequiredThree (3) years of experience in drafting contracts scopes of work.RequiredThree (3) years of successfully managing vendor deliverables to include reviewing/approving invoicesRequiredEffective communication skillsRequiredExperience in managing the project development processRequiredEstablish and manage project budgets with an understanding of all financial implications/issuesRequired