IT Contract Specialist, Procurement & Contract Specialist 3,

Initial Posting Date: 08/26/2026Application Deadline:09/02/2026Agency:Department of Human ServicesSalary Range:$5,988 - $9,191Position Type:EmployeePosition Title:IT Contract Specialist, Procurement & Contract Specialist 3,Job Description:The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.Opportunity awaits! We are seeking a skilled IT Contract Specialist (Procurement & Contract Specialist 3) to join the Office of Contracts and Procurement (OC&P) a statewide shared service supporting ODHS, OHA, and the Home Care Commission. In this role, you will lead the negotiation and development of complex, high-risk technology-related solicitations, contracts, amendments, intergovernmental agreements, and grant agreements. These agreements often involve multiple funding sources, political sensitivity, and high visibility, requiring exceptional attention to detail and compliance with federal and state laws, Oregon Administrative Rules, and agency policies. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and have a passion for ensuring strategic, compliant, and effective IT contracting, we want to hear from you!Summary of Duties:Contract Planning, Development, and NegotiationDevelop complex IT contracts, intergovernmental agreements, grant agreements, and amendments that reflect program goals, include measurable performance standards, and meet security, architectural, and legal requirements.Ensure all IT contracts and agreements comply with federal and state laws, Oregon Administrative Rules, and agency policies.Solicitation Planning and DevelopmentAdvise program, technical, and professional staff on the most effective procurement methods.Develop complex IT scopes of work and comprehensive solicitation documents that meet all procurement rules and requirements.Create evaluation criteria with program staff and facilitate the full evaluation process.Coordinate agency responses to contractor award protests.Procurement OversightInterpret and clarify solicitation and contract rules for program staff.Provide guidance on IT procurement, contracting, and agreement development for new and existing programs.Assist programs in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks in contracts and agreements.Lead discussions and mentor staff using in-depth knowledge of Oregon IT procurement practices.Participate as a subject matter expert in trainings and meetings.Stay current with technology and technology procurement through ongoing learning.Minimum Qualifications Five years procurement and contract experience related to the position such as developing and administering standard contracts, agreements, or solicitations.ORA bachelor’s degree and two years of professional-level procurement and contract experience related to the position.ORAny combination of experience and education equivalent to five years of procurement and contract experience related to the position.Essential AttributesWe are looking for candidates with:Complex IT Contract and Solicitation planning, development, and negotiation within Public or Private Sector.Procurement oversight aiding program staff by interpreting and clarifying contract and solicitation rules and guidelines.Ability to work independently while maintaining accountability and transparency.Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to evaluate complex IT requirements and identify risks or compliance issuesStrong organizational and time‑management skills to manage competing deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.Adaptability and problem‑solving skills when addressing changing priorities, procurement challenges, or unexpected issues.High attention to detail to ensure accuracy, legal sufficiency, and compliance in contracts and solicitations.Attention all candidates! A cover letter is required as part of the application. In your cover letter, please describe how you meet the essential attributes and minimum qualifications for this position. This information will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes. Failure to submit the required cover letter will result in disqualification of your application.Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.Working Conditions This position is eligible for remote work, with occasional on-site presence required in Salem, Oregon.Requires full-time computer use (approximately 8 hours per day).Must be able to work independently and manage critical projects under tight timelines and competing priorities.Strong organizational skills are essential to prioritize tasks effectively and meet established deadlines.Occasional overtime may be necessary to meet programmatic, budgetary, or other critical deadlines.Oregon Procurement Basic Certificate (OPBC) or higher maintained or acquired after one year.Background Checks and Requirements If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information. The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.This position requires Oregon or national procurement certification be obtained and maintained to meet delegation requirements.BenefitsODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.Cost of Living Adjustments.Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).Amazing benefits package.Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.Employment Preference Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.General Information This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.Contact Information We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.The recruiter for this position is Nora Leyva Esquivel. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-196376.Email: View email address on click.appcast.io (call or text): 503-269-4222SummaryLocation: Salem | DHS | Summer StreetType: Full time