The Department of Transitional Assistance is seeking dynamic and experienced applicants for the position of Director of Procurement and Contracts. This position advises on the agency’s procurement and contracting strategies, ensures compliance with applicable statutes and regulations, implements best practice business processes, and oversees day to day procurement and contracting operations for approximately $100M in purchased goods and services.

The ideal candidate for this position brings strong leadership experience in strategic sourcing, developing and managing contracts, and managing workflows. The ideal candidate will effectively partner with program, legal unit, and budget unit staff to develop procurements and contracts that meet department needs, reflect comprehensive requirements, and contain the most optimal business terms for the department.

This position reports to the Senior Director of Finance Operations and directly supervises three (3) staff. This position collaborates closely with the department’s senior leadership team and program directors, as well as external stakeholders such as vendors and the Operational Services Division (OSD).

DTA attracts people passionate about public service, who love to work in a fast-paced environment, and who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Serve as an advisor and business partner to programs to inform procurement and contracting strategies that will lead to desired performance outcomes. This includes providing training and technical assistance to program staff to increase understanding of and compliance with state procurement rules.
• Oversee the purchase of all services and commodities. This includes developing procurements, overseeing the procurement evaluation and award process, managing the contract execution and encumbrance process, and supporting contract compliance efforts.
• Evaluate, assess, and continuously improve unit business processes to achieve operational effectiveness, team efficiency, and maintain state and/or federal compliance.
• Recommend and work with the finance leadership team and Internal Controls Team in risk assessment, the development of internal controls, and segregation of duties.
• Ensure all oversight agency requirements are met and vendors are in compliance and in good standing with the Commonwealth. Liaise with the oversight entities including the Operational Service Division, the Office of the State Comptroller, and Supplier Diversity Office on procurement and contracting related issues.
• Partner with the agency’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team to help unit activities align with best practices to increase participation in procurements and increase the number of contracts awarded to qualified diverse vendors. Support the tracking and reporting on these activities.
• Supervise and provide professional development opportunities to a team of three Procurement Specialists.
• Other duties, as assigned.

• Knowledge and experience in managing administrative operations, achieving milestones, and meeting deadlines. Ability to coordinate numerous projects simultaneously to successful completion.
• Experience designing and implementing business and change management processes.
• Ability to build productive relationships with executive and management level financial and program staff, as well as external stakeholders and vendors.
• Experience managing a team and working effectively in groups.
• Knowledge of contract administration and purchase of services policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of accounting, compliance, quality assurance/quality control, and financial management.
• Knowledge of accounting policy and regulations.
• Ability to understand, apply and explain pertinent laws, rules, regulations, policies, and programs.
• Ability to interpret and use data to tell a story in order to solve problems and improve processes.
• Organizational skills and the ability to motivate and supervise staff, to analyze complex problems and issues and to design workable, effective systems.
• Ability to mediate conflicts, coordinate competing interests, and work under time constraints.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Agency Mission:
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low-income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one out of every six people in Massachusetts – including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and employment support.

Learn more about our services and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dta

For questions, please the contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

Comprehensive Benefits

When 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.

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