Economic Development Contracts Specialist

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Coordinates and manages the contract lifecycles for a variety of Guilford County’s economic development contracts including contract development, approval, and execution; contract payment, performance verification, financial oversight, management, and reporting; and contract close-out in accordance with related laws, regulations and policies.  

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class serves as a Contracts Specialist for Guilford County’s economic development efforts. The position assists the Manager of Special Projects within the County Manager’s Office in preparing well-written, thorough, relevant, and structurally effective contract documents; monitoring those contracts and any necessary amendments for adherence to contract and payment terms and conditions, performance verification and reporting standards, and ensuring the entire contract lifecycle adheres to applicable county, state, federal, and other relevant laws, regulations, and policies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties and tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Assists the staff in the County Manager’s Office in lifecycle contract management including preparing well-written, thorough, transactional relevant and structurally effective contract documents; monitoring those contracts and any necessary amendments for adherence to contract and payment terms and conditions, performance and reporting standards, and compliance expectations; and ensuring the entire contract lifecycle adheres to applicable county, state, federal, and other relevant laws, regulations, and policies.
• Coordinates with relevant county departments to properly manage, budget, and account for each contract’s lifecycle.
• Coordinates with the Special Projects Manager, County Administration Department staff, County Attorney’s Office and contractors for renewal and extension of contracts.
• Coordinates the process for submission of contracts to the Guilford County contracts system and County Attorney’s Office to review for sufficiency and legality.
• Routes and monitors contract documents submitted through the automated system for electronic signatures and execution of contracts.
• Assists in researching and preparing the interpretation of contract provisions to include explaining contract processes, penalties, and compliance terms and conditions.
• Assists in developing and maintaining updated contract templates, forms, and other related documents to facilitate the contracting process.
• Develops metrics for each contract to measure and monitor performance by the contractors to ensure they are meeting the intended scope of work per the contract.
• Provides back-up assistance to the Special Projects Manager and other County Administration department staff as needed.
• Engages in professional development activities to maintain up-to-date knowledge of contract best practices and related public sector budget and financial management practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of purchasing and contract law as applied in local government in North Carolina.
• Knowledge of business English and contract writing styles used in government services.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of contract preparation, negotiation, conflict resolution, and public administration.
• Knowledge of federal and state contracting processes with ability to ensure applicable county and department information and financial records are properly maintained.
• Knowledge of related public sector budget, financial, and contract management practices with ability to ensure compliance with requirements such as the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act and other applicable requirements. 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, etc.) and other office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external partners at all organizational levels.
• Ability to draft complex legal documents and correspondence.
• Ability to maintain accurate work records and documentation. 
• Ability to independently organize and prioritize numerous tasks.
• Ability to work independently and apply competencies to a variety of situations.
• Ability to use independent judgment and handle confidential topics and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to learn and utilize applicable county software systems and adhere to county financial and operational processes.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to organize and keep accurate records.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance or a related field and one year of experience working with contracts or drafting legal documents: OR
• Associate degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance or a related field and three years of experience working with contracts or drafting legal documents; OR
• High School Diploma and five years of experience working with contracts or drafting legal documents. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Familiarity and experience working with contracts supporting government services or corporations.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, and hearing. Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to prepare data and statistics, operate a computer terminal and audio-visual equipment, and do extensive reading.  Some positions in this class require the operation of a motor vehicle to go to various agency sites and locations.

May Require Driving

This position may require driving whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct County business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other County related functions. Motor vehicle reports may be verified for valid driver’s license and that the driving record is compatible with the County’s driving criteria. If a personal vehicle is operated for County business, proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County’s vehicle use policy.

Special Note - This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements.   However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that one specific position.  Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process.  They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal defensible personnel decisions.

Salary : $25 - $30