Contract Relations & Government Partnerships Manager

*Remote position that requires 25-50% travel, as needed.

Position Summary

The Manager of Contract Relations & Government Partnerships serves as the primary liaison between the organization and state procurement officials, agencies, and cooperative purchasing entities. This role is responsible for building and maintaining strategic relationships, navigating complex procurement environments, and positioning the organization for success within state and local contracting frameworks.

The ideal candidate combines strong interpersonal skills with a deep understanding of public sector procurement processes, enabling them to proactively identify opportunities, remove barriers, and expand contract utilization.

Key Responsibilities:

Relationship Development & Engagement

• Establish and cultivate strong relationships with state procurement officials, contracting officers, and agency stakeholders
• Serve as the primary point of contact for state-level contract engagement and cooperative purchasing discussions
• Schedule and lead regular meetings with state personnel to understand evolving procurement priorities and requirements
• Represent the organization at state procurement events, conferences, and industry meetings

Procurement Strategy & Insight

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of state procurement processes, policies, and approval pathways
• Identify opportunities to expand contract adoption, including cooperative agreements (e.g., OMNIA, NASPO, state-specific vehicles)
• Provide strategic guidance to internal teams on how to align offerings with state procurement expectations
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy changes impacting public sector procurement

Contract Development & Expansion

• Collaborate with internal bids, legal, and compliance teams to support contract submissions and approvals
• Advocate for contract acceptance and expansion at the state level
• Assist in positioning contracts as preferred procurement solutions for agencies and institutions
• Support onboarding and education efforts for agencies utilizing awarded contracts

Internal Collaboration & Enablement

• Act as a bridge between sales, bids, and compliance
• Provide insights and updates on state-specific opportunities, challenges, and relationship status
• Develop internal playbooks and guidance for engaging with state procurement entities
• Support training initiatives to enhance team understanding of procurement pathways

Performance & Reporting

• Track relationship development efforts and contract adoption metrics
• Provide regular updates to leadership on progress, risks, and opportunities
• Maintain detailed records of interactions, requirements, and procurement intelligence

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5 years of experience in public sector procurement, government relations, or contract management
• Demonstrated experience working with state or local government agencies
• Strong understanding of cooperative purchasing contracts (e.g., OMNIA, NASPO, GSA, state contracts)
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills

Core Competencies

• Strategic Relationship Building
• Procurement Acumen
• Influence & Negotiation
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Communication & Executive Presence
• Problem Solving & Adaptability

Key Success Indicators

• Increased adoption and utilization of contracts across targeted states
• Expansion of approved cooperative purchasing vehicles at the state level
• Strength and depth of relationships with procurement officials
• Improved internal alignment and efficiency in pursuing state opportunities

Work Environment & Travel

• Remote with significant travel required (estimated 25–50%)
• Travel includes state agency meetings, conferences, and internal planning sessions