Contracts Specialist

Contracts Specialist (EMS 1)

WaTech: Leading the way in technology!

Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) is at the forefront nationally in integrating innovative technologies that revolutionize how state services are delivered to the people of Washington. WaTech establishes the strategic technological framework for various state domains and programs, overseeing the primary technology services throughout the state.

About the opportunity:
This position is part of WaTech’s Contracts and Procurement (C&P) unit within the Administrative Services Division (ASD). The C&P unit provides contract and acquisition support in the form of contract policies and procedures, contract and acquisition document development, negotiation, procurement coordination, issue resolution and termination for WaTech service areas. This position reports to the Contracts & Procurement Manager.

Some of what to expect with this role:

• Draft contract amendments and other key contract documents that support statewide technology services.
• Help ensure every contract file meets legal, policy, and compliance requirements.
• Serve as a trusted resource for customers and vendors by answering questions, sharing pricing details, and guiding the proper use of contracts.
• Partner with service owners and senior Contracts & Procurement staff to gather acquisition requirements, develop solicitation documents, coordinate vendor outreach, and manage bidder communications.
• Play an active role throughout the acquisition process by supporting vendor communications, organizing evaluations, coordinating demonstrations and conferences, and assisting with negotiations and debriefings.
• Manage contract administration activities, including maintaining contract files and databases.
• Conduct internal contract and invoice audits to support accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate the scanning, organization, and maintenance of electronic and hardcopy contract records.
• Support customers in using WaTech’s contract and CSA/SLA database systems to maintain the integrity of the contract repository.
• Lead WaTech Requests for Information (RFIs) by partnering with service owners to define requirements, manage schedules, organize vendor responses, and coordinate vendor demonstrations.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Five years of experience in negotiating, drafting, and administering contracts or procurements for a private business or public agency OR a combination of education and experience in negotiating, drafting, and administering contracts or procurements totaling five years. 

This experience must include:

• Contracts and acquisition experience in information technology.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preference may be granted to applicants with the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, business law or closely related field.
• Four or more years' experience administering contracts or procurements for a public agency.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to contracts and agreements, including contract principles, terminology, development, practices, and procedures. 
• Experience representing an organization or state agency while coordinating and negotiating with government agencies and private industry partners. 
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to identify effective contract terms and recognize areas of noncompliance within existing contracts.

Telework: This position is approved for telework. However, the incumbent is required to live within a 60-mile radius of WaTech’s Olympia, Washington Office and come into the office for in person meetings, trainings, and other business requirements as needed. 

We value diversity and different perspectives:

WaTech is committed to providing equal access and opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. We seek to attract and retain a diverse staff and welcome your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. We invite you to include your preferred name and pronouns in your material to ensure we address you correctly throughout the application process.

What WaTech offers:

As an employee of WaTech, you’ll have access to an outstanding employee benefits package that includes medical and dental plan options for you and your family, paid leave and holidays, retirement plan options and more. 

While WaTech is headquartered in Olympia, Washington, which is near some of the country’s most scenic national parks, we are able to offer many of our positions telework and flexible schedule options to help support a healthy work-life balance. 

To learn more about WaTech and what our employees enjoy about working here, please visit our website. 

Additional information about this role:

• This position requires a background check. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability to perform in the position and is a continued condition of employment. 

How to apply:

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large “apply” button at the top of this announcement. In addition to completing your online application, please also include the following attachments: 

• A current resume detailing your applicable experience, training and/or education. 
• A letter of interest highlighting how your experience aligns with the outlined job posting. 

Top candidates will be asked to provide a list of their professional references with contact information. 

Reminders: 

• A real person is reviewing your application material. It is in your best interest to complete the application in its entirety and review thoroughly before submitting. You will not be eligible to re-apply for this posting for 30 days.
• Applications with missing or incomplete fields, or supplemental question responses such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete and removed from consideration. 
• WaTech complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. WaTech does not use the E-Verify system. We are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practice Training (OPT) opportunities. For more information, please visit https://www.uscis.gov. 
• Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. (Please redact any personally identifiable data such as social security number and date of birth prior to submittal.)

By submitting your materials, you affirm that all information is true and correct. Any untruthful information is cause for removal from the applicant pool. If hired as a result of this recruitment, the discovery of incorrect or falsified information may lead to disciplinary action or dismissal.

Recruitment process:

The first round of application assessments will be conducted seven days after the initial job posting date. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the initial seven-day job posting date. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions. 

The salary range reflected above reflects the full potential for this position. The base pay offered to the selected candidate will consider the candidate’s specific qualifying experience and internal equity of the existing team. 

Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Rebekah Wilkes at (360) 407-8646 or email to recruitment@watech.wa.gov

If you’d like to request an accommodation for any part of the selection process, or to receive the application material in an alternate format, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-8242 or Human.Resources@watech.wa.gov.Persons of disability or those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. 

Salary : $80,000 - $95,000