Job Title: Senior Contracting Officer
Job Classification: Procurement and Contract Specialist 3 (PCS3)
Salary Range: Procurement & Contract Specialist 3 - OAS/AA/29
$5,148 - $7,902/month
Are you an excellent communicator who has experience providing exceptional customer service to leadership, partners and members of the public? Do you have project management, procurement and contract experience? If so, please consider joining our team!
We are hiring several Senior Contracting Officers (Procurement & Contract Specialist 3) to join our Office of Finance and Information Services (OFIT), Procurement Services Unit.
These positions are ideal for those seeking more work/life balance with the ability to work a hybrid of both office and remote work environments.
These positions are eligible for a flexible hybrid remote work schedule. The duties of the positions are performed remotely as well as at our central office in Salem, the Public Service Building. Work at the Public Service Building is generally performed at eight times per year, and the ability to report to Salem is required on an as-needed basis.
This announcement will remain open until filled. The initial application screening process will start April 10, 2023 and occur every 2 weeks thereafter. We reserve the right to close this position should a satisfactory number of qualified candidates apply. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application materials without delay in applying!
A little more about The Department of Education and Office of Financial and Information Services (OFIT) Unit:
The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE’s) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling its mission, ODE has a vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well–rounded, and equitable education system.
The team with the Procurement Services Unit brings an abundance of open communication, positivity, and warmth to a highly collaborative and goal-oriented work environment. All opportunities, challenges, and ideas are met with respect and an open mind. This unit prides itself on supporting one another and maintaining a seamless flow of communication. All programs are served passionately and efficiently, placing partner experience and working collaboratively as a top priority.
What you will do!
As a Senior Contracting Officer you will be responsible for developing, negotiating, researching, analyzing and procuring commodities, construction projects and professional services that are complex and/or high risk contracts and agreements. You will review solicitation/contract requests and prepare the appropriate documents(s) in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
The successful candidate will join the team who work collaboratively and support the office’s Director’s vision of creating value through strategic thinking, efficient processes, technology system integrations and exceptional customer care.
Typical duties include:
Develop and prepare contract/grant documents;
Enter contract/grant data into ODE’s Contract Management System as well as the state’s OregonBuys system;
Review various requests and prepare appropriate contract/grant document(s);
Negotiate appropriate contractual terms and conditions;
Consult with the Department of Justice and work with private attorneys when necessary;
Work as the liaison between the ODE Contract Administrator or requestor and the Contractor or Grantee;
Ensure compliance with specifications, terms, conditions, delivery schedule, and payment of the contract/grant;
Provide technical assistance by interpreting and clarifying contract/grant and solicitation rules and guidelines;
Provide consultation to ODE staff in determining the most appropriate sourcing method to meet their needs; and
Develop complex statements of work, administer complex solicitation documents in conjunction with ODE staff, ensuring terms, conditions, and rules for participation comply with state laws, rules, and policies.
Please click here to view full position description.
Our amazing benefits:
At the Oregon Department of Education, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, collaborative and innovative atmosphere. Autonomy is supported while also being offered opportunities to work in dedicated teams or partnerships across the agency. Our office supports a healthy work/life balance and shows genuine care for team members, students, partners and school leaders.
Our benefits include:
Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with very low monthly out-of-pocket cost.
● Paid days off –
11 paid holidays per year
3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year
8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month
Progressive vacation leave accrual, starting at 8 hours per month, with increases every 5 years
In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses.
Student Loan Forgiveness Program: if you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you will want to look into this program. If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven.
If you have a desire to make a difference in the lives of Oregonians, apply today!
This Is What You Need To Qualify
Five years procurement and contract experience related to the position such as developing and administering standard contracts, agreements, or solicitations; OR a bachelor’s degree and two years of professional-level procurement and contract experience related to the position; OR any combination of experience and education equivalent to five years of procurement and contract experience.
Candidates who are the most competitive will possess a compelling combination of the following background, skills, and experience:
Knowledge of public procurement principles, ethics, laws, policies, regulations, and guidelines;
Experience administering, developing, evaluating, and negotiating public or private contracts or agreements;
Experience meeting and conferring with management, customers/end-users, and contract providers to resolve problems and coordinate services;
Experience delivering guidance to staff, management, customers, or the public
Experience and knowledge of using ORPIN and OregonBuys or a similar e-procurement system;
Experience effectively navigating state and federal agency laws, policies, and procedures;
Intermediate skill and proficiency in Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access;
Ability to remain poised in difficult situations and to be empathetic to those in similar situations;
High aptitude for learning new things, detail oriented, and ability to switch priorities or projects seamlessly;
Ability to work with multiple deadlines, continual change, and heavy workloads.
Experience communicating orally and in writing with a variety of people, answering questions, and explaining technical information in a professional manner.
Strong interpersonal skills striving for exceptional and equity-driven customer service and team relationships;
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed.
How to apply:
Materials Required –
Resume
Cover Letter stating why you are interested in this position and addressing your qualifications relating to any of the desired attributes mentioned for this position (limit to no more than 2 pages)
External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” button and submit your resume and cover letter. , Please make sure to attach all required documents in the section titled Resume/CV. View this video for help.
Internal Applicants: (this includes Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this job aid for help.
Failure to attach a cover letter and resume may result in disqualification of your application.
Please contact ode.jobs@ode.oregon.gov if you have any questions on the application process.
