Contract Specialist

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Finance
HOURS: Full-Time
HIRING RANGE: $70,518-$79,333
FULL SALARY RANGE: $70,518-$110,185 (108 GRADE)
LOCATION: Hybrid: West St. Paul, MN / Hastings
UNION: AFSCME 306
CLOSE DATE: 4:30pm on 3/14/2025

This position negotiates, prepares, manages, monitors and evaluates related contracts and grant agreements to meet the needs of clients served by the Community Services Division and Finance. The position will manage contracts and related processes from development to termination and projects as assigned. This position will report to the Contract Manager.

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellent public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field AND
• One year experience in contract negotiation and management OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience to total five or more years.

PEFERRED EXPERIENCE BEYOND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Public sector/ Governmental contract management experience.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Develop and negotiate contractual documents in conjunction with Department program staff and vendors to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions established by Dakota County. Negotiate contract terms, including expected service provision with performance outcomes, budget and payment rates.
2. Monitor and evaluate contract compliance, utilize vendor analysis tools by contract and service, research and build upon best practices, and develop and monitor corrective action and/or improvement plans as needed.
3. Utilize database systems to collect and analyze data, prepare reports, and present policy options.
4. Prepare Requests for Board Action and other documents to support contract and grant development and implementation.
5. Interface with County Attorney's Office and Risk Management, and other areas within and outside of eth County as required.
6. Help develop and analyze budgets and expenditures, and rates to achieve cost effective purchase of services in alignment with County policies and procedures.
7. Assist in grant development and management, as well as monitoring State master contracts.
8. Design, plan, and organize projects; conduct needs assessment and research; develop Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Letters of Interest (LOIs) and help monitor County-wide and Divisional projects.
9. Provide technical assistance to Department program staff and vendors, programmatic and financial, and facilitate meetings.
10. Represent the agency on assigned tasks, develop relationships with other units of government, schools, and community organizations.
11. Assist with Division's budget, performance management, and strategic planning efforts, and county-wide contracting process, system coordination and improvement efforts.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1-11 are essential functions.

• Knowledge of federal, state, and county contracting laws, statutes, rules, and policies.
• Knowledge of conflict resolution, mediation, facilitation, and negotiation techniques.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of resource development and contract management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of computer software and information systems, and ability to learn as modifications of existing systems and/or new systems emerge.
• Skill in technical writing.
• Ability to effectively oversee and analyze program, client, financial, and outcome data.
• Ability to communicate and present ideas effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Ability to think independently and manage workload with minimum supervision to resolve issues that arise, and navigate coordination across the Division, County-wide, and with external partners.
• Considerable ability to work effectively with the public, governmental and County associates, and/or community-based agencies in a collaborative, professional and respectful manner.

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday each year
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks