Contracts Specialist - Advanced

Madison (Dane County)
Job Announcement Code: 0900484

The Department of Public Instruction is committed to ensuring every child graduates ready for further education and the workforce. We must align our efforts so students are learning the skills and have the knowledge necessary to become contributing members of our communities. To build on our long-standing commitment to public education and libraries, we must continue to recruit and retain quality employees. Our employees are vital to the success of our students, schools and communities.

The Department of Public Instruction, the Division for Finance and Management, is currently seeking a Contracts Specialist - Advanced for the Management Services Team. This position is located at 125 South Webster Street, Madison.

Starting pay is between $22.026 and $36.343 per hour (approximately $45,990 and $75,884 per year). This position is in pay schedule 07, range 03.

Job Duties

This position is responsible for the development and administration of approximately $20 million in DPI contracts. The most significant contracts are the two contracts for $10 million for the administration of the Wisconsin Student Assessment System. The remaining contracts are for the purchase of goods and services. This position is responsible for the creation, negotiation and management of contracts and the settlement of disputes which include coordination between vendors, staff, schools and other DPI customers. This position oversees the services provided by the Vendor, including the timely and accurate completion of project timelines and deliverables; and contract development, bidding, approval and negotiations with vendors. This position provides technical assistance, training and written guidance to DPI staff and vendors. This position is required to have a strong working knowledge of the relevant state and Federal laws, rules, regulations and DOA and DPI policies.

Special Notes

A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of contract law and contract negotiation principles; current software applications including, but not limited to, the Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel and Access), and Internet Explorer; methods used with vendors in negotiating problem resolution; techniques used in managing multiple contracts or grant agreements involving federal, state or private grants or donations; federal and/or state grant or contract management techniques. Ability to prepare clear and concise oral and written reports; maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and customers; work with diverse populations; make decisions using good judgment; work independently; effectively negotiate and administer contracts. Attention to detail with high organization skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills and practices. Excellent spreadsheet, word processing and data base skills.

How to Apply

Application materials must be received by November 9, 2009.

Apply Online!
Visit http://wisc.jobs/public/job_view.asp?annoid=39720&jobid=39235&index=true. If you have not already done so, you will need to create an account. After you are logged in and are viewing the announcement, click “Apply Now.” You will be asked to provide your personal information, attach a resume, and then complete the exam (by clicking "View Exam Options" and then "Take Exam").

Or mail completed materials
Please send an Application for State Employment form (OSER-DMRS-38), a resume, and a paper limited to six pages detailing your training and experience related to:
1) Developing, negotiating, awarding and administering contracts. Include specific examples such as the rules governing the contract, criteria used for contract evaluation and award, the parties involved, the goods or services contracted, and complexities involved in the contract.
2) Effectively managing, monitoring or evaluating contracts or grant agreements for compliance with contractual or grant requirements. Please include specific examples such as the types of contract or grant agreement (federal, state, private) and the law or policy governing the contract or grant agreement. Include specific tactics or approaches followed; and
3) Successfully negotiating problem issues with grantees or vendors. Include specific examples such as your role leading or participating in problem resolution attempts such as negotiation, mediation, etc.

Your responses to these three questions are considered a civil service examination and will be used to determine your eligibility for this vacancy. Send completed application materials to DPI Human Resources; P.O. Box 7841; Madison, WI 53707-7841. You may also fax completed materials to 608-266-5856 Attn: Jennifer den Daas.

To view and download the Application for State Employment form, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader. To get Adobe Acrobat Reader now for free, click adobe and follow the directions on the screen.

Last updated on 11/5/2009 4:53:44 PM