Contract Specialist (Austin)

Description

WHO WE ARE:

Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. We are based in Austin on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work\-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. The Contract Administration Services unit is located at 1117 Trinity Street, Austin, Texas.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

WHO YOU ARE:

An organized, self\-starting, motivated professional with strong training skills and strong written communication skills. You should share our department's mission to provide excellent customer service and ensure that the purchasing process is cost\-effective. You should be innovative and open to new ideas to streamline existing processes and have excellent people skills. We strive to ensure financial efficiency and that we are conducting business with the best outcome for the State in mind.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

The Contract Specialist III position serves as Contract Manager (CM) for a variety of vocational rehabilitation contracts. This position develops, reviews, manages, and revises new contracts, renewals, amendments, and extensions. The contract manager performs risk assessment on contracts at contract initiation, renewal, and budget amendments. Acts as the liaison between contractors and program staff, providing technical assistance, as necessary. Facilitates communication and collaboration between all contract stakeholders. Reviews of contractor financial and programmatic reports for compliance, as applicable. Responsible for conducting technical assistance reviews and enhanced monitoring reviews of assigned contracts. Performs highly complex (senior\-level) contract management work. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO:

• Manage contracts from initiation through closeout, including processing new contracts, renewals, amendments, extensions, and ensuring compliance with agency policies.
• Monitor contractor performance, identify issues such as delays or non\-compliance, and take corrective action when needed. Coordinate with management on more complex or escalated matters.
• Conduct technical reviews of contractor documentation and use enhanced monitoring methods like data sampling and trend tracking to identify and resolve issues early.
• Review and approve corrective action plans submitted by contractors, ensuring they address problems effectively and meet compliance standards.
• Maintain accurate and organized contract files and database records, including correspondence, amendments, performance reports, and closeout documentation.
• Perform contract close\-out activities in line with TWC policy, verifying that all deliverables are received and obligations fulfilled.
• Assist in developing and updating contract administration policies and procedures to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Provide orientation and ongoing support to contractors and agency staff to ensure understanding of contract requirements.
• Communicate professionally with internal stakeholders, state office staff, and the public to exchange information, resolve issues, and respond to inquiries.
• Coordinate the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning.
• Conduct needs assessments to determine requirements for the purchase of goods or services.
• Perform related duties as needed.

YOU QUALIFY WITH:

• Three years of full\-time experience in contract development, management, evaluation, monitoring, or training of contract providers or customers; or in the delivery of workforce development services which included contract development, management, evaluation, monitoring, or training of contract providers or customers.
• Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:

• Writing and editing contract requirements and specifications.
• Negotiating and developing contracts.
• Possessing knowledge of policies and procedures of contract management.
• Strong communications skills
• Current certification as a Certified Texas Contract Developer or a Certified Texas Contract Manager.

YOU GAIN:

• A Family Friendly Certified Workplace.
• Competitive salary: $5,133\.50/month
• Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
• Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
• Medical Insurance
• Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave
• Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active\-Employees/Health\-Benefits.

VETERANS:

Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC\_PropertyManagementandProcurement.pdf

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or on Taleo (Job Search).

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301\.042\.

Primary Location: United States\-Texas\-AustinWork Locations: Austin:1117 Trinity St 1117 Trinity St Austin 78701\-1919Job: Purchsing AgentsOrganization: TWC Business UnitSchedule: Full\-timeEmployee Status: RegularJob Type: StandardJob Level: Non\-ManagementTravel: Yes, 10 % of the TimeJob Posting: Feb 6, 2026, 12:00:00 AMWork From Home: No