Contract/Grant Specialist

Job Class Code: 0340

Pay Grade: 22

Salary: $45,801.60 - $61,443.20/Annually

Office/Bureau: Bureau of Business Management - Division of Procurement Services

Location: Augusta, ME

Opening Date: April 18, 2024

Closing Date: May 2, 2024

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This is professional services work in negotiating, processing, administering, and monitoring contracts, grants, and other purchase of service agreements. Work includes conducting on-site visits with providers, providing information and assistance, evaluating provider performance, and coordinating and conferring with outside resources in the delivery of services. Work is performed under general supervision.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

• Confers with outside providers, department employees, community resources, and other concerned officials in order to explain and clarify contract, grant, and request for proposal (RFP) processes.
• Reviews and analyzes contracts, grants, and RFP's and discusses feasibility, cost, and impact in order to provide input and make recommendations.
• Conducts on-site visits with public and private agency administrators and providers; discusses ideas, plans, priority target populations, proposals, budgets, and performance-based contracting in order to gather performance data and/or exchange information.
• Receives, collects, and analyzes performance data; establishes and monitors contractual or related benchmarking, and prepares reports in order to monitor and evaluate provider performance and provide information.
• Reviews and analyzes program policies, procedures, and practices; and develops and proposes program changes in order to improve program effectiveness and efficiency.
• Contacts and confers with community resources and public/private agencies in order to encourage, develop, and negotiate mutual understanding, cooperation, and participation in the delivery of services.
• Reviews and collects program reports and related material; develops and prepares training materials; and delivers presentations in order to provide training to external resources and agency employees.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of budget methods, techniques, and practices.
• Knowledge of contract administration practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of grants and accessibility of federal and state funds.
• Knowledge of the legislative process.
• Knowledge of data processing and information services.
• Knowledge of negotiation methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of department or agency programs and services.
• Knowledge of performance-based contracting.
• Ability to develop, design, and implement departmental plans, budgets, goals, objectives, and controls.
• Ability to develop and analyze complex financial information.
• Ability to manage diverse administrative functions.
• Ability to assess problems, reach logical conclusions, and develop appropriate solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to analyze market and supply chain data to assess present and future availability.
• Ability to perform required tasks with minimal supervisory oversight.
• Ability to learn, interpret and apply Division of Procurement Services policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of customers, internal stakeholders, vendors, suppliers and any other parties involved in the procurement process.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

(Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).

Education, training, and/or experience demonstrating competence in contract or grant administration.

Special consideration will be given to those with proven skills in the following areas:

• Comprehensive knowledge of CGI/Advantage; specifically accounting and vendor functions
• Drafting scope of service documents and an understanding of their characteristics
• Strong written and editorial skills
• Workload balancing and prioritization.
• Ability to follow, understand and convey solicitation processes.
• Contracting and Master Agreements
• Meeting and training agency staff
• Purchase card use, statement management and rules.
• Commitment to innovation and process improvement

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.