Contract Administrator II (Departmental Promotional Only)

Full Job Description

First 5 of San Mateo County is looking for qualified candidates for the position of Contract Administrator II.

Under supervision, coordinates and organizes the contracts management system for a department, unit or community service program; prepare, negotiate, monitor and amend program contracts; manage contract and service provider relations; ensure compliance with contract requirements; prepare projections for program managers and in preparation for necessary contract amendments; and perform related work as required.

Contract Administrator II is the fully experienced, journey level class in this series, capable of independently performing the full range of contract administration duties. Employees are normally given substantial latitude in determining approach, procedures, systems and methods in accomplishing the work goals. They make basic programmatic decisions that require the exercise of independent judgment and are responsible for coordinating multiple functions or processes. Incumbents at this level are typically assigned the more complex contracts.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong understanding of the principles, practices, and administrative requirements of First 5 programs and funding.
• Knowledge of contemporary social trends and issues related to early childhood development.
• Experience applying principles of social planning and program development for early childhood programs.
• Proficient in computer applications related to the work.
• Familiar with office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and standard office equipment.

Requirements

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinate the contract development and amendment process with departments, program managers, and other County departments, including securing appropriate signatures, distributing executed copies, and maintaining comprehensive contract files.
• Prepare contract service plans; ensure contract compliance with County, state and federal requirements regarding insurance, credentials, and payment schedule among others.
• Prepare formal extensions and amendments to existing contracts.
• Prepare a succinct description of the contract in the required format for submission to the executive management, County Manager’s Office or Board of Supervisors.
• Serve as liaison to potential funders, community organizations, other County departments, governmental agencies and the public to disseminate information.
• Monitor contract agreements for compliance, report requirements and possible amendments.
• Assist with evaluation measures and reporting requirements.
• Attend and participate in a variety of meetings and committees.
• Prepare and/or review draft contracts to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with state, federal and County laws and with funding source requirements.
• Review, authorize and/or manage contract payments and invoices.
• Provide technical assistance and consultation to the related agencies, community groups and other interest groups.
• Maintain current knowledge of contract rules and regulations.
• Develop request for proposals and contract agreements.
• Prepares a variety of correspondence, communications, periodic and special reports, informational publications, programming documentation, policies, procedures and other written materials.
• Assist program and evaluation staff to negotiate agreements and contracts with agencies, including review of detailed project work plans, program improvement and budget.
• Assist program and evaluation staff to support grantees on program development and contract compliance.
• Assist program and evaluation staff with organizing and coordinating workshops, meetings, or sessions for individuals and groups in the community involved in specific programs.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Four years of professional level administrative or programmatic experience, primarily in contract administration in a community services or related setting.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public administration.
• Principles and practices of program areas to which assigned.
• Principles and practices of contract development, negotiation and monitoring, including budgeting and financial record keeping.
• Principles, practices and techniques of administrative and programmatic research and analysis.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations and County and program policies and guidelines.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment.

Skill/Ability to:

• Develop and evaluate proposals and negotiate contracts and agreements.
• Develop, monitor and analyze budgets and program performance.
• Plan, coordinate and implement administrative and programmatic research and analysis.
• Analyze, interpret and apply various regulations and requirements.
• Train staff in work procedures and provide technical and programmatic assistance to staff and subcontractors.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with grantors, subcontractors, County staff, elected and appointed officials, the public and others.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Compile, analyze and interpret data using research techniques; draw sound conclusions and prepare and present effective reports regarding findings and recommendations.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy and regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, correspondence, procedures and other written materials.
• Organize and prioritize work and meet critical deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records and files.

Additional Information

Departmental Promotional Only.

Only current County of San Mateo employees in First 5 with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date may apply.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%).

Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification.

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.

All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online.

If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button. If you are not on the County's website, please go tohttp://jobs.smcgov.orgto apply.

Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form.

A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials.

Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULEFinal Filing Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 BY 11:59 P.M.

PSTApplication Screening Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026Combined Civil Service/Departmental Interview Panel: Thursday, May 1, 2026About the CountySan Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay.

With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment.

The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

HR Analyst: Sarah Huynh (040826)(G248 - Contract Administrator II)