Contracts Specialist (CS2)

Full Job Description

We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values:

Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity

At the Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work life harmony and strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected.

Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.

The Department of Licensing is one of the most public facing state agencies and the second largest revenue generating agency in Washington State. Our team is looking for a confident and experienced researcher to help ensure our business license programs are meeting requirements. We regularly interact with over 8 million Washingtonians and collect approximately $3 billion in taxes and fees annually. We know our services are essential to our customers’ ability to live, work, drive, and thrive and we are committed to ensuring every resident has equitable and meaningful access to our services.

Requirements

As a Contracts Specialist 2, you will play a key role in supporting the agency’s contracting and procurement efforts by drafting, reviewing, and managing a variety of contracts and agreements that support strategic initiatives and daily operations. In this journey-level position, you will apply your knowledge of contracting principles to ensure compliance with RCW, state and federal laws, and agency policies while helping reduce risk and improve procurement outcomes. You will collaborate closely with contract managers, program staff, and vendors to provide guidance, respond to inquiries, and support the full contract lifecycle from planning through execution and ongoing management. Your ability to balance customer service, attention to detail, and analytical thinking will be essential as you manage incoming requests, coordinate contract activities, and contribute to process improvements that enhance efficiency and strengthen public trust.

Some of what you will be doing:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts and agreements, ensuring compliance with RCW, policies, and legal standards
• Advise contract managers and program area leadership on contracting procedures, risk, compliance, and best value procurement practices
• Conduct risk analysis, cost/price analysis, and support contract performance management, audits, and change management activities
• Collaborate with stakeholders, vendors, and cross-functional teams to define requirements and support contract lifecycle activities
• Serve as primary point of contact for contract inquiries, managing team inbox, routing requests, and supporting customers and vendors
• Support process improvement efforts using Lean principles, helping update procedures, document workflows, and increase efficiency and quality
• Assist with supplier diversity initiatives and reporting, while maintaining contract data integrity through Enterprise Contract Management System (ECMS) audits and data cleanup efforts for system migration

Qualifications

What you will bring (Required):

• Six (6) years of professional experience overseeing contract and competitive procurement processes to include negotiating, administering, or terminating contracts, contract property management, contract compliance, performance management, or contract cost or price analysis.

OR

• One (1) year of experience as a Contract Specialist 1.

Experience must include two (2) years of the following:

• Performing risk analysis and applying contract specific mitigation strategies to reduce potential risk.
• Interpreting, explaining, and correctly applying relevant rules, laws, and regulations regarding contracts.
• Writing and communicating complex ideas to a variety of audiences in a clear, concise, and error-free manner.
• Providing excellent customer service, answering customer questions, and resolving complex customer issues including consultation or guidance while building relationships with customers/stakeholders.
• Using computer programs to write documents, send emails, and edit spreadsheets.
• The ability to:
  • Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behaviors, and decisions.
  • Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
  • Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
  • Take action to learn and grow.
  • Take action to meet the needs of others.

What may help set you apart (Preferred):

• Additional years of professional experience in overseeing contract and competitive procurement processes to include negotiating, administering, or terminating contracts, contract property management, contract compliance, performance management, or contract cost or price analysis.
• Experience working with subject matter experts, program managers, and stakeholders while using Lean concepts and tools to review, develop, and improve business processes.
• Experience writing, creating, or delivering clear, concise, professional presentations/t[KO1][DV2]rainings through multiple formats such as technical reports, spreadsheets, summaries, PowerPoint, instructions, information/decision briefs, and other correspondence.

Additional Requirements of Employment:

• While this role is primarily remote (teleworking), you will be required to report to our Olympia, WA offices at times for team meetings, training, and infrequent tasks. You must be onsite for required activities.
• Prior to a new hire, a pre-employment screening, including criminal record history, will be conducted. Information from the pre-employment check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

DOL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

Additional Information

Come join us in changing the way government delivers services and help build a legacy of commitment to and excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion!

How to Apply:

• Select the apply button at the top of this job announcement.
• Ensure your application includes three (3) professional references.
• Attach a Current Resume.

The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-902-4000 or may email HRRecruit@dol.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at 360.339.7344.