Contract Specialist III

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks a Contract Specialist III to support the Contracts & Procurement management and ensure compliance with state and federal laws. The role coordinates encumbrances, reviews requisitions, and negotiates contracts within budget and authority.

Key duties include developing bid documents, managing procurement data in MOSAIC/COMMBUYS/HRIS, and training staff on procedures. This is a full-time position with potential for hybrid work.

Qualifications

• Three years of professional or technical experience in contract management or contract administration.
• At least one year in a supervisory capacity.
• Substitutions allow a Bachelor's or Graduate degree for portions of experience.

Responsibilities

• Review contracts and procurement documents for compliance with laws and policies.
• Input and manage contract encumbrances in MOSAIC, COMMBUYS, and HRIS.
• Review requisitions to determine compliance and procurement method.
• Obtain vendor pricing, availability, and delivery schedules.
• Develop and execute RFRs, RFQs, and bid documents.
• Prepare POs, contracts, SOWs, and related docs.
• Negotiate contracts and resolve related issues.
• Maintain procurement and contract databases for accuracy.
• Provide technical assistance to staff and vendors.
• Participate in Procurement Management Teams and monitor compliance.
• Develop procurement procedures and training materials.
• Prepare reports and documentation; train staff on systems.
• Distribute documentation timely and resolve discrepancies.

Skills

State procurement procedures

Contract management

Policy compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/management/law

Graduate degree in business/management/law

Tools

MOSAIC

COMMBUYS

HRIS systems

Job description

Job Description - Contract Specialist III (260005XB)

The Contract Specialist III assists the Contracts & Procurement Manager and the Director of Contracts, Procurement, and Accounts Payable in meeting agency contract, procurement, and service needs; Ensures that contract and procurement processes are in compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, procedures, and requirements; Coordinates and effectively carries out management duties for agency contracts and encumbrances; Coordinates procurement of goods and services including reviewing requisitions, determining method of procurement, preparing bid documents, and negotiating contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority; Participates in Procurement Management Teams; Educates agency personnel on procurement policies; Provides technical assistance to vendors and staff; Recommends internal and external policy changes and procedural improvements.

Duties include:

• 1. Review and analyze contract forms and procurement documents for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, andpolicies.
• 2. Establish, input, and manage contract and procurement encumbrances in MOSAIC, COMMBUYS, and HRIS systems.
• 3. Review requisitions submitted by agency personnel to determine compliance and appropriate procurement methods.
• 4. Obtain vendor information regarding pricing, availability, and delivery schedules.
• 5. Develop and execute Requests for Responses (RFRs), Requests for Quotations (RFQs), and bid documents.
• 6. Prepare purchase orders, contracts, scopes of work (SOWs), and related documentation.
• 7. Negotiate contracts and resolve issues related to goods and services.
• 8. Maintain procurement and contract databases ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• 9. Provide technical assistance to agency personnel and vendors.
• 10. Participate in Procurement Management Teams and monitor compliance.
• 11. Develop and improve procurement and contract procedures and training materials.
• 12. Prepare reports, correspondence, and documentation.
• 13. Train staff on procurement systems and procedures.
• 14. Ensure timely preparation and distribution of documentation.
• 15. Resolve discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of state procurement and accounting procedures and terminology
• Knowledge of MOSAIC and COMMBUYS

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or technical experience in business administration, management or public administration, the major duties of which included contract management or contract administration and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, management, public administration or law may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*

II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, management, public administration or law may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience.

Special Requirements: None.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Equal Opportunity / Affiliation Statement

An Equal Opportunity / Affineative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Primary Location

Job

Administrative Services

Agency

Department of Workforce Development

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Sep 10, 2026, 5:38:55 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

70,992.48 - 101,516.22 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmitive Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Karen Haynes-Clifton - 6176265138

Bargaining Unit : 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes