Contracts Specialist - Community and Economic Development

Marion County; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Marion County is seeking a Contracts Specialist to manage contracts, bidding, and purchasing duties within the Community & Economic Development department in Salem, Oregon. The role emphasizes negotiation, contract writing, auditing, and ensuring budget compliance across county processes.

The position supports the department's fiduciary responsibilities, prepares procurement documents, and coordinates with internal teams to align with board-approved strategies and policies.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to negotiate contracts and resolve disputes.
• Experience drafting and reviewing contracts and agreements.
• Ability to analyze budget impacts and monitor compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and process department contracts and agreements.
• Prepare proposals, letters of agreement, and vendor communications.
• Prepare bid documents and support board approvals.
• Review department purchase orders for procedures and budgets.
• Process POs and ensure proper purchasing practices and inventory management.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract drafting

Budget analysis

Auditing

Job description

Why Community & Economic Development?

Community and economic development work builds healthy, resilient communities. Marion County brings together public and private resources to support local economies, housing, infrastructure, workforce, and community development. Through economic development projects and federal CDBG / HOME investments, our team helps communities address local needs and expand opportunities for residents, businesses, and families. If you have diverse interests and want to contribute to lasting community impact, this work offers a rewarding career with room to grow.

CONTRACTS SPECIALIST

Contracts Duties

• Develops, coordinates, and processes the department's contracts and agreements including negotiating, writing, auditing, analyzing budget impacts, and monitoring department's compliance with rules, statutes, and policies and procedures. Amends contracts based upon changes in contract amount, service type or special conditions.
• Prepares requests for proposals or routine letters of agreement between the department and other county departments, government agencies or outside parties; acquires quotes, conducts bidder's conferences; participates in review of contractor proposals.
• Prepares advertisements, bid documents, paperwork, and correspondence to vendors and recommendations to Business Services for the Board's approval.

Purchasing Duties

• Reviews department-wide purchase order requests for correct procedures and budget criteria.
• Works with departments or divisions to ensure that proper purchasing guidelines and budget criteria are followed.
• Process purchase orders and contract release orders as required for all department purchases and revenue received.
• Reviews supply levels, reviews weekly inventory status reports, and orders supplies as necessary.