IT Contract Specialist III

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services in Austin, TX is seeking a Contract Specialist III in IT Procurement Contract Support. The role reports to the Director of IT Contract Management and handles highly complex IT contract management, monitoring performance, coordinating risk assessments, and maintaining contract records throughout the lifecycle.

It requires strong analytical and negotiation skills, with a salary range of $4,263.16–$5,833.00 per month.

Qualifications

• One year of contract, procurement or invoice experience that may include developing a solicitation or contract, monitoring activities on a contract, evaluating a vendor’s performance, processing invoices or negotiating with a vendor is required.
• Must have Certified Texas Contract Manager certification or obtain the certification within 12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end management of assigned IT contracts, serving as primary contact for contractors and internal stakeholders, monitoring performance and establishing risk-informed monitoring plans.
• Maintains complete contract records across designated systems, validates invoices, and ensures compliance with documentation standards and audits.
• Integrates risk management throughout the contract lifecycle and escalates issues as needed, while coordinating with leadership and legal counsel.
• Facilitates clear communication with internal and external stakeholders, leads post-award meetings, and ensures understanding of contractual requirements.

Job description

Date

Sep 1, 2026

Location

AUSTIN, TX

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title

IT Contract Specialist III

Job Title

Contract Specialist III

Agency

Health & Human Services Comm

Department

IT Procurement Contract Sprt

Posting Number

20833

Closing Date

10/01/2026

Posting Audience

Internal and External

Occupational Category

Computer and Mathematical

Salary Range

$4,263.16 - $5,833.00

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Salary Group

TEXAS-B-20

Shift

Day

Travel

Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Full Time/Part Time

Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt

Nonexempt

Job Location City

AUSTIN

Job Location Address

701 W 51ST ST

MOS Codes

3006,3044,8640,310X,36A,36B,51C,60C0,62S0,63G0,63S0,64PX,651X,6C0X1,751X,FIN10,F&S,LS,LSS,SEI16,SK

Brief Job Description

The Contract Specialist III reports to the Director of IT Contract Management and performs highly complex (senior-level) contract management functions for information technology contracts. The CS III is responsible for monitoring contractor performance, coordinating risk assessments, maintaining the contract record and other contract management functions throughout the contract lifecycle. The CS III works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Contract Oversight & Life-cycle Management

Responsible for end-to-end management of assigned contracts, serving as the primary point of contact for contractors and internal stakeholders. Provides subject matter expertise during acquisition to support business needs and ensures a comprehensive understanding of contract terms, scope, deliverables, milestones, and expenditures. Establishes and executes contract monitoring activities, including risk-informed monitoring plans, deliverable tracking, expenditure oversight, and vendor performance reporting. Ensures contractor accountability by monitoring performance against contractual standards and initiating corrective actions or escalation when deficiencies arise. Oversees financial integrity through invoice validation and alignment with contract terms, and manages contract changes through formal amendment processes. Ensures timely delivery of services and completion of all contract requirements, including closeout, performance evaluations, and compliance with record retention standards. Coordinates HUB reporting and supports team capability building by providing guidance and mentorship to staff. (50%)

Contract Record Management & Compliance

Maintains complete, accurate, and audit-ready contract records across designated systems of record, including SCOR and CAPPS Financials. Ensures timely review and validation of contract documentation upon execution and maintains all required artifacts throughout the contract lifecycle, including inception, amendments, and closure. Enforces adherence to agency documentation standards, record retention requirements, and applicable regulatory frameworks. Supports audit readiness by ensuring documentation integrity and responding to audit findings or quality reviews with appropriate corrective actions. Contributes to operational consistency and continuous improvement through maintenance of metadata standards and participation in knowledgebase development to strengthen departmental processes and documentation practices. (30%)

Risk Management

Integrates risk management practices throughout the contract lifecycle by identifying, assessing, and monitoring potential risks associated with contract performance and compliance. Conducts initial and ongoing risk assessments, ensuring that risks are documented, evaluated, and updated as conditions evolve. Applies judgment to determine when issues require escalation and coordinates with leadership, System Contracting, or legal counsel to address complex or high-impact risks. Promotes consistent application of risk mitigation strategies to support contract integrity and minimize exposure to operational or compliance issues. (10%)

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Facilitates clear, proactive, and professional communication with internal and external stakeholders to support effective contract execution. Ensures shared understanding of contractual expectations by leading post-award meetings and communicating key administrative and performance requirements. Presents complex contract information in a manner tailored to diverse audiences and represents the IT Contract Management function in cross-functional initiatives, planning sessions, committees, and workgroups. Maintains responsiveness and transparency in stakeholder interactions to promote alignment and informed decision-making. (10%)

Knowledge of

• State contract management requirements and best practices.
• Business administration and accounting principles and practices.

Skill In

• the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability To

• interpret regulations, statutes, administrative rules, policies, processes, and procedures.
• negotiation.
• evaluate performance.
• evaluate fiscal data.
• write and edit well.
• communicate effectively.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Must have Certified Texas Contract Manager certification or obtain the certification within 12 months of hire.

Initial Screening Criteria

One year of contract, procurement or invoice experience that may include developing a solicitation or contract, monitoring activities on a contract, evaluating a vendor’s performance, processing invoices or negotiating with a vendor is required. Experience interpreting policies, procedures and regulations preferred.

Additional Information

Selected candidates must be able to work from an office in Austin. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resource policy.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability.

Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.

Nearest Major Market

Austin