IT Contract Specialist III

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY; Pasadena (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% health insurance for eligible FT

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is seeking a Contract Specialist III to oversee complex IT contracts from initiation to closeout. You will monitor performance, assess risk, maintain contract records, and support audit-ready documentation with strong independence and judgment.

You will work under limited supervision while collaborating with IT, finance, and legal teams to ensure contract terms, milestones, and expenditures are aligned with program needs.

Qualifications

• One year of contract, procurement or invoice experience required.
• Ability to interpret regulations, statutes, administrative rules, policies, processes, and procedures.
• Experience with contract lifecycle management and vendor performance.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end management of assigned IT contracts and monitor performance.
• Maintain audit-ready contract records in SCOR and CAPPS Financials.
• Identify and mitigate contract risks across lifecycle.
• Lead post-award meetings and communicate requirements to stakeholders.

Skills

computer and software proficiency

regulatory interpretation

Education

Certified Texas Contract Manager

Tools

SCOR

CAPPS Financials

Job description

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 .

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, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

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.
• evaluate fiscal data.
• write and edit well.

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, or negotiating with a vendor is required.Experience interpreting policies, procedures and regulations preferred.

Additional Information:

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 Resources Manual.

Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Selected candidates must be willing to work from an HHS office located in Austin, designated by the hiring manager.

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 tothose 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. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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.