This position serves as the supervisor over the Contracts Specialist unit for the Colorado Judicial Department. This position drafts highly complex, technical, high-risk contracts utilizing existing templates and approved language and criteria; guides and determines the definition of contract objectives for negotiation and implementation of contract language and contracts, ensuring legal compliance.

This classification is distinguished from other classifications by the focus on work related to drafting complex, technical, high-risk contracts; using judgment and discretion in negotiating contract provisions within acceptable guidelines as a part of the Financial Services Division.  In addition, this position will supervise the Contracts Specialist Unit. 

Develop, draft, analyze and process high risk, complex, technical or sensitive contracts for goods and services solicitations based on provided information from internal and external stakeholders utilizing established contract templates and established language standards. Due to the nature of the contracts, additional research of contract scope will often be required.

Secures language approval, advice and/or recommendations by key stakeholders, including Procurement, Departments, Legal Counsel, Accounting, and Contract Requestors and negotiates with contractors.

Ensure compliance with rules, laws, policies and procedures and alignment with industry best practice.

Reviews and seeks approval for contract change requests regarding terms and conditions and scope of work.

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders in developing appropriate scope of work (deliverables, timeline, milestones and reports) for each contract.  Review and seek approval for contract language and scope of work changes.

Provides direct supervision and guidance to the Contract Administrators Unit ensuring the unit is effective and operating within the law, policies and procedures.  

Provides contract language interpretation to internal and external stakeholders.

Coordinates and oversees Department contracts utilizing the electronic contracts processing system and financial management program to ensure accurate and timely processing of contracts.

Makes recommendations for contract standardization, industry trends and process improvements. 

Implement approved process change recommendations.

Maintains expertise in contract and procurement related laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Attends meetings and training as required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Has supervisory responsibility for other employees within Contracts Specialist Unit employees. Duties include planning, scheduling, assigning in all facets of work; quality control and compliance; decisions impacting the pay, status and tenure of others. Conducts performance appraisals, and provides input into and participates in discipline, dismissal, and hiring processes.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree and four (4) years of experience in finance, procurement or other related area, which must have included one year of supervisory experience.  Additional work experience in these or other related fields may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required formal education.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands and fingers and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. This position is subject to many interruptions; may handle multiple calls and inquiries simultaneously; and may occasionally handle absentee replacement on short notice.