Contract Negotiation Support Specialist (Program Technical Specialist)

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Procurement Department assists internal Council units to purchase goods and services needed to conduct Council business. In carrying out this purpose, the department complies with Council policies, procedures, laws of federal, state, and local governments, and requirements of grants the Council receives.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Contract Negotiation Support Specialist (Program Technical Specialist) delivers advanced administrative and technical support to the Contract Negotiation team, ensuring the smooth execution of all contract-related activities. This role is responsible for contract document management, coordinating meeting logistics, facilitating communication with both internal and external partners, and preparing and routing contracts for approval and signing. The ideal candidate demonstrates meticulous attention to detail, strong multitasking skills, sound judgment when interpreting contract policies and procedures, and a high level of discretion with sensitive contract information. Additionally, this position requires resolving administrative issues, documenting internal procedures, and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Flexibility, strong multitasking skills, and professionalism under pressure are essential to support the Contract Negotiation team.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

• Assist the contract negotiations team by preparing, organizing, and maintaining contract documents, tracking key deadlines, and ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• Prepare and edit clear, professional communications related to contract negotiations for both internal distribution and external stakeholders, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy.
• Manage multiple Outlook calendars for the negotiations team, scheduling meetings with contract parties, legal counsel, and senior leadership to facilitate timely discussions and decision-making.
• Coordinate logistics for negotiation sessions, large team meetings, and stakeholder briefings, including room and technology setup. Prepare agendas, take detailed minutes, track action items, and follow up on commitments.
• Compile and analyze contractual data, prepare reports, updates, and presentations to inform team members and senior leadership about contract statuses, milestones, and risks.
• Assist in monitoring budget allocations related to contract development and negotiations. Prepare purchase requisitions and track approvals for contract-related expenditures.
• Develop, refine, and document administrative procedures related to contract workflows, ensuring consistency, transparency, and adherence to organizational standards.
• Serve as a liaison by fielding and responding to inquiries from internal departments, vendors, and external stakeholders regarding contract processes and statuses, handling sensitive information with discretion.
• Arrange travel and accommodations for team members participating in off-site negotiation meetings or conferences.
• Maintain and organize contract files, databases, and tracking systems for quick retrieval and audit readiness.
• Perform additional administrative or operational tasks assigned to support the effective functioning of the contract negotiations team.

Any of the following combinations of completed education (in business administration, public administration, legal studies, or a closely related field) and relevant experience in contract administration support or a related function:

• Bachelor's degree and one year of experience
• Associate degree and three years of experience
• High school diploma/GED and five years of experience

• Experience supporting contract teams, legal, procurement, or public sector administrative teams.
• Experience working with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Experience supporting complex projects and multiple stakeholders.
• Professional administrative experience supporting senior-level executives and their staff.
• Experience interacting and working with all levels of internal and external customers and those with diverse backgrounds.
• Experience or familiarity with a contract's lifecycle.
• Experience fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion competency and understanding.

• In-depth understanding of the team's contract negotiation process and organizational policies.
• Skill in organizing information, problem-solving, and maintaining accuracy under pressure.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Capacity to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement.
• Flexibility and professionalism in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: AFSCME / Grade E
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.