Contract Specialist

Contract Specialist

Date Posted: Nov 10, 2026

Requisition ID: 486563

Location:

Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Education (DOE):

The Indiana Department of Education provides innovative support to Indiana schools, teachers, students, and parents. We proactively work with educators, policymakers, business leaders, and community-based organizations to build student success. Our strategic priorities include:

• Delivering quality, purposeful educational opportunities for each student.

• Elevating and supporting Indiana’s educators.

• Increasing partnerships and delivering aligned, effective, and efficient support.

Role Overview:

The Contract Specialist supports the Indiana Department of Education by preparing, reviewing, and administering contracts, grants, memoranda of understanding, and related documents. This position helps ensure that agreements comply with federal, state, and departmental requirements and are accurately processed through Supplier Contract Management. The role provides guidance and technical assistance to program staff, reviews budgets and supporting documentation, monitors contractor eligibility, and collaborates with legal staff on contract modifications.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong attention to detail and quality assurance, including the ability to review contract language, budgets, attachments, and exhibits for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

• Excellent communication and customer-service skills, with the ability to explain complex administrative requirements clearly and provide consistent guidance to internal staff and external partners.

• Sound analytical judgment and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple agreements, research grant requirements, resolve technical issues, and independently follow up with the appropriate parties.

This position also assists with developing contract administration procedures and annual departmental training, conducts peer and initial quality reviews, and implements changes to state contracting processes. The selected candidate must complete Supplier Contract Management training provided by the Indiana Department of Administration and remain current on system notifications, policies, and procedural updates.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator (https://in.accessgov.com/spd/Forms/Page/spd/compensation-calculator/0) to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Coordinate information flow on large purchases, new or renewed QPA’s and procurement contracts.

• Assist with the reconciliation of purchasing data utilizing procurement systems.

• Provide clarification, technical assistance, and problem-solving resolutions to staff in all procurement issues.

• Evaluate the equipment and vendor selection process, to ensure prospective vendors meet state business requirements, prior to purchase.

• Negotiate leases, contracts, and service agreements.

• Negotiate, execute, and administer contracts, QPA Agreements and amendments.

• Solicit bid proposals, obtains quotes and reviews requisitions from vendors for materials and supplies.

• Maintain all documentation surrounding the bid solicitation process once we receive a requisition until a Purchase Order has been issued.

• Review price quotes, availability of items and/or services, determines compliance to specifications and/or qualifications, and makes purchase recommendations to the department.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Ability to analyze contractual documents, and reports.

• Ability to prepare and interpret financial statements and reports.

• Ability to apply program requirements into working procedures and priorities.

• Considerable knowledge of state procurement policies and methods.

• Extensive knowledge of Federal and State procurement rules, regulations, and procedures.

• Ability to write specifications and/or prepare contracts for products, services, or equipment.

• Working knowledge of computer software systems utilized for procurement and automated accounting procedures.

• Ability to analyze and process technical specifications, invitations for bid proposals, and quotations.

• Ability to ensure concise and informative reports from technical data and records.

• The ability to research and develop new vendor resources.

A degree is not required. However, at least 5 - 8 years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [email protected].

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