Contract Specialist 2 (CS2) - Olympia

Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

Job Title: Contract Specialist 2 (CS2) Olympia Location: Olympia, WA, Thurston County (Flexible/Hybrid) Closes: September 29th, 2026 Salary: $59,760.00 to $80,496.00 Annually

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families protects children and families, so they flourish. Our focus is to support children and families at their most vulnerable points, giving them the tools they need to succeed. We accomplish this by collaborating with state and local agencies, tribes, and other organizations in communities across the state of Washington.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity: Contracts Specialist 2, which supports the operations of the Contracts Office from the statewide headquarters in Olympia, Washington. This position is responsible for the development and management of formal and informal contract and procurement documents; along with the analysis of any proposals for both technical requirements and cost factors. The person in this role will work with various stakeholders, both from within and outside of DCYF, to create documents and agreements which fully reflect the needs of the organization and its partners. This Contract Specialist 2 will coordinate the evaluations of bids and proposals, subsequent to a formal or informal procurement process. The person in this role will also negotiate the terms and conditions of the final contract document, so as to establish reasonable cost levels, along with equitable fees / profits. As part of the contract lifecycle, this Contract Specialist 2 will collect signatures related to specific documents, while also coordinating the termination of agreements, on an as needed basis.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Oversee the negotiation, administration, and termination of contracts, agreements, leases, purchases, and other non-standard agreements
• Arrange for and/or performs the analysis of proposals for technical requirements and cost factors.
• Coordinate the evaluation of bids/proposals.
• Assure compliance with the terms of contracts, while also resolving any problems concerning the obligations of the state or private concerns.
• Educate stakeholders of DCYF policies and procedures regarding contract development and management.
• Make requests for change(s) to regulation, policy, or procedures.

Required Qualifications: Six (6) years of experience in negotiating, administering, or terminating contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses, or contract compliance administration.

OR Bachelor’s degree involving major study in public administration, business administration, business law, commerce, economics, mathematics, statistics or closely allied field

AND Two (2) years’ experience in negotiating, administering or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analysis, contract compliance administration or conducting activities such as inspections, investigations, enforcement of policies/regulations/laws.

OR Equivalent combination of education and experience totaling six (6) years.

AND

• The ability to take action to learn and grow
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of regulations, policies, and procedures for the preparation of contracts, agreements, etc. This knowledge should be inclusive of business and professional services, practices and trends, sources of supply and cost factors, contract terminology and development.
• Ability to feal with representatives of business, the professions and institutions, so as to agree to terms of contracts, assure compliance with the terms of contracts and/or agreements. Work to obtain timely delivery of goods and services and the most reasonable prices; coordinate contract negotiation work with efforts of other units in need of services, if applicable. Advise department offices and sections on contract terms and conditions

How do I apply? Complete your applicant profile on careers.wa.gov and attach the following documents:

• Current resume detailing experience and education.
• Letter of Interest that details how you meet the qualifications for the position.

Supplemental Information: The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

This position requires a successful completion, within mandated timeframes, of employee orientation and all other mandatory annual in-service and other required training.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact DCYF recruiter. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or [email protected]. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Pleaseblackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible,click here.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.