Contract Negotiation Support Specialist (Program Technical Specialist)

Metropolitan Council•390 Robert St. N St. Paul, MN

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Contract Negotiation Support Specialist (Program Technical Specialist) provides advanced administrative and technical support to the Metropolitan Council’s Contract Negotiation team. The role supports the execution of contract-related activities through contract document management, meeting coordination, communication with internal and external partners, and preparation and routing of contracts for approval and signing. It requires attention to detail, sound judgment in applying contract policies and procedures, discretion with sensitive information, and the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The position is part of the Procurement Department, which supports Council units in purchasing goods and services while following Council policies, applicable laws, and grant requirements. The position is eligible for a hybrid telework arrangement, and the candidate’s permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. The anticipated starting salary range is $73,736–$90,000; the full salary range is $70,117–$113,797. The Council offers on-site training, tuition reimbursement, competitive benefits, and work/life balance.

Requirements

One of the following education and relevant experience combinations in business administration, public administration, legal studies, or a closely related field, with experience in contract administration support or a related function: bachelor’s degree and at least one year of experience; associate degree and at least three years of experience; or high school diploma/GED and at least five years of experience.
Ability to organize information, solve problems, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Flexibility and professionalism in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Within the first six months, the ability to develop an in-depth understanding of the team’s contract negotiation process and organizational policies.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting contract teams, legal, procurement, or public-sector administrative teams.
Experience 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 with internal and external customers at all levels and with people from diverse backgrounds.
Experience or familiarity with the contract lifecycle.
Experience fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion competency and understanding.

Responsibilities

Prepare, organize, and maintain contract documents; track deadlines and support compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
Prepare and edit accurate, professional communications about contract negotiations for internal and external audiences while maintaining confidentiality.
Manage multiple Outlook calendars and schedule meetings with contract parties, legal counsel, and senior leadership.
Coordinate logistics for negotiation sessions, team meetings, and stakeholder briefings, including room and technology setup.
Prepare agendas, take detailed meeting minutes, track action items, and follow up on commitments.
Compile and analyze contractual data and prepare reports, updates, and presentations on contract status, milestones, and risks.
Assist with monitoring budgets related to contract development and negotiations.
Prepare purchase requisitions and track approvals for contract-related expenditures.
Develop, refine, and document administrative procedures for contract workflows.
Respond to inquiries from internal departments, vendors, and external stakeholders about contract processes and status, handling sensitive information with discretion.
Arrange travel and accommodations for team members attending off-site negotiation meetings or conferences.
Maintain contract files, databases, and tracking systems for retrieval and audit readiness.
Perform additional administrative or operational tasks supporting the Contract Negotiation team and Procurement Department.