Contract Manager Specialist (Contracted/Temporary)

Job Description

This is a contracted, temporary position, through the end of June 2027.

About the Organization

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) supports economic growth by fostering business development, infrastructure investment, industry advancement, and consumer confidence. EOED operates through nine state agencies and five quasi-public agencies (QPAs) that deliver essential public programs and services.

EOED supports economic growth across Massachusetts through its network of agencies and partnerships, promoting business innovation, infrastructure investment, and consumer protection. The office embraces a culture of equity, inclusion, and collaboration-values that inform all aspects of its work.

The Executive Office of Economic Development is committed to creating and sustaining a work culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful to all its employees regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or disability status. We strive to reflect diversity in all facets and levels of our agency. The Executive Office of Economic Development values inclusiveness and diversity within their employee and management teams. Within our community we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

The Executive Office of Economic Development is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to maximize their skills and talents to serve our citizens.

About the Role

The Contract Manager Specialist will join EOED's Community Programs and Resources Office (CPRO) team and is primarily responsible for performing program and contract management functions that support the operations of the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund. This position will manage a portfolio of funding contracts in various regions of the state and regularly interact with grantees. Duties include managing the preparation and execution of contracts, as well as assisting grantees with contract, payment, and reporting requirements. Requires demonstrated experience with state contracting rules and procedures. Knowledge of cannabis business development, a plus.

Duties and Responsibilities: (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Assist in carrying out the goals of the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund, which was created to facilitate the full participation in the commonwealth's regulated marijuana industry of entrepreneurs from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement.
• Coordinate with each grantee to ensure that all required documentation for contracting is submitted. Consult with finance and legal staff to determine specific program contract requirements, and to ensure compliance with all applicable state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Review and submit regular reimbursement requests from grantees. In coordination with CFO, monitor and keep track of disbursements on contracts, adherence to drawdown schedules, and signs-off on project closeouts. Process contract amendment requests, as needed. Coordinate and respond to all project inquiries and requests in timely and professional manner.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of assigned projects and grants, including through the online grants management system.
• Regular and direct interaction with assigned grantees to provide technical assistance, project support, facilitation, and grant monitoring. Responsible for identifying and helping to resolve issues with contracts. Report problems to, and seek assistance/guidance from, appropriate senior staff. Assist in developing briefs, summaries, presentations, and other office reports used for both internal and external communications and events.

• Demonstrated experience and/or knowledge in government grants management and/or business program administration.
• Familiarity or working knowledge of federal, state and/or local economic development programs, government contracting, as well as relevant governmental policies and regulations.
• Experience working with various project constituencies, including government agencies, citizen and community advocacy groups, private sector businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to work in a team-based project setting, and demonstrated ability to multitask and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interactive and relationship-building skills with an ability to effectively communicate and present information and respond to questions from different constituents/grantees. Successful experience communicating and working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ideal candidate is enthusiastic, self-directed, a creative problem-solver and passionate about community economic development and social equity objectives.
• Preferred candidate has knowledge and experience with development of small businesses and/or cannabis related businesses specifically.
• Strong computer skills in standard productivity software.
• Fluency in other language(s), in addition to English, a plus.