Assist. Contract Administrator

The Metropolitan Council is the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area, planning 30 years ahead and providing regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. The Metro Transit Division is one of the country's largest transit systems, employing over 3,000 people and offering an integrated network of buses, light rail, commuter trains, and alternative transportation resources.

About the role

The Assistant Contract Administrator supports the contract management team by assisting with the administration, tracking, and maintenance of contracts related to transit security and community-based outreach services. This position helps ensure contracts remain compliant, well-documented, and effectively monitored under the guidance of senior contract staff.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the administration of contracts between the Council and its service providers, including maintaining accurate records and tracking key milestones and deadlines.
• Reviews and processes vendor insurance certificates, bonds, and related compliance documentation.
• Supports the drafting and review of contract amendments under the direction of senior staff.
• Tracks and documents vendor performance data; compiles reports and summarizes findings for review.
• Assists with invoice review and processing, verifying accuracy and compliance with contract terms.
• Responds to routine vendor and internal inquiries, escalating complex issues to senior staff.
• Supports the preparation of request for proposals (RFP) documents and bid specifications.
• Participates in field audits, data collection, and quality assurance activities as assigned.
• Assists in developing and maintaining contract management tracking tools and databases.
• Supports training coordination and documentation for project managers and business units.

Requirements

Any of the following combinations of education and experience:

• High school diploma/GED with six (6) years of progressively responsible administration experience in vendor contracts, purchasing, project management, grants, or compliance.
• Associate degree with four (4) years of experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with two (2) years of experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of contract preparation and administration.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, processes, and laws related to general liability in the State of MN; federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to competitive procurement practices.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to review documents for accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to effectively prepare and present information and respond to questions from diverse groups of customers or clients.
• Ability to calculate figures such as discounts, interest, and percentages.