Contract Administrator

Agency: Oklahoma Department of Transportation | Supervisory Organization: Deputy Director – Contract Compliance | Job Type: Regular, Full‑time | FLSA Status: Exempt | Location: 200 NE 21st Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

About the role

This position is part of the Contract Compliance Division, Contract Administration Branch. Duties encompass all phases of contract management for professional (consultant) contracts from solicitation through contract close‑out. Detailed guidelines are available in the ODOT Guidelines for the Administration of Consultant Contracts.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and/or directs a component of an agency or institutional program or a major division, program, or function established to accomplish a basic goal or mission of the agency.
• Interprets and advises agency personnel and the general public on departmental rules, regulations, and laws governing the operation of the agency, division, or department program.
• Prepares administrative, statistical, and/or fiscal documents pertaining to departmental activity.
• Provides supervision or direction to assigned staff in planning, promoting, and implementing programs in accordance with agency policies and goals.
• Advises on future resource requirements, priorities for programs and activities; estimates timetables for accomplishing assigned activities; develops policies, rules, and regulations consistent with state and federal laws pertaining to the administration of programs.
• Plans, develops, and conducts training, seminars, meetings, or clinics as required; represents the agency at meetings, seminars, and conferences.
• Drafts policies and procedures, and develops contract or grant proposals.
• Reviews proposed legislation and recommends changes; may act as legislative liaison.

Qualifications

Level II

• Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of professional experience in business or public administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of technical administrative experience for each year of the required bachelor’s degree.
• Assigned responsibilities involve direction or management of a major program, division, unit, or function of moderate size and scope, or professional‑level work involving program supervision, development, coordination, or implementation with responsibility for a major phase of a large program.
• Expected to perform assigned duties at all levels of complexity and provide guidance, supervision, and training to assigned staff.

Level III

• Bachelor’s degree and four years of professional experience in business or public administration, including one year in a supervisory or administrative capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of technical administrative or professional experience for each year of the required education.
• Assigned responsibilities involve direction or management of a major program, division, unit, or function that is large in size and scope.
• Given administrative freedom to plan, develop, and organize all phases of the work necessary for its completion within broad program guidelines.

Level IV

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of professional experience in business or public administration, including two years in a supervisory or administrative capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of technical administrative or professional experience for each year of the required education.
• Assigned responsibilities involve direction or management of a major statewide specialized agency program that is large in size and scope and involves planning, development, coordination, and implementation of program functions and activities by other federal, state, or local governmental organizations.

Note: No substitution is allowed for the required professional‑level experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity. Technical administrative experience includes highly complex clerical work gained under the direct supervision of a professional supervisor or manager.

Skills

• Knowledge of methods of organization and management; public administration; agency policies and procedures; grant or contract program requirements; the legislative process; basic research and statistical techniques; federal and state laws and regulations relating to administration of assigned programs; and supervisory principles and practices.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and develop training programs; exercise good judgment in analyzing situations and making decisions; organize and present facts and opinions; plan, direct, and review the work of others; analyze complex situations and make responsible decisions; coordinate the work of organizational units; and plan, direct, and coordinate the functions and activities of other governmental organizations.

Benefits

• Annual Benefit Allowance: up to $20,538.24 for employees and their dependents to enroll in benefits.
• Comprehensive Insurance Plans: multiple medical, dental, and vision plan options, including Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
• Retirement Savings Plans:
  • Pathfinder Defined Contribution Plan (for employees hired after November 1, 2015): employer matches 6% with employee contribution of 4.5%; employer matches 7% with employee contribution of 7% or above.
  • OPERS Defined Benefit Plan (for returning employees previously enrolled in OPERS).
• Annual & Sick Leave (PTO):
  • 15 days accrued annually during first 1–5 years of service.
  • 18 days accrued annually for 5–10 years of service.
  • 20 days accrued annually for 10–20 years of service.
  • 25 days accrued annually for over 20 years of service.
  • Sick leave: accrued at 15 days per year.
• Paid Holidays: 11 paid holidays per year.
• Longevity Pay: annual payments for eligible state employees with a minimum of 2 years of state service.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): cooperative effort to help employees access professional services for resolving personal problems.

Pay

• Level II: $66,400 per year
• Level III: $76,200 per year
• Level IV: $83,800 per year

Additional information

• Candidates selected for positions at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation may be required to complete a pre‑employment background check and drug screening before beginning employment.
• Some positions may also require applicants to participate in a Physical Abilities Demonstration and be rated