Contracts and Risk Specialist I – Legal and Contract Services

About the role

The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Dallas‑Fort Worth region — the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States — is seeking a Contracts and Risk Specialist to coordinate contract, procurement, risk, and compliance activities for transportation and air quality programs. The MPO prepares plans and programs that enable federal transportation funding to flow into the region, provides data to decision‑makers, and serves as a forum for coordination. It is staffed by the Transportation Department of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), which receives policy direction from the Regional Transportation Council.

NCTCOG is a voluntary association of, by, and for local governments, established to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit, and coordinating for sound regional development. Since 1974, NCTCOG has served as the MPO for transportation in the Dallas‑Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, responsible for developing transportation plans and programs that address the complex needs of the rapidly growing area. The planning area includes the 12 counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, and Wise. NCTCOG is recognized as a military‑friendly employer and values the knowledge, experience, and skills acquired during military service; all qualified veterans are invited to apply.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with the review and investigation of governing laws and regulations to aid in the development of policies and procedures, decision making, and other departmental functions
• Supporting the development of template and project‑specific agreements and amendments
• Assisting with the review, approval, and execution of agreements and amendments with internal and external partners
• Supporting the procurement of consultants and other products or services, including organizing meetings, compiling documentation, preparing schedules, and communicating with partners
• Supporting the development and implementation of the Transportation Department’s federally required Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
• Assisting in the oversight of subrecipient procurement reviews and compliance requirements, including drafting of policies and procedures and compliance communications
• Assisting in the oversight of consultant and subcontractor payment reviews and compliance requirements, including drafting of policies and procedures and compliance communications
• Assisting with the development of grant applications
• Supporting the preparation and review of information necessary for committee and board actions
• Communicating with internal and external transportation partners through drafting for supervisor review, transmittals, and other methods of communication
• Assisting with pre‑award and subrecipient risk assessments
• Assisting with the development and implementation of the Transportation Department’s asset inventory and monitoring of subrecipients
• Updating tracking tools for agreements, approvals, departmental compliance requirements, and other actions
• Creating and maintaining project records

Required Skills

• Detail‑oriented, highly organized, with an ability to manage multiple assignments/tasks and work well in a deadline‑driven environment without diminishing the quality of work
• Good critical‑thinking and problem‑solving skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to listen to and follow instructions, coordinate with team members, and present ideas
• Good customer service and time management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, and working knowledge of Excel, SharePoint, Microsoft Access, and/or Smartsheet
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Required Education and Experience

• Broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field, normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor’s degree
• At least one year of work‑related experience
• Experience in public‑sector contracting or public‑sector procurement is preferred
• Familiarity with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200) as well as the Uniform Grant Management Standards (UGMS) is desired

Pay

Salary range: $57,065.00 – $68,478.00 annually