DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)
Finance and Business Operations (FBO)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: Salary: $79,199.95 Annually 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: 4/2/2026

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services, seeks an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Principal Contracts Specialist with the Contract Management Unit (CMU). DAAS supports at-risk Arizonans to meet their basic needs and to live safely, with dignity and independence. Services and programs reach a diverse population of Arizonans.

Under the direction of the Contracts Manager, the Principal Contracts Specialist manages contract processes and workflows, including contract administration and contract monitoring within the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS). This position leads contract compliance monitoring, coordination, and scheduling with division program partners and contracted vendors. This role provides contract expertise to DAAS Leaders, Program Administrators and Managers, and other external partners, such as the Area Agencies on Aging or Local Resettlement Agencies, regarding federal regulations, the Arizona State Procurement Code, Scope of Work development, and contract monitoring for assigned programs. This position mentors, trains, and monitors new Contract Management Specialists, reviewing work prepared by the contract specialists.

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (1-2 days per week in the office).

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Subject matter expert who manages, coordinates, and schedules contract compliance monitoring utilizing appropriate visual management tools.
• Initiates planning efforts and collaborates with division partners, ensuring contracts are scheduled for monitoring, and adequate notification is communicated to the contracted vendors that includes expectations and instructions.
• Leads the development and coordination of all Reports of Findings before being elevated to the Contracts Manager for final approval.
• Reviews and provides comprehensive feedback regarding contract agreements (SOW, Procurement assistance requests, and other documents) before being elevated to the Contracts Manager for final approval.
• Manages standard work, processes, and process workflows by performing routine checks through scheduled Gemba Walks, ad-hoc check-ins with staff, and standard work review.
• Tracks, reviews, and provides periodic analyses of team metrics and contract deliverable updates to the Contracts Manager for discussion and direction.
• Develops strategies to enhance and advises the manager regarding contract management, contract monitoring, standard work, policy, procedures, metrics, team development, and other contract-related actions.

Knowledge of:
• Federal laws and regulations and State statutes pertaining to procurement and contract/grant administration.
• State procurement code and State Procurement Office Technical Bulletins; DES, Division and Unit contract policies and procedures; Arizona Management System, DES Request for Proposal process, Uniform and Special Terms and Conditions; and Division fund source requirements.
• Current DES procurement requirements and systems associated with the development and administration of various types of contracts and contract components.
• Methods/techniques used for effective contract management, including time management, priority setting and policy controls, contract compliance, and record keeping.

Skills in:
• Analyzing data, identifying trends, and conducting root cause analysis.
• Planning and managing projects to meet established priorities and timelines.
• Providing effective technical training directly to audiences with varying knowledge bases.
• Establishing and building professional business relationships with co-workers and contractor staff.

Ability to:
• Write clear, concise, and accurate contract agreements and reports.
• Effectively, efficiently, and concurrently plan and manage multiple and varied tasks and projects in a fast-paced, time-sensitive work environment to meet established priorities and time frames.
• Interpret and apply policies and procedures in coordination with standard work development.
• Appropriately apply contracting concepts across various contractual situations.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• A bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, management, political-science or other related field and 1 year of contract management experience OR
• 3 years of contract management experience in areas such as contract scope of work development, contract monitoring, and preparing professional level documentation.

• In-state travel may be required. Driver’s License Requirements. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please call Brenda Vega at 520-279-4525 or email BVega@azdes.gov.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting Brenda Vega at 520-279-4525 or email BVega@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.