Contracts & Procurement Specialist
The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) is seeking a Contracts & Procurement Specialist to support contract administration, procurement activities and technical services. Reporting to the Contracts Manager, this entry-level position assists with procurement and contract administration processes, maintains procurement documentation, coordinates contract activities, and supports clean energy projects while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
The Contracts & Procurement Specialist works closely with the Contracts Manager, project teams, clients, and contractors to support procurement operations and contract administration activities. This position provides an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in public procurement, contract management, and clean energy project implementation while contributing to MCEC’s mission.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Contract Administration & Procurement
- Support procurement activities from planning through contract execution and close-out.
- Prepares Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), and other procurement documents for review.
- Maintain procurement schedules and tracks key milestones, deadlines, and deliverables.
- Assist in preparing contracts, amendments, task orders, and supporting documentation.
- Maintains procurement and contract files to ensure documentation is accurate, complete, and organized.
- Coordinate contract routing, execution, and filing.
- Assist with proposal evaluations by coordinating meetings, preparing evaluation materials, and compiling evaluation results.
- Communicate with vendors and contractors regarding procurement activities and contract documentation.
- Track contract compliance requirements, insurance certificates, reporting deadlines, and contract expiration dates.
- Assist with contract close-out activities and record retention.
Project & Program Support
- Support procurement and technical assistance for multiple clean energy and climate mitigation projects involving public and private sector stakeholders.
- Assist in preparing project schedules, reports, budgets, presentations, and other project documentation.
- Coordinate with internal staff, clients, and contractors to obtain information necessary to support procurement and project activities.
- Assist with technical proposals, procurement summaries, and grant-related documentation.
- Support project managers by coordinating procurement-related administrative activities.
- Represent MCEC professionally in meetings with clients, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders as appropriate.
Operational Support
- Assist in maintaining procurement policies, procedures, templates, and standard forms.
- Maintain procurement tracking logs, databases, and reporting tools.
- Research procurement requirements, applicable regulations, and funding opportunities.
- Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes and administrative efficiency.
- Provide responsive customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while providing excellent customer service.
Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Construction Management, Environmental Studies, Engineering, or a related field is required.
One (1) to three (3) years of professional experience in procurement, contract administration, project coordination, grants administration, operations, or a related field is preferred. Relevant internships or equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of professional experience.
Experience working with government, nonprofit, or public-sector organizations is preferred but not required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Technical Knowledge
- Basic knowledge of procurement and contract administration principles.
- Familiarity with procurement processes and contract documentation.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Interest in clean energy, sustainability, infrastructure, or government programs.
- Familiarity with Maryland procurement regulations is desirable but not required.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to learn procurement regulations, organizational policies, and contract administration practices.
- Ability to prepare reports, spreadsheets, correspondence, and presentations.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, clients, contractors, and vendors.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Possession of a valid driver’s license meeting the requirements of Maryland law and all MCEC policies.
- Professional certifications related to procurement, contracts, or project management are encouraged but not required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment with prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and occasional travel to meetings, vendor locations, or project sites as needed.
OTHER DUTIES
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities to support the mission and operational needs of MCEC.
WORK LOCATION AND SCHEDULE
MCEC supports a hybrid work environment. This position is primarily based at our College Park, MD office, with a combination of on-site and remote work to support collaboration, efficiency, and program needs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The candidate will be expected to be results oriented and perform responsibilities with an appropriate sense of urgency cognizant at all times of strict timeframes. Success in this position will depend on ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
SALARY RANGE
The anticipated salary range for this position is $70,000 to $85,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, and internal equity.
TO APPLY
Qualified candidates should send resumes with cover letters, noting salary requirements, to [email protected].
The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation or opinion, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
MCEC provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us to request assistance.