Job Description
This is a contracted, temporary position, through the end of August 2025.
About the Organization:
The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) is a Secretariat within the executive branch of the Commonwealth responsible for directing and executing the Governor's agenda on economic, community and business development, job creation, consumer affairs, and business regulation.
The Executive Office of Economic Development is committed to creating and sustaining a work culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful to all its employees regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran, or disability status. We strive to reflect diversity in all facets and levels of our agency. The Executive Office of Economic Development values inclusiveness and diversity within their employee and management teams. Within our community we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
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The Executive Office of Economic Development is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to maximize their skills and talents to serve our citizens.
About the Role:
The Contract Manager Specialist is part of EOED's Community Programs and Resources Office (CPRO) team and is primarily responsible for performing program and contract management functions that support the operations of the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund.
The Contract Manager Specialist will manage a portfolio of funding contracts in various regions of the state and regularly interact with grantees. Duties include managing the preparation and execution of contracts, as well as assisting grantees with contract, payment, and reporting requirements. The position works in close coordination with the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund Administrator. Requires demonstrated experience with state contracting rules and procedures. Knowledge of cannabis business development, a plus.
Duties and Responsibilities: (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive)
- Program Development Support: Work as part of the CPRO team to assist with projects and initiatives that support EOED's implementation of strategies and achievement of goals, outlined in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Economic Development Plan. Assist in carrying out the goals of the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund, which was created to facilitate the full participation in the Commonwealth's regulated marijuana industry of entrepreneurs from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement.
- Contract Management: Regular and direct interaction with assigned grantees to provide technical assistance, project support, facilitation, and grant monitoring. Responsible for identifying and helping to resolve issues with projects (and/or grantees). Also responsible for reporting problems to, and seeking assistance/guidance from, appropriate senior staff. Coordinates with each grantee to ensure that all required documentation for contracting is submitted. Consults with finance and legal staff to determine specific program contract requirements, and to ensure compliance with all applicable state laws, rules, and regulations. Maintains detailed and accurate records of assigned projects and grants, including through the online grants management system. Reviews and submits regular reimbursement requests from grantees. In coordination with CFO, monitors and keeps track of disbursements on contracts, adherence to drawdown schedules, and signs-off on project closeouts. Processes contract amendment requests, as needed. Coordinates and responds to all project inquiries and requests in timely and professional manner.
- Reporting and Communications: Assist in developing briefs, summaries, presentations, and other office reports used for both internal and external communications and events. Includes data/info requests from Secretary, other EOED Executive staff, and/or the Governor's office. May be assigned to represent and/or to make presentations on behalf of the office at events. Prepares and submits timely reports and presentations in support of project management and as requested by supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Demonstrated experience and/or knowledge in government grants management and/or business program administration.
- Familiarity or working knowledge of federal, state and/or local economic development programs, government contracting, as well as relevant governmental policies and regulations.
- Experience working with various project constituencies, including government agencies, citizen and community advocacy groups, private sector businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to work in a team-based project setting, and demonstrated ability to multitask and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interactive and relationship-building skills with an ability to effectively communicate and present information and respond to questions from different constituents/grantees. Successful experience communicating and working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Ideal candidate is enthusiastic, self-directed, a creative problem-solver and passionate about community economic development and social equity objectives.
- Preferred candidate has knowledge of the cannabis industry and development of cannabis related businesses, particularly as it pertains to the participation of entrepreneurs from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement.
- Strong computer skills in standard productivity software.
- Fluency in other language(s), in addition to English, a plus.
All applicants should attach a cover letter and resume to their online submission for this position.
Qualifications
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.