Contracts and Grants Administration Manager - Limited Service

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking a highly self-motivated and detail-oriented Contracts and Grants Administration Manager. This position is critical in managing complex contracting and grant processes while supporting process improvements and modernization efforts, particularly the rollout of VT Buys, the State's new software platform for contracts and invoicing. You'll serve as a key team member, managing multiple priorities and tracking grants and contracts throughout their terms. Helping drive efficiency in grant and contract execution, supporting peers, assisting direct supervisor in the development of desk guides and identification of operational efficiencies.

Key responsibilities may include but are not limited to

• Processing contracts, grant, MOAs, MOUs, RFPs, RFIs, and RFAs, retainer contracts, statement of work agreements and amendments, and purchase order requests and changes.
• Manage agreement workflows from development through closeout, maintaining detailed tracking documentation.
• Collaborate with project managers to support municipalities, businesses, and residents throughout Vermont.
• Understand and demonstrate an understanding of contract and grant state and federal compliance, and administrative best practices.
• Occasionally serve as a liaison with Risk Management and the Attorney General's Office for legal and procedural compliance.
• Inform and collaborate with supervisor and leadership to help prioritize team workloads and flag potential areas needing additional support.
• Peer support assisting with review, drafting and editing grant and contract documents described above.

This position will also be responsible for collaboration in the development of a risk assessment monitoring program for DEC contracts. It would assist with development and implementation of this system, and the development of tracking tools. Collaborate with managers and staff to define risk indicators, scoring methods, and thresholds for monitoring. It would collect and analyze the data collected to identify trends or emerging risks. Help to create and generate reports summarizing risk status and recommended mitigation actions for leadership. Support continuous improvement by incorporating feedback and refining risk assessment models and tools. This role requires strong project management, data analysis, and communication skills, as well as a working knowledge of contract and grant administration.

DEC is a dynamic, high-performing team committed to service, support, and innovation, supporting environmental initiatives that impact communities across Vermont. We offer a hybrid work model supporting remote work as well as core days in which staff are in the office. Permission to participate in telework is applied for on an individual basis.

As of July 14, 2025, the step 1 rate for pay grade 25 will be $30.92 per hour.

This position, Contracts and Grants Administration Manager - Limited Service (Job Requisition #52845), is open to all State employees and external applicants. It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Marylee.Woods@vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Duties are performed in a standard office setting but may involve some travel for which private means of transportation is required. Some evening or overtime work may be necessary. Interaction with grantees, contractors and consultants through phone contact is required.

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business management, financial auditing, grants administration, or another closely related field, AND one (1) year or more of experience in grant, contract, or program management or another relevant closely related field, including program management or supervisory experience.

OR

Four (4) years or more of combined education and experience in accounting, business management, financial auditing, grants administration, or another relevant field, including one (1) year of program management or supervisory experience.

OR

At least one (1) year as a Contracts & Grants Administrator in Vermont State service.

Preference for candidates who have completed Lean Green belt, Supervising in State Government, Strengths-Based Leadership, facilitation, and program management trainings.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.