Communication specialist Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Contract Specialist

Under the general direction of the Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) Director of Procurement, the Contract Specialist (CS) serves as the lead in managing procurement activities for assigned Client Departments. The CS performs complex, technical, and analytical work involving the development, administration, and oversight of contracts.

Contract Specialists will be responsible for understanding, managing, and developing solutions that address the technical, analytical, and administration elements of complex procurements, solicitations, contract negotiations, and awards related to the procurement of professional services, services in the trades, products, equipment, supplies, and in some case, complex construction, and modernization projects.

Essential Functions

• Spearheads and takes full responsibility for their assigned Client Departments procurement needs, by assisting them to organize, prioritize, implement, and realize needed, authorized, procurement activities;
• Provides guidance and informs their assigned Client Departments regarding contracting approaches, methods, options, best practices, industry standards, the vendor pool, small and disadvantaged business, and choices at each step in the procurement process;
• Serves as a consultant to senior and middle management staff in the interpretation of contracts and contracting policies, and procedures;
• Prepares and issues solicitation packages for the purchase of goods and services, ensuring compliance with the Authority policies and procedures, and with established guidelines, rules, and regulations of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD);
• Prepares Board submittal packages and recommendations;
• Makes Award Recommendations;
• Monitors contractor performance and closes out files upon completion of contracts;
• Assists and/or resolves contract related protests or disputes and claims;
• Maintains accurate and current contract and relevant correspondence file system both in hardcopy and electronically and advises staff in advance of expiring contracts;
• Prepares timely weekly reports and other correspondence related to contract and procurement activity, including expirations, disputes, resolutions, and any other concerns expressed by internal or external customers;
• Maintains a high degree of confidentiality relative to work performed.
• Responsible for Contract Administration functions from Contract Award through Contract Close-out;
• Coordinates and facilitates the activities of contract management including meetings with vendors on all contract administration related matters;
• Ensures contracts are compliant with rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;
• Leads and/or guides staff in the procurement process and best practices.
• Develops the Vendor Outreach Plan, compliance review of solicitation and checklist items;
• Facilitates Pre-proposal meetings;
• Develops Addendum Content;
• Reviews proposals and facilitates process to assist with Evaluation Committee Discussion;
• Reviews Conflict of Interest and Non-Disclosure Forms;
• Negotiates Contracts;
• Compliance Review on Procurement Packaging;
• Conducts price analysis and assist with cost analysis preparation;
• Attends CCGS weekly department meetings;
• Interfaces with Client Department and Government Entities.

Marginal Functions

• Execute special projects.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in business or public administration or a related field, with a minor or emphasis in procurement;

Four years of highly responsible experience involving procurement, with an emphasis on the preparation, evaluation, and administration of contracts.

AND

Possession of a valid California driver's license and an insurable driving record.

Bilingual skills in ASL, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese and/or Spanish are a plus.

Equivalent combinations of education, training and experience will be considered.

To Apply

Please complete an employment Application online at Applications must be received by Friday, October 2nd, 2026 at 8:59 PM Pacific Time.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of procurement of goods and services and construction-related contracting;
• Legislation governing the construction contracting process.
• Computer systems designed for tracking procurement activity.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules and regulations as it pertains to procurement.

Ability to:

• Research costs of various commodities, analyze and provide a recommendation from data.
• Forecast potential future costs for commodities.
• Negotiate, evaluate, and implement large contracts, including construction contracts.
• Work under pressure with a high degree of responsibility and accountability.
• Effectively use computer-based data processing systems.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with co-workers, management, partner agencies and the community.
• Lead or supervise staff.