Programs and Policy Lead

Job Description and Duties

Under the direction of the Staff Services Manager II, the Staff Services Manager I (Programs and Policy Lead) will supervise a team of professional staff providing administrative support to contract managers in the Sacramento office and those virtually supporting the Authority directions. The Staff Services Manager I is responsible for developing and implementing office-wide programs and policies related to procurement and contract administration for the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority). The Staff Services Manager I ensures consistency, compliance, and efficiency across all contracting activities by interpreting state and federal laws, providing policy guidance, and coordinating with Authority offices to promote best practices. The role includes analyzing legislation and regulations, drafting policy documents, supporting audit readiness, and recommending improvements to enhance contract management effectiveness. The Staff Services Manager I will serve as a subject matter expert and will perform a variety of complex tasks, requiring a high degree of independent action, initiative, discretion, and tact to ensure a high-quality training program supports the Contracting Office and all its responsibilities. The work requires extensive knowledge of State Administration Manual (SAM), the State Contracting Manual (SCM), and the California Department of Human Resources policies and procedures, contract laws and rules, and the civil service process, as well as departmental policies and procedures as they relate to contract management. The Staff Services Manager I will assist with cradle to the grave contracting, as needed, to support the Authority.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.

While working on-site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled area which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employee must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities.

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. An SOQ is a narrative that describes your qualifications for this position. The SOQ must be no more than two (2) pages, 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. You must respond to all the following items. Applicants who do not follow these requirements may be disqualified from the hiring process.

1 . Describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities make you the most qualified candidate for this position, including specific examples.

2. Please describe your experience with contract administration, including the types of contracts you have worked on

3. Please provide an example of when you were responsible for an expedited, high-level assignment that had a very short time frame with conflicting priorities. Describe the steps you took to complete this assignment.

Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience in the use of computers and computer software applications including
Microsoft products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, etc.).

• Knowledge of the SAM, the SCM, Prompt Payment Act, the California GC, and

California Department of Human Resources policies and procedures and contract rules

• Experience analyzing information and making decisions.

• Experience interpreting written policy, laws, regulations, and/or contracts.

• Experience in communicating with internal and external stakeholders.

• Experience in conducting quality assurance reviews, compliance reviews, audits, or
investigations.

• Experience in Federal Contracting.

• Experience with FAR 15.404-1 Cost Price Analysis.

• Ability to quickly grasps new ideas and incorporate them into existing procedures and
policies.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a proven ability to follow up and
follow through on all projects.

• Knowledge of federal statutes, regulations, and administrative interpretations relative to
contract labor compliance and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).

• Ability to analyze and interpret specifications, directives, and other requirements of
contract administration.

• Possess excellent organizational skills to meet deadlines to ensure timely project
delivery.

• Possess excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to act independently with open-mindedness, flexibility, and tact.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Application Information

The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-499799 and Programs and Policy Lead and 311-615-4800-001 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position. Please indicate on the STD 678 your basis of eligibility in the "Explanations" field (i.e. SROA, surplus, reemployment, reinstatement, transfer, or list eligible.)

Surplus/SROA candidates must provide a copy of their surplus/SROA letter with their application. Consideration may be given to applicants on another Department's employment list, provided the criteria are met to transfer the eligibility from the employment list to the Authority's employment list. Training and Development assignments are not being considered at this time.

NOTE: To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification. To gain employment list eligibility, please to access the exam bulletin.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above “Special Requirements” section for SOQ instructions.