Healthy Hometowns Contracting and Procurement Specialist

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list. 

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Contracting and Procurement Specialist to play a key role in guiding complex procurements, managing high-profile contracts, and increasing community impact.

This role will support agency-wide initiatives with the first project being Healthy Hometowns, Iowa’s Rural Health Transformation Plan. This is a $1 billion federal grant that aims to build a high-quality, sustainable system of care for rural Iowans. This position will work collaboratively with program divisions, fiscal teams, and leadership to design and administer procurements; develop and manage contracts; and support subrecipient monitoring and performance oversight within grant-funded programs. This is an opportunity to guide high-visibility procurements and contract strategies that directly influence health and human services across the state.

In this role, the Contract Performance and Procurement Specialist will:

• Lead complex, mission-critical procurements that support statewide programs and emerging initiatives.
• Ensure strong compliance with state and federal requirements while helping programs navigate the technical and strategic aspects of procurement and contract management.
  • Provide contract oversight, ensuring deliverables, performance measures, and fiscal requirements are met; initiate corrective actions as needed.
  • Play a pivotal role in the administration of grant-funded projects, ensuring that funding is used effectively and responsibly.
  • Conduct contract and subrecipient monitoring, including program reviews, site visits, and compliance assessments.
  • Serve as liaison with HHS Finance and the Bureau of Service Contract Support; provide technical assistance on procurement policy, contract systems, and compliance expectations.
  • Support development, revision, and monitoring of grant and contract budgets; track payments, forecast spending, and maintain financial workbooks.

This is a dynamic and high-impact role with variety, challenge, and the chance to meaningfully impact services for the health and well-being of Iowans.

Benefits: 

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29%and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here.

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Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position. 

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.