Description

The Los Angeles Unified School District's Procurement Services Division anticipates hiring a DIRECTOR OF CONTRACTS ADMINISTRATION (FACILITIES) who will assists in the daily administration of the branch, participate in planning, organizing, and directing branch functions, carry out particularly complex or sensitive projects, and act for the Deputy Chief Procurement Officer (Facilities) as required. 

This position is a full-time, 12-month (A-Basis) assignment. The role is based in person at the LAUSD Central Office, located at 333 South Beaudry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90017. 

Important Note: Incumbents hired for this job must report to work on-site 5 days a week.  

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Contracts Administration (Facilities) oversees the staff responsible for the day-to-day management of facilities contracts. 

Typical duties for this position include:

• Directing and overseeing the development and implementation of procurement policy for all District construction contracts and agreements.
  Implementing innovative changes in procurement strategies.
• Overseeing and directing legal aspects of contracting strategy to enhance efficiency and minimize procurement related litigation.
• Planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating strategic implementation planning and acquisition efforts for facilities contracts administration, and professional services contracts associated with existing facilities modernization and new construction.
• Developing and recommending policies and procedures for contracting for shared risk management between the District and performing contractors.
• Overseeing the management and development of facilities programs created to increase the pool of qualified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) firms competing for LAUSD bond-funded construction, architecture, engineering, and professional service contracts.
• Developing specific implementation plans to achieve strategic and operational goals associated with contracting methods.
• Establishing and maintaining controls systems for facilities contracts administration, and professional services contract activities.
• Preparing and presenting reports to the Board of Education regarding the status of construction and professional services agreements; and directing the execution of procurements and contracts.
• Planning, developing, and recommending policies and procedures related to facilities contract administration and professional services agreements.
• Directing the facilities contractor prequalification process.
• Representing the District in meetings with outside legal counsel, project managers, and contractors.
• Consulting with other District managers as required.
• Interpreting legislation and reviewing legal opinions affecting the facilities contracts bidding process, and professional services agreements.
• Reviewing and approving contract dispute mediation findings and settlements.
• Acting as a hearing officer while conducting and rendering decisions regarding the procurement and enforcement of Facilities Contracts, including bid protest, bid appeals, responsibility hearings, and subcontractor substitution hearings.
• Assuming responsibility for particularly complex contract actions or sensitive projects. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate is an experienced leader with extensive procurement knowledge and has demonstrated  success with producing improvements to policy and practices for construction contracting and professional services agreements. This individual will exceed the minimum qualifications by prescribing their discipline for leading teams and aligning internal and external stakeholders around key business priorities. This individual is committed to lifelong learning and continuous professional development, approaches challenges with innovative solutions, displays natural curiosity, and thoughtfully questions the status quo. This individual leads by example and consistently delivers high-quality work that sets the standard for others to emulate while fostering a collaborative and customer-focused culture.
 
The successful candidate is skilled in developing policies, procedures, and internal control systems that ensure compliance, accountability, and effective risk management in contracting practices. Importantly, this person is not only a leader but also a hands-on doer—actively engaging in the work alongside their team to drive results. We are active participants in the work and those willing to get into the work will thrive alongside a hard-working team.
 
The ideal candidate is a collaborative communicator who can effectively work with executive leadership, legal counsel, project managers, contractors, and external partners, and confidently present procurement and contract matters to senior leadership and governing boards. They can take complex matters and communicate them in an easy to understand and consumable manner.
 
Overall, the ideal candidate combines technical expertise, strategic leadership, and a hands-on approach to guide complex contracting operations that support the District’s facilities programs and long-term capital improvement goals.

Requirements

EDUCATION:

Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university preferably with a major in architecture, engineering, construction management, business or public administration or related field.

An advanced degree in Business Administration or Public Administration is preferred.

Courses in accounting, finance, personnel management and business law are preferable. 

EXPERIENCE:

Four years of management experience with government contracting processes, including at least two years of experience managing personnel responsible for the development and administration of large construction contracts or professional services contracts in a program greater than $200 million.

SPECIAL:

A valid driver’s license to legally operate a motor vehicle in the State of California and the use of a motor vehicle, or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation.