Contracts Specialist
Date Posted: Feb 26, 2026
Requisition ID: 473502
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Education (DOE):
The Indiana Department of Education provides innovative support to Indiana schools, teachers, students, and parents. We proactively work with educators, policymakers, business leaders, and community-based organizations to build student success. Our strategic priorities include:
Delivering quality, purposeful educational opportunities for each student
Elevating and supporting Indiana's educators
Increasing partnerships and delivering aligned, effective, and efficient support
Role Overview:
The Office of Special Education ensures that all eligible students with disabilities are provided a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and has the federally mandated responsibility to provide general supervision of all local education agency (LEA) special education programs.
The primary responsibility of this position is overseeing and managing the Federal Part B discretionary contracts. Federal Part B Contracts are a necessary component of the Office of Special Education to meet the Federal Special Education Rules, Regulations, and Indicators, ensuring that all students with disabilities receive a free, appropriate public education. In addition, this position is also responsible for working with the Excess Cost Team within OSE and submitting contracts for the individual students who require additional and/or one-on-one specialty services in order to receive a FAPE. This position also includes oversight and management of state-funded special education grants and related Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Research and identify sources of external funds and create or develop proposals to secure funds for new grant opportunities and grant renewal opportunities.
Evaluate work plans and timelines to ensure submission of state or federal grant applications and program reports in a timely manner.
Provide guidance and assistance to staff and the community on @types of grants available, federal and agency requirements for obtaining grants, and process of applying for grants.
Assist potential recipients in the grant application process making recommendations on possible changes, writing, and/or reviewing grant applications.
Review submitted grant applications and assess the applicant's eligibility for award based on established criteria.
Make recommendations to supervisors and granting authority on needs of potential recipients.
Analyze project costs and prepare budget justifications and budget revisions for awarded grants.
Monitor the implementation, management, evaluation, and close-out of grants according to rules and regulations.
Ensure a grantee's compliance with conditions of grants by coordinating agreements, contracts, expenses, activities, and federal and state regulations.
The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
Five (5) years of relevant experience in grant programs, program planning, public administration, and related fields.
Extensive knowledge of grants, the grant application process, and the rules and regulations pertaining to grants applicable to assigned programs.
Extensive knowledge of programs, program planning, public administration, and the political system as they relate to the grant process.
Ability to interpret and apply grant rules, regulations, and procedures.
Ability to research new procedures, rules, and regulations.
Effective communication skills.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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