Job Description
Department Information
This job posting may be used to fill multiple term-limited Contract Specialist positions within the division. The term-limited position has an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026; however, may be extended depending upon funding availability and will be eligible for full benefits.
Who can Apply
This opportunity is only open to residents of the State of Colorado.
About the Colorado Department of Local Affairs
The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) serves as the primary interface between the State and local communities. The Department provides financial support to local communities and professional and technical services (including training and technical assistance) to community leaders in the areas of governance, housing, and property tax administration. While all state governments provide such services through various Departmental structures, Colorado’s approach is unique in that these local community services are gathered into one Department of “Local Affairs,” which has a central focus on strengthening Colorado communities and enhancing livability.
Vision
The Department of Local Affairs is responsible for strengthening Colorado's local communities through: accessible, affordable, and secure housing; implementing property tax law; capacity building; strategic training, research, and technical assistance; and funding to localities.
Mission
Our mission is to help strengthen Colorado’s communities.
Why work for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs?
The work we do matters greatly. It matters to us and it matters to the citizens of the great state of Colorado. We love our communities and are passionate about supporting our communities. We value the diversity that Colorado offers. If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference in communities across the State, consider joining the dedicated people of the Department of Local Affairs.
In addition, we offer a great location and great benefits, which include:
Medical and Dental Plans
Strong, secure, yet flexible Retirement Plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus pre-tax and ROTH 401K, and 457 plans
Employee Wellness Programs
Paid Life Insurance
11 paid Holidays per year plus Vacation and Sick Leave
Short and Long-Term Disability Coverage
RTD Eco Pass to all eligible State Employees
Flexible work schedule options and hybrid work options
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Training opportunities
Variety of Free discounts on services and products available through the State of Colorado's Work-Life Employment Discount Program
Description of Job
Under the mission of DOLA, the Contract Specialist will be responsible for preparing and executing loan and grant agreements. These agreements contain the terms and conditions upon which the State of Colorado will provide state and/or federal funds to local governments and to qualified applicants for use in the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing, supportive housing, emergency shelters, providing housing services, and other housing-related assistance.
Job Duties
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Prepares, negotiates and executes grant agreements to provide funding to non-profit organizations, local governments, or other eligible applicants for use in the implementation of housing programs and services.
Prepares, negotiates and executes loan agreements, grant agreements, and ancillary documents in order to provide state investment in the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing.
Works with stakeholders such as: underwriter, development specialist, and/or program manager to incorporate the project description, project budget, performance milestones, and other elements of the statement of work; ensures that terms and conditions in the exhibits related to regulatory compliance are appropriate for the project type and the funding source, circulates draft documents for internal review and execution.
Drafts amendments, option letters, releases, consents, and other documents that modify or amend grant and loan agreements and contracts.
Interfaces with grantees, borrowers, lenders, investors, legal counsel, and other parties to ensure that the drafts are acceptable and to negotiate any proposed changes to the draft documents.
Borrowers and grantees include private housing developers, housing authorities, non-profit organizations, local governments, or other eligible applicants.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Class Code & Classification Description
H1H3XX Contract Administrator III
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience Only: Six (6) years of professional experience in paralegal services, grant or loan agreement drafting, contract administration, contract management, contract monitoring, or procurement/purchasing processes. This experience must have included drafting grant, loan, legal or contract documents.
OR
Education and Experience: A combination of related education in Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Legal Studies or Law, English or a closely related field (as determined by the agency) AND experience as described above equal to six (6) years.
Ensure that the 'Work Experience" section of the application is complete and contains all relevant work experience related to the position that you are applying for.
Ensure that the 'Work Experience" section of the application is complete and contains all relevant work experience related to the position that you are applying for.
Applicants must upload their unofficial college transcripts that include the student name, college name, courses completed and/or degree with date conferred with this application, in order to receive credit.
Under the Job Application Fairness Act (SB 23-058), applicants may redact information from certifications and transcripts that identify their age, date of birth or dates of attendance from an educational institution.
Required Competencies
Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind.
Be a quick learner
Ability to work across teams
Strong attention to detail
Effective problem-solving skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments, and organize work to accommodate shifting deadlines.
Proficiency in MS Office suite, specifically MS Word, Excel.
Strong interpersonal skills
Ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external customers
Preferred Qualifications
State of Colorado experience drafting, managing, or administering contracts or grant and loan agreements
Additional experience drafting real estate transactional documents, subordination agreements, and grants, loans, or contracts
Juris Doctor degree
Paralegal certificate or experience in a paralegal setting drafting legal documents
Additional experience writing or administering loan agreements
Experience with local, state, or federal government
Experience with local, state or federal housing assistance programs
Experience creating, maintaining and utilizing contract templates.
Conditions of Employment
You MUST be a Colorado resident (at the time of application) to apply for this position.
Pre-employment criminal background checks will be conducted as part of the selection process.
Only complete applications submitted by the closing date for this announcement will be given consideration. Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement will result in your application being rejected.
Applicants may submit a resume, cover letter/letter of interest detailing how their experience and background address the stated minimum and preferred qualifications/competencies of the job and attach to the online application. Applications left blank or marked “See Resume” will not be accepted. Please address every requirement for the position with your experience in your application.
The application may include the following documents that MUST be uploaded at the time of application:
A resume (this is not a substitute for the online application demonstrating work history)
Cover letter / letter of interest
Transcripts (if using education to meet the minimum qualifications)
DD214 (member-4 form) from applicants that may be eligible for veteran’s preference
Comparative Analysis
Current and former employees (transfers, voluntary demotions, and reinstatements) are required to participate in the comparative analysis process through this job posting.
Applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) for the position. Applicants that meet MQ’s will be included in the Comparative Analysis process. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis which may include, but is not limited to, a suitability screening, training and experience review, eSkills Assessment, oral assessment, written performance assessment or it may include a review of your application and your responses to any supplemental questions by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants. Be sure your application specifically addresses the requirements as listed in the minimum qualifications. Address your specialized experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position duties, required competencies and preferred qualifications in order to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.
Supplemental Information
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
DOLA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Melissa Bellew, DOLA ADA Coordinator at [email protected].
Email Address: All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "[email protected]" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.
Biweekly Pay: As of July 1, 2026, all DOLA new hires, including transfers of current state employees and reinstatements of former state employees, will be placed on the biweekly pay schedule. This means you will be paid every other Friday for a total of 26 pay periods over the course of a year. Biweekly pay is also lag pay, meaning you will be paid two weeks after the end of each pay period. Please click here for more information about the move to biweekly payroll.
Technical Assistance: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) please contact NEOGOV technical support at 855-XXXXXX Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.
Appeal Rights: An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director. As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.
Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [email protected] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action. For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.
For questions related to this job posting, please reach out to Yolanda Roberts via email at [email protected].
This job posting may be used to fill multiple term-limited Contract Specialist positions within the division. The term-limited position has an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026; however, may be extended depending upon funding availability and will be eligible for full benefits.
Who can Apply
This opportunity is only open to residents of the State of Colorado.
About the Colorado Department of Local Affairs
The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) serves as the primary interface between the State and local communities. The Department provides financial support to local communities and professional and technical services (including training and technical assistance) to community leaders in the areas of governance, housing, and property tax administration. While all state governments provide such services through various Departmental structures, Colorado’s approach is unique in that these local community services are gathered into one Department of “Local Affairs,” which has a central focus on strengthening Colorado communities and enhancing livability.
Vision
The Department of Local Affairs is responsible for strengthening Colorado's local communities through: accessible, affordable, and secure housing; implementing property tax law; capacity building; strategic training, research, and technical assistance; and funding to localities.
Mission
Our mission is to help strengthen Colorado’s communities.
Why work for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs?
The work we do matters greatly. It matters to us and it matters to the citizens of the great state of Colorado. We love our communities and are passionate about supporting our communities. We value the diversity that Colorado offers. If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference in communities across the State, consider joining the dedicated people of the Department of Local Affairs.
In addition, we offer a great location and great benefits, which include:
Medical and Dental Plans
Strong, secure, yet flexible Retirement Plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus pre-tax and ROTH 401K, and 457 plans
Employee Wellness Programs
Paid Life Insurance
11 paid Holidays per year plus Vacation and Sick Leave
Short and Long-Term Disability Coverage
RTD Eco Pass to all eligible State Employees
Flexible work schedule options and hybrid work options
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Training opportunities
Variety of Free discounts on services and products available through the State of Colorado's Work-Life Employment Discount Program
Description of Job
Under the mission of DOLA, the Contract Specialist will be responsible for preparing and executing loan and grant agreements. These agreements contain the terms and conditions upon which the State of Colorado will provide state and/or federal funds to local governments and to qualified applicants for use in the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing, supportive housing, emergency shelters, providing housing services, and other housing-related assistance.
Job Duties
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Prepares, negotiates and executes grant agreements to provide funding to non-profit organizations, local governments, or other eligible applicants for use in the implementation of housing programs and services.
Prepares, negotiates and executes loan agreements, grant agreements, and ancillary documents in order to provide state investment in the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing.
Works with stakeholders such as: underwriter, development specialist, and/or program manager to incorporate the project description, project budget, performance milestones, and other elements of the statement of work; ensures that terms and conditions in the exhibits related to regulatory compliance are appropriate for the project type and the funding source, circulates draft documents for internal review and execution.
Drafts amendments, option letters, releases, consents, and other documents that modify or amend grant and loan agreements and contracts.
Interfaces with grantees, borrowers, lenders, investors, legal counsel, and other parties to ensure that the drafts are acceptable and to negotiate any proposed changes to the draft documents.
Borrowers and grantees include private housing developers, housing authorities, non-profit organizations, local governments, or other eligible applicants.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Class Code & Classification Description
H1H3XX Contract Administrator III
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience Only: Six (6) years of professional experience in paralegal services, grant or loan agreement drafting, contract administration, contract management, contract monitoring, or procurement/purchasing processes. This experience must have included drafting grant, loan, legal or contract documents.
OR
Education and Experience: A combination of related education in Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Legal Studies or Law, English or a closely related field (as determined by the agency) AND experience as described above equal to six (6) years.
Ensure that the 'Work Experience" section of the application is complete and contains all relevant work experience related to the position that you are applying for.
Ensure that the 'Work Experience" section of the application is complete and contains all relevant work experience related to the position that you are applying for.
Applicants must upload their unofficial college transcripts that include the student name, college name, courses completed and/or degree with date conferred with this application, in order to receive credit.
Under the Job Application Fairness Act (SB 23-058), applicants may redact information from certifications and transcripts that identify their age, date of birth or dates of attendance from an educational institution.
Required Competencies
Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind.
Be a quick learner
Ability to work across teams
Strong attention to detail
Effective problem-solving skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments, and organize work to accommodate shifting deadlines.
Proficiency in MS Office suite, specifically MS Word, Excel.
Strong interpersonal skills
Ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external customers
Preferred Qualifications
State of Colorado experience drafting, managing, or administering contracts or grant and loan agreements
Additional experience drafting real estate transactional documents, subordination agreements, and grants, loans, or contracts
Juris Doctor degree
Paralegal certificate or experience in a paralegal setting drafting legal documents
Additional experience writing or administering loan agreements
Experience with local, state, or federal government
Experience with local, state or federal housing assistance programs
Experience creating, maintaining and utilizing contract templates.
Conditions of Employment
You MUST be a Colorado resident (at the time of application) to apply for this position.
Pre-employment criminal background checks will be conducted as part of the selection process.
Only complete applications submitted by the closing date for this announcement will be given consideration. Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement will result in your application being rejected.
Applicants may submit a resume, cover letter/letter of interest detailing how their experience and background address the stated minimum and preferred qualifications/competencies of the job and attach to the online application. Applications left blank or marked “See Resume” will not be accepted. Please address every requirement for the position with your experience in your application.
The application may include the following documents that MUST be uploaded at the time of application:
A resume (this is not a substitute for the online application demonstrating work history)
Cover letter / letter of interest
Transcripts (if using education to meet the minimum qualifications)
DD214 (member-4 form) from applicants that may be eligible for veteran’s preference
Comparative Analysis
Current and former employees (transfers, voluntary demotions, and reinstatements) are required to participate in the comparative analysis process through this job posting.
Applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) for the position. Applicants that meet MQ’s will be included in the Comparative Analysis process. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis which may include, but is not limited to, a suitability screening, training and experience review, eSkills Assessment, oral assessment, written performance assessment or it may include a review of your application and your responses to any supplemental questions by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants. Be sure your application specifically addresses the requirements as listed in the minimum qualifications. Address your specialized experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position duties, required competencies and preferred qualifications in order to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.
Supplemental Information
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
DOLA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Melissa Bellew, DOLA ADA Coordinator at [email protected].
Email Address: All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "[email protected]" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.
Biweekly Pay: As of July 1, 2026, all DOLA new hires, including transfers of current state employees and reinstatements of former state employees, will be placed on the biweekly pay schedule. This means you will be paid every other Friday for a total of 26 pay periods over the course of a year. Biweekly pay is also lag pay, meaning you will be paid two weeks after the end of each pay period. Please click here for more information about the move to biweekly payroll.
Technical Assistance: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) please contact NEOGOV technical support at 855-XXXXXX Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.
Appeal Rights: An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director. As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.
Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [email protected] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action. For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.
For questions related to this job posting, please reach out to Yolanda Roberts via email at [email protected].
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The DOLA Contract Drafting Specialist/Contract Administrator III (Term-Limited) position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Denver offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
