Agreements Specialist

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities. Metro Transit's Planning and Capital Programs Department is responsible for the development and construction of Metro Transit's light rail transit (LRT) and bus rapid transit (BRT) projects including fixed guideway (busway) projects like the Gold Line and Bronze Line and the Blue Line Extension. How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Agreements Specialist position provides: (a) development and negotiation of third party agreements as part of developing major capital transitway projects, (b) development of products associated with third party agreements, (c) coordination with external stakeholders (i.e., corridor counties, corridor cities, utilities and watershed districts, etc.) as part of development and tracking of third party agreements, and (d) milestone tracking and prioritizing, and communication of third party agreements to project management, Procurement Department, and Office of General Counsel (OGC).

NOTE: This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The position is based out of the Metro Bronze Line Project Office in St. Paul, MN. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

• Implements scope of agreements program (goals, objectives, requirements).
• Implements the agreement development process, including initiation, negotiation, scheduling, and milestone tracking. Supports management in negotiations with private parties (i.e., freight rail, utilities) and public agencies (i.e., municipal, county, state). Prioritizes, coordinates, and facilitates agreements under development and review by OGC and other Council staff.
• Maintains appropriate files and documentation systems for comprehensive agreements program. Maintains and monitors Agreement Matrixes for tracking purposes and internal status and coordination including monitoring status, determining priorities, and coordinating staff input.
• Ensures agreements conform to funding grants and other funding requirements and include all necessary provisions. Monitor and expedite Procurement and OGC review by prioritizing agreements and coordinating with project management, Procurement, and OGC to track status and progress. Reviews documents and correspondence between diverse teams, departments, and functions.
• Coordinates projects and develops approaches to controversial and non-standard issues with supervisor prior to implementation. Communicates requirements and responsibilities of the Council included in third party agreements and conveys information clearly, effectively, and timely through both formal and informal methods.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including supporting other Planning & Capital Projects Agreement Specialists, as needed.

Any of the following combinations of professional work experience in related agreement or contract development, negotiation and administration including project management and agreement development and completed education in Law, Political Science, English, Public Administration, Urban & Regional Planning, Engineering, Transportation, or related field:

• High school diploma/GED and eight (8) years of experience.
• Associate's degree and six (6) years of experience.
• Bachelor's degree or higher and four (4) years of experience.

• Experience working with a diverse workforce and diverse communities.
• Knowledge of the Federal Capital Investment Grants Program process or Federal grant requirements and compliance.
• Experience in contracts and project management working for a government agency.
• Experience drafting amendments to contracts.

• Knowledge of contract law and municipal and public agency law and regulations.
• Knowledge of cooperation and cooperative funding agreements.
• Knowledge of master and subordinate funding agreements.
• Knowledge of grant and programmatic agreements.
• Skilled in oral, written and presenting presentations, and possess advanced negotiation consensus building and alternative dispute resolution skills.
• Ability to read, analyze,and interpret complex documents.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload and balance multiple projects or tasks.
• Ability to review, redline and draft a scope of work and applicable contract exhibits including budget and milestones.
• Ability to ensure contract files are compliant with applicable funding requirements and properly documented.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with internal staff, partner agencies, and external stakeholders through effective communication, collaboration, and responsiveness.

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Union/Grade: Non-Represented/Grade H

FLSA Status: Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No