University Of The District Of Columbia

Director,Contracting and Procurement Operation

Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
  • Minimum 8 years of contracting and negotiation experience.
  • At least 5 years managing complex procurements.
  • Experience in strategic leadership and operational oversight.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic leadership for contracting and procurement functions.
  • Identify and implement process improvements and best practices.
  • Develop and execute proactive procurement and sourcing strategies.
  • Oversee supplier performance and compliance management.
  • Serve as an advisory support to university stakeholders.
  • Lead and develop procurement staff, fostering professional growth.

Benefits

  • Health and life insurance coverage.
  • Annual vacation and sick leave benefits.
  • Participation in the University of the District of Columbia's retirement plan (TIAA).
Full Job Description
Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open To The Public

Position Status: Full-Time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0095/2A

Salary Range: $138.093.66- $141.854.08

Closing Date:Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Brief Description of Duties

The Director, Contracting and Procurement Operations provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University's contracting and procurement functions. Under the delegated authority of the Vice President, Chief Contracting and Procurement Officer, the incumbent helps establish departmental objectives, sets performance goals, and directs daily contracting and procurement activities to ensure efficient, compliant, and customer-focused service to the University. The Director oversees procurement systems and operational support functions, administers the purchasing card program, and ensures adherence to applicable policies, regulations, and best practices. This role drives continuous process improvement, promotes operational excellence, and fosters strong partnerships across the institution to support the University's mission and strategic priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Procurement Leadership, Process Improvement and Compliance
Provides strategic leadership for the University's contracting and procurement function by identifying process improvement opportunities, implementing best practices, and driving operational excellence. Evaluates federal and District procurement laws, regulations, and industry standards to ensure compliance while developing innovative solutions, policies, and procedures that strengthen organizational performance and procurement effectiveness.

2. Procurement Strategy, Sourcing and Contract Administration
Develops and executes proactive procurement and sourcing strategies that optimize negotiations, pricing, contract terms, and overall value. Establishes formal solicitation requirements, oversees competitive bidding processes, reviews/approves procurement transactions and contracts in accordance with established procurement strategies, policies, and regulatory requirements.

3. Supplier Performance, Risk Management and Market Intelligence
Leverages market intelligence, industry trends, and supplier insights to support organizational objectives and achieve best-value outcomes. Oversees contractor and consultant performance management programs, monitors vendor compliance and service delivery, identifies performance gaps and risk exposures, and implements corrective actions and vendor management strategies to mitigate organizational risk.

4. Customer Service, Advisory Support and Stakeholder Engagement
Serves as a trusted advisor to faculty, staff, and university stakeholders on procurement and contracting matters. Promotes a culture of customer service excellence by maintaining open communication, providing guidance on procurement requirements, and fostering collaborative relationships that support university operations and strategic goals.

5. Staff Leadership, Training and Organizational Development
Leads and develops procurement staff by fostering a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and professional growth. Ensures access to training, certification, coaching, and development opportunities while creating procurement guidance materials, policies, and educational resources to support consistent application of procurement practices across the University.

Minimum Job Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field.
  • At least 8 years of contracting and negotiation experience.
  • At least 5 years of experience in complex procurements.

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA).

Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Residency Preference: A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

About University Of The District Of Columbia

The University of the District of Columbia is a public university located in Washington, D.C. The university was founded in 1851 and offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs across eight schools and colleges. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an average class size of 18 students. The university is known for its strong commitment to community service and social justice, and has been recognized as a top producer of African American graduates. The university's athletic teams, known as the Firebirds, compete in the NCAA Division II.
Learn more about University Of The District Of Columbia
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1,000 employees
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