ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
About The Position
The Assistant Director for Administrative Services is a new position in the Division of Purchases, working under executive-level Division leadership and reporting to the State Purchasing Agent. The position supports executive leadership by researching, drafting, and implementing strategic decisions and plans; reviewing and updating procurement statutes and regulations in accordance with applicable procedures and the Administrative Procedures Act; and composing and tracking legislation and preparing draft position letters for review and signature by the State Purchasing Agent. A Juris Doctor is preferred and should be specified in candidate applications. The role initiates, coordinates, directs, and completes assigned projects, including developing processes and procedures based on data-driven analysis. It may work with Department of Administration leadership, including the Legal Services Division and Director’s Office, on escalated procurement matters. The position assists with or leads internal and external policy development and implementation, and may require travel, including to out-of-state conferences or trainings. The successful candidate will need significant analytical and presentation skills, experience convening stakeholders and working with subject matter experts to build consensus, and experience in public administration and law, public policy, and public-sector procurement and contracting. Strong relationship-building, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities are required. Due to the Division’s workload and critical deadlines, the role frequently requires working longer than standard hours. All Division personnel must adhere to applicable procurement statutes and regulations, including the Code of Ethics and Professional Behavior.
Requirements
- Experience in public administration and law and in public policy.
- Working knowledge of public-sector procurement and contracting.
- Significant analytical and presentation skills.
- Experience convening stakeholders and working with subject matter experts to build consensus around policy and decisions.
- Strong relationship-building, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze complex situations, evaluate options, and implement solutions.
- Thorough knowledge of public administration principles, practices, and techniques.
- Thorough knowledge of the operations of the relevant program or service area and the ability to apply that knowledge to promote effective and efficient programs and services.
- Working knowledge of methods and techniques for administering and enforcing regulatory statutes.
- Extensive writing and public-speaking skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, associates, government officials, and the public.
- Ability to coordinate staff activities providing administrative support services.
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field, or substantially equivalent education and experience.
- Extensive employment in a highly responsible administrative position involving various administrative support services, or substantially equivalent education and experience.
- Adherence to applicable procurement statutes and regulations, including the Code of Ethics and Professional Behavior.
- Frequently work longer than standard hours to support the Division’s duties, workload, and critical deadlines.
Nice To Haves
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Responsibilities
- Assist executive Division leadership in researching, drafting, and implementing strategic decisions and plans for the Division of Purchases.
- Review, revise, and update procurement statutes and regulations in accordance with applicable procedures and the Administrative Procedures Act.
- Compose and track legislation and prepare draft position letters for review and signature by the State Purchasing Agent.
- Initiate, coordinate, direct, and complete assigned projects, including developing processes and procedures based on data-driven analysis.
- Work with Department of Administration leadership, including the Legal Services Division and Director’s Office, on escalated procurement matters.
- Assist with or lead internal and external policy creation and development and related implementation.
- Travel when requested, including attending out-of-state conferences or trainings.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive administrative services program and support effective achievement of departmental policies, goals, and objectives.
- Ensure resources are used in conformance with state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
- Serve as a liaison with state and federal departments, local municipalities, groups, and other stakeholders on matters pertaining to department programs.
- Plan, coordinate, supervise, and review staff engaged in program activities.
- Direct analyses of programs, services, resources, and costs and benefits to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Develop short- and long-term goals, objectives, management plans, and operating plans, and oversee their implementation and evaluation.
- Prepare reports and communications and communicate with departmental and program staff and others as required.
Benefits
- Benefits are available to State of Rhode Island employees; details are provided on the Office of Employee Benefits website.
- Employees hired after September 30, 2014 are required to participate in direct deposit.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
