Vice President, Chief Contracting and Procurement Officer

University of the District of Columbia-posted about 1 month ago

Full-time • Executive

Washington, DC

1,001-5,000 employees

Educational Services

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The Chief Contracting Officer and Vice President for Contracting and Procurement serves as the university's chief procurement strategist, responsible for leading and overseeing all contracting, purchasing, and vendor management activities. This executive role ensures that procurement operations are transparent, efficient, and compliant with applicable laws and institutional policies. Through strategic leadership, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, the Chief Contracting Officer fosters a procurement environment that supports academic excellence, research innovation, and operational effectiveness. The Chief Contracting Officer and Vice President for Contracting and Procurement reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

Lead and manage the Office of Contracting and Procurement, providing strategic direction, mentoring staff, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, equity, and accountability in service delivery.
Develop and implement strategic procurement policies and procedures that ensure transparency, efficiency, and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, while supporting the university's mission and operational goals.
Oversee university-wide procurement and contracting activities, including capital construction, technology acquisitions, and professional services, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and regulatory frameworks.
Advise executive leadership and departmental stakeholders on procurement strategies, risk mitigation, contract negotiations, and vendor management to support academic, research, and administrative functions.
Evaluate vendor, contractor, and consultant performance through data-driven assessments and compliance reviews, recommending renewals, corrective actions, or terminations based on documented outcomes.
Ensure institutional compliance with procurement laws and standards, including monitoring legislative changes, updating internal policies, and coordinating audits and reporting requirements.
Design and deliver procurement training programs for university personnel, focusing on ethical practices, documentation standards, and regulatory compliance to enhance institutional capacity and integrity.
Champion inclusive and responsive customer service practices by maintaining open communication channels, resolving procurement-related issues, and promoting stakeholder engagement across diverse university units.
Conduct market and industry analysis to inform procurement planning, contract terms, and sourcing strategies, particularly for infrastructure and capital projects.
Represent the university in external procurement networks and committees, advocating for best practices, benchmarking performance, and cultivating strategic partnerships with peer institutions and agencies.

Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a closely related field is required.
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in public sector procurement, contracting, or supply chain management, including at least 7 years in a senior leadership role.
Demonstrated experience managing complex, high-value procurements, including capital construction, technology, and professional services.
CORE COMPETENCIES Leadership & Strategic Management: Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and drive strategic initiatives across complex organizations. Demonstrated success in change management, process improvement, and organizational development. Ability to develop and implement long-range plans, policies, and procedures aligned with institutional goals.
Procurement & Contracting Expertise Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local procurement laws, including Federal and DC regulations as well as higher education procurement standards. Expertise in competitive bidding, contract negotiation, vendor management, and performance evaluation. Ability to oversee supplier selection, proposal solicitation, and contract lifecycle management.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills Strong business acumen and financial analysis capabilities. Ability to conduct market research and apply data-driven decision-making to procurement strategies. Skilled in resolving complex procurement challenges and mitigating risk.
Communication & Collaboration Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present to executive leadership and external stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and with external partners. Commitment to inclusive and responsive customer service.
Technology & Systems Proficiency in procurement and financial management systems (e.g., ERP platforms such as Banner, PeopleSoft, or Workday). Familiarity with e-procurement tools, contract management software, and data analytics platforms. Intermediate proficiency or better with standard office productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

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).

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