Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open To The Public

Position Status: Full-Time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0058

Salary Range: Up to $187,223.06

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
 

HOW TO APPLY:

Nominations and applications are now being accepted. Dossiers should include 1) a complete CV/résumé and 2) cover letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities, competencies and requirements, the applicant’s motivation to apply and interest in UDC. The search will be conducted with a commitment to confidentiality until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit www.udc.edu/equal_opportunity. Application materials should be submitted to the Greenwood Asher & Associates portal at: UDC VP of University Research

All inquiries and nominations should be addressed to:

Marion Frenche, SHRM-CP                                                Shelley Feather

Associate Vice President of Executive Search                Senior Executive Search Consultant

marionfrenche@greenwoodsearch.com                          shelleyfeather@greenwoodsearch.com

Brief Description of Duties

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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. (20%) 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. (15%) Oversee university-wide procurement and contracting activities, including capital construction, technology acquisitions, and professional services, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and regulatory frameworks. (10%) Advise executive leadership and departmental stakeholders on procurement strategies, risk mitigation, contract negotiations, and vendor management to support academic, research, and administrative functions. (10%) Evaluate vendor, contractor, and consultant performance through data-driven assessments and compliance reviews, recommending renewals, corrective actions, or terminations based on documented outcomes. (10%) Ensure institutional compliance with procurement laws and standards, including monitoring legislative changes, updating internal policies, and coordinating audits and reporting requirements. (10%) Design and deliver procurement training programs for university personnel, focusing on ethical practices, documentation standards, and regulatory compliance to enhance institutional capacity and integrity. (10%) Champion inclusive and responsive customer service practices by maintaining open communication channels, resolving procurement-related issues, and promoting stakeholder engagement across diverse university units. (5%) Conduct market and industry analysis to inform procurement planning, contract terms, and sourcing strategies, particularly for infrastructure and capital projects. (5%) Represent the university in external procurement networks and committees, advocating for best practices, benchmarking performance, and cultivating strategic partnerships with peer institutions and agencies. (5%)

Minimum Job Requirements

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).

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFSCME local 2087 and you may be required to pay an agency service fee through direct payroll deduction.

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).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intra family offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference: Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

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.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation. The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia. The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Talent Management only.

Contact Information: All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Talent Management at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/ .