UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Procurement Services & Chief Procurement Officer (AVP/CPO), the University Director of Procurement Contracting and Compliance is responsible for the oversight of contract preparation and procurement compliance at all UConn campuses, including the main campus in Storrs and all regional campuses. The Director is responsible for supporting the institution’s academic and programmatic needs while guiding contract compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and University policies and procedures.   

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead a team of contracting and compliance professionals at UConn Storrs and Regional Campuses with responsibility for hiring and supervising staff by communicating University and department objectives, overseeing goal setting, assigning projects with coordination, and monitoring of work activities of assigned staff members.
• Serve as an integral member of the unit’s leadership team, working closely with the AVP/CPO in establishing and implementing the unit’s strategic mission and goals.  
• May serve as an extension of the Associate Vice President for University Business Services and Chief Procurement Officer.   
• Develop, recommend, implement, and maintain University-wide policies, procedures, and process improvements. 
• Identify opportunities for improvement and process enhancements within the Department.
• Lead and perform contract administration functions including assurance of contract compliance in accordance with the Board of Trustees’ requirements through preparation, review, and sign-off on submissions and monitoring of approved contracts with responsibility to initiate corrective action when problems are identified.   
• Interpret and administer pertinent procurement laws and regulations.
• Handle issues such as change orders, contractor delays, appeals, claims liquidated damages, settlements, and terminations.  
• Manage the administration of contracts by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating all levels of legal agreements and contracts. 
• Oversee contract management processes and timely execution.
• Collaborate and work closely with the University’s Office of the General Counsel in conducting business reviews and legal analyses. 
• Maintain current insurance certificates, bonds, and consent of surety for reserve reductions, off-site material payments, and final payments. 
• Develop and track unit-wide metrics and key performance indicators. 
• Prepare complex reports, presentations, and other documents in response to University constituents, vendors, and state and federal regulatory agencies. 
• Respond to inquiries, requests, and complaints from University administration and personnel relative to the contracting process and other areas of responsibility; and attend meetings as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree and at least seven (7) years of experience in the drafting, negotiating, and managing of contracts. At least five (5) of the years of experience at the level of supervisor. 
2. Considerable knowledge of principles in areas such as procurement, compliance, construction law, business law, or other public procurement policies in a state or federal environment.  
3. Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills. 
4. Ability to design and implement departmental and institutional policies and procedures. 
5. Strong leadership, organizational, project management, and planning skills with the ability to meet deadlines and facilitate solutions in a fast-paced environment. 
6. Demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to mentoring, coaching, and developing a team.  
7. Strong interpersonal and persuasive skills with the ability to work effectively with all levels of employees and management. 
8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
9. Excellent computer skills with strong technical skills to work with multiple database programs including Microsoft Access. Knowledge of contract management systems.  ,

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Advanced degree such as MBA, MPA or JD. 
2. Previous supervision of individuals responsible for contracting, procurement compliance and/or procurement operations in a public institution or higher education.  
3. Solid understanding of contract law and demonstrated ability to independently draft contractual terms and conditions with demonstrated negotiation skills of complex initiatives. 
4. Familiarity with procurement principles, construction, professional services contracting, federal regulations and/or guiding principles relating to research contracts, and traditional academic institutional contracting needs. 
5. Understanding the significance of and commitment to supplier diversity programs. 
6. Considerable knowledge of academic institutional program needs including research, outreach programs, and information technology needs. 

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time position located on the Storrs campus. The position will commence under a hybrid model which requires all employees to work on-site two days per week.  Future arrangements will be considered in accordance with University Alternate Work Arrangements policies and procedures.  The starting salary for this position is $150,000-$155,000 and will be commensurate with the successful candidate's background and experience.

The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498374 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references including a reference from applicant's current place of employment.  Please note that references will not be contacted without prior discussion with applicant.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on July 7, 2024. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.