Senior Purchasing & Contract Associate

About University at Albany:

Established in 1844 and designated a University Center of the State University of New York in 1962, the University at Albany's broad mission of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research, and public service engages a diverse student body of more than 17,000 students in nine schools and colleges across three campuses.

Located in Albany, New York, New York State's capital, the University is convenient to Boston, New York City and the Adirondacks.

Job Description:

Primary duties include: the procurement of supplies, equipment, and services at the University at Albany. The Incumbent will be responsible for following all applicable policies and procedures related to New York State and SUNY procurement.  Additionally, the Incumbent will be responsible for writing, reviewing, interpreting, and negotiating terms and conditions as related to the contractual obligations of the University and will serve as a liaison between vendors and the University community.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Procurement of supplies, commodities, equipment, and services
• Provide advisement and training to the University community on New York State (NYS), State University of New York (SUNY), and University at Albany (UA) rules and regulations in the procurement of services and commodities and in the execution of contracts.
• Serve as a liaison between the Office of Procurement Services, UA departments, NYS Attorney General, NYS Office of the State Comptroller, and vendors.
• Review, approve, interpret, and negotiate documents as they relate to UA contractual obligations including expenditure, consultant, revenue, leases, and construction contracts, memorandums of understanding, and various software, educational, and athletic agreements.
• Write, review, research, and process: highly complex and customized Request for Quotes, Invitation for Bids (IFB), Request for Information (RFI), Request for Proposals (RFP), and written agreements.
• Participate in educational development including but not limited to new legislation (State & Federal), and SUNY policy.
• Mentor Procurement staff in daily operations and throughout procurement to contract award process.
• Train Procurement staff and University community on procurement practices for all threshold levels.
• Assist with updates and improvements to the Procurement services website and shared staff files.
• Work closely with the Director and Associate Director to develop metrics for tracking orders, contracts, purchase orders, and process improvements.
• Create templates and checklists specific to varying types of procurement threshold levels including compliance document requirements, terms, and conditions.
• Employ a high level of interpersonal skills in a diverse University environment.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• A minimum of Three years (3) Professional experience in procurement/contracting, preferably in an educational institution.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience with New York State Invitation for Bid (IFB)s and Request for Proposals (RFP)s.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills and experience.
• Experience working in UNIX/Linux environments.
• Applicants must address in their applications their abilities to work with a culturally diverse population.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education procurement practices.
• Experience working with New York State purchasing and contracting.
• Experience in writing and negotiation of contracts and related documents. 

Additional Information:

This is a promotional opportunity for current UAlbany employees.

Eligibility for Consideration:

• You must be employed at the University at Albany campus.
• You must be in a State-funded UUP professional position (MC employees are not eligible).
• You must have a permanent, term, or probationary appointment (temporary employees are not eligible).

For details concerning the University's Promotion Policy for Professional Employees, please see HR Memorandum 88-4 .

Professional Rank and Salary Grade: Staff Associate, SL4

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, without exception, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. The University at Albany's Annual Security Report is available in portable document format [PDF] by clicking this link http://police.albany.edu/ASR.shtml

Pursuant to NYS Labor Law 194-A, no State entity, as defined by the Law, is permitted to rely on, orally or in writing seek, request, or require in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current wage, or salary history as a condition to be interviewed, or as a condition of continuing to be considered for an offer of employment, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation, and for the purpose of verifying information, may such requests be made.  If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at [email protected].

THE UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY IS AN EO/AA/IRCA/ADA EMPLOYER

Please apply online via http://albany.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=174621

Application Instructions:

Applicants MUST submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter stating all the required minimum qualifications and any of the applicable preferred qualifications
• List of 3 professional references with e-mail addresses and telephone numbers

Note: After submitting your resume, the subsequent pages give you instructions for uploading additional documents (i.e. cover letter etc.).

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

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Closing date for receipt of applications: April 24, 2024