This position serves as the Associate Director for Procurement Services and contract specialist for the System Office in the Business & Finance Division. This position will provide guidance and assistance to System Office staff in the development and management of contracts, including Scope of Work (SOW) for both IT and non-IT Service Contracts, Service Agreements (SA), Personal Service Agreements (PSA) and Memorandums of Understanding (MOU). This position will assist Business Owners in the development, review, and preparation of an RFI, IFB, RFP, and RFQ solicitation documents to meet the contract needs of the Community College System Office and Community Colleges.   The position will facilitate all contract management functions with internal and external departments including outside vendors. 

This position will communicate and manage the contract policy and process required for seeking contract approval required through the Division of Purchase and Contract (P&C) or the Department of Information Technology (DIT) Procurement Offices, conduct negotiations as required for a range of solicitations and agreements, and work with Legal Counsel in the review of all required documents. This position will obtain all required internal and external approvals, including signatures, and verify that contractors are registered vendors in E-Procurement. This position is responsible for the issuance of purchase orders using the E-Procurement system, and the review, analysis, tracking and reporting of contract data. This position will update, organize, and manage a contract database for tracking the status. This position may participate in monthly Finance Agenda Review meetings for contracts that require State Board approval as well as prepare reports for all executed contracts less than $250,000.

This position will assist in the review of System Office policies, procedures, and templates to ensure agency compliance with state laws, rules, and internal operating policies. This position will develop and maintain training materials, facilitate training sessions for System Office staff and implement innovative ways to streamline processes. Other duties include, but are not limited to, facilitating, and presenting sessions pertinent to purchasing and/or fixed assets at meetings and conferences. Overnight travel may be necessary in the performance of these duties.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/AND ABILITIES: Strong working knowledge and demonstrated experience in procurement procedures to provide expertise and support to the agency staff in the preparation and processing of effective Service Agreements (SA), Personal Service Agreements (PSA), and Honorariums. Strong working knowledge in developing Scope of Work (SOW) for both IT and non-IT Service Contracts, to include development of an RFI, IFB, RFP, and RFQ solicitation documents. Working knowledge of an online procurement system and the ability to issue purchase orders and generate reports. Ability to research, analyze and resolve inquiries by reviewing applicable General Statutes, Administrative Code, and other relevant procurement manuals. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing the procurement process, associated laws, policies, and procedures. Must have an understanding of information systems, computer networks and databases, and proficiency with Microsoft Office Products.

PREFERENCES: Management prefers applicants with current IT contracting experience within a NC State Government agency that includes the development of specifications, a working knowledge of the P&C and DIT approval process, experience with contract monitoring and tracking, a proven record implementing new, innovative processes.