Working Title: Assistant Director, Procurement - Sourcing & Contracting

State Role Title: Procurement Manager III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Finance

Department: 100222 - Procurement

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $85,000 - $95,000

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? Yes. This successful candidate must complete a statement of personal economic interest prior to their first day of employment.

Beginning Review Date: 11/21/2025

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

The Assistant Director, Procurement - Sourcing & Contracting will be a key leader within the organization, shaping and advancing procurement strategy. The Assistant Director will lead the planning and directing of sourcing and contracting activities and drive strategic sourcing and category management efforts that align with JMU's mission and financial stewardship priorities. The Sourcing and Contracting team facilitate over $220 Million in annual discretionary expenditures through compliant and transparent processes. Compliance with applicable state/federal regulations will be ensured through the development of appropriate policy and procedures, and standardized training of sourcing and contracting staff. The Assistant Director will champion sourcing and contracting initiatives that support small and local businesses and sustainable procurement practices in alignment with the university’s mission and state/federal regulations. The Assistant Director – Sourcing and Contracting will lead Sourcing and Contracting initiatives with a high level of autonomy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Assistant Director, Procurement - Sourcing and Contracting will:
-Lead a team of professionals (Lead Commodity & Contracting Officers, Buyer Seniors, Buyer Specialists, and Procurement Analysts) inclusive of vision setting, sourcing & contracting policies and procedure development/refinement, daily leadership, allocation of resources across commodities, procurement/commodity assignments, performance evaluations, coaching.
-Provide oversight and guidance to ensure that all university purchases are made according to Guidelines by the Commonwealth of Virginia and University Policy.
-Represent Procurement Services on a variety of internal committees as well as representing James Madison University through state and national organizations.
-Provide training, education and outreach to university departments and suppliers.
-Support Procurement Services in state/university reporting and data analysis needs as applicable to Sourcing & Contracting activities.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:
- Significant progressive experience in senior buyer/procurement officer/contracting officer and Lead/Supervisor/Manager positions in public facing or government entities.
- Designation as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO), Virginia Construction Contracting Officer (VCCO), or Certified Procurement Manager (CPM).
- Procurement Supervisory/Management experience, ideally in the public sector or higher education.
-Ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations related to higher education procurement.
-Familiarity with eVA (Virginia's electronic procurement system) or comparable system.
- Demonstrated strong leadership and team building skills.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated analytical, problem solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with management and administration.
- Commitment to engaging with a broad range of suppliers.
- Demonstrated experience establishing best practice policies and procedures, manuals and internal desktop processes.
- Excellent judgement and ability to discern levels of risk and benefit, specifically related to procurement policies/procedures and contract language.
- Demonstrated integrity in managing complex relationships and confidential information.
- Experience with contract negotiations and administration across a breath of commodities, ideally in a higher education setting.
-Data or financial analysis skills.

Additional Considerations:
-Substantial professional experience in public procurement.
-Designation as Virginia Construction Contracting Officer (VCCO).
-Designation as College & University Procurement Professional (CUPO).
-Thorough understanding of the Governing Rules for Higher Education.
-Demonstrated procurement knowledge in multiple skill areas: FF&E, Construction, Professional Services, Goods & Non-Professional Services (IT, Athletics, Scientific, Facilities, etc.), and Contract Administration.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.