Careers at Virginia Tech

Manages the university's efforts to improve the utilization of small, woman owned and minority owned businesses. Identify opportunities for unrepresented vendor types. Stay abreast of vendor opportunities at the university, market those opportunities to vendors to increase the university's diversified pool of competition. Perform as the diversity advocate for vendors at the university and state-wide level. Conduct training to prepare vendors to do business with the university. Ensure mandatory reporting is produced and submitted to keep the university in compliance with management standards established for restructured universities. Lead procurement activities on an as needed basis. Identify strategic sourcing opportunities for the university. Serves as a member of the procurement leadership team including representation on university committees and working groups representing diversity in procurement. Serve as database administrator of several complex systems to ensure accurate data of prospective vendors of the university. Ensure appropriate monthly reporting on capital projects as well as tracking of spend and project trajectory to ensure compliance with stated project goals and yearly objectives set by the Department.

• Experience and knowledge in government procurement, contracting, second tier reporting, enhancing strategic relationships with diversified vendors and contract administration.
• Demonstrated communication skills using multiple medians including group presentations and public speaking including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups and individuals.
• Ability to represent Virginia Tech externally with state officials and other representatives of higher education.
• Experience organizing vendor outreach events such as vendor fairs and training sessions.
• Strong analytical, planning and negotiation abilities.
• Understanding of the laws and regulations of public Small, women-owned and minority participation, procurement and contracting.
• Bachelor's degree in business or related field and relevant comparable work experience.

• Prior experience in enhancing supplier diversity and increasing utilization of Small, Woman Owned and Minority Owned Vendors in both construction and goods and services spend categories.
• Understanding of challenges relating to diversity issues in all facets of higher education.
• Prior experience in sourcing, developing, awarding university procurements using competitive purchasing processes.
• Professional Purchasing Certification.

Regular

Commensurate with experience with a salary range up to $70,000 per year

October 28, 2024

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.