Title: Senior Information Technology (IT) Contract Officer

State Role Title: Procurement Officer II

Hiring Range: Up to $89,816.00, Commensurate with education and experience

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Virginia State University

Location: Virginia State University

Agency Website: vsu.edu

Recruitment Type: General Public

Job Duties

Virginia State University (VSU) is seeking an experienced Senior IT Contract Officer with exceptional skills in competitive procurement and contracting. This advanced-level position is responsible for developing and managing complex, high-value IT solicitations, primarily Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Invitations for Bids (IFBs), as well as other formal and informal procurement methods. The ideal candidate will be a subject matter expert in IT contracting, capable of interpreting and applying state procurement laws, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance, cost efficiency, and strategic alignment with the University’s technology goals.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the creation, development, and execution of competitive IT solicitations, including RFPs, IFBs, Sole Sources, Unsealed Bids, and related procurement documentation.

Negotiate, draft, and finalize complex IT contracts, ensuring legal and procedural compliance.

Provide advanced guidance, training, and consultation to departments on IT procurement best practices.

Review and approve IT-related eVA requisitions, ensuring accuracy and adherence to all applicable regulations.

Serve as a liaison between VSU and IT vendors, fostering effective partnerships and ensuring high-quality performance.

Monitor and evaluate vendor performance, implement corrective action plans when needed, and resolve contract disputes.

Prepare Memorandums of Understanding/Agreements, Statements of Work/Services, and Scopes of Needs for IT procurements.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and/or Competencies required to successfully perform the work:

At least five (5) years of progressive procurement experience, with significant expertise in IT contracting.

Demonstrated ability to develop and manage high-dollar RFPs, IFBs, and other formal solicitations from concept to award.

Strong contract negotiation, drafting, and administration skills.

Proficiency with eVA and other electronic procurement systems, as well as Microsoft Office Suite.

Virginia Contracting Associate (VCA) certification and ability to obtain Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO) certification within one year of employment.

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Additional Considerations

Bachelor’s degree in business, IT, procurement, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Virginia State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. VSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY:

Virginia State University only accepts applications for this position through the on-line state Recruitment Management System (PageUp). Faxed, e-mailed, and mailed applications and/or attachments will not be accepted. The application must be detailed and fully completed. All employment and periods of unemployment (if applicable) must be listed within the application; either on an attached resume, or manually listed in the “Relevant Work History” section. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to fully complete each section of the application and provide descriptive information. Submitting an incomplete state application, or a state application lacking in detail, may result in your non-selection. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested persons must attach a cover letter and a current resume/c.v to the online application. Official transcripts will be required at the time of employment.

The selected candidate will be subject to an extensive and complete background check, which may include fingerprinting. The candidate may be required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest as a condition of employment, if applicable.

Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process:

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx , or call DARS at 800-552-5019.

Contact Information

Name: Boatemaa Nyarko-Brentuo

Phone: 804-504-5083

Email: bnyarko-brentuo@vsu.edu

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.