Title: Senior Contracting Officer

State Role Title: Administrative - Lecturer

Hiring Range: $65,000- $85,000 commensurate with experience

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Virginia Military Institute

Location: Virginia Military Institute

Agency Website: www.vmi.edu

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Senior Contracting Officer leads the procurement and contract process for goods, services, and capital construction projects. The position works with departments to identify needs, develop effective solicitations, negotiate contracts, and oversee contract administration. It ensures that purchasing activities follow applicable state laws, regulations, and VMI policies, and supports required reporting and supplier-diversity initiatives.

Ensure VMI’s procurement activities comply with applicable Virginia laws, state guidelines, higher-education requirements, and institutional policies.

Obtain the best overall value for goods, services, and capital construction through effective sourcing, evaluation, and negotiation.

Provide timely, consistent procurement guidance and service to departments across the institution.

Promote and monitor SWaM business participation in accordance with applicable requirements.

Maintain accurate contracts, procurement records, and required reports to support accountability and informed decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of public-sector and higher-education procurement, contract administration, vendor negotiations, and applicable Commonwealth of Virginia procurement laws, policies, and reporting requirements.

Knowledge of state eVA procurement guidelines, higher-education governing rules, institutional purchasing policies, and SWaM business participation requirements.

Skill in developing and managing complex RFPs, IFBs, and RFQs for goods, services, and capital construction.

Skill in evaluating proposals and bids, negotiating favorable pricing and contract terms, assessing risk, and analyzing financial data.

Ability to collaborate with institutional stakeholders to identify purchasing needs, review scopes of work, and guide departments through sourcing and contracting processes.

Ability to manage contracts throughout their lifecycle and ensure required reports are developed, approved, and submitted accurately and on time.

Ability to use automated procurement systems, such as eVA and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms.

Strong communication, organization, judgment, and problem-solving skills.

Additional Considerations

At least three years of progressively responsible experience in public-sector or higher-education procurement, contract administration, and vendor negotiations.

Professional procurement credentials are desirable, such as VCO, CUPO, VCCO, CPPO, CPPB, or NIGP-CPP.

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.

This position is onsite in Lexington, Virginia, USA.

Applicants should upload their résumé or CV, cover letter, and any additional supporting documentation through the online application portal.

The Virginia Military Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All interested people are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Contact Information

Name: Matthew Hart

Phone: 540-464-7051

Email: hartmp@vmi.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.