Operations Director Jobs in Kankakee, IL (NOW HIRING)

Number of Vacancies: 1
Area of Consideration: Open To The Public
Position Status: Full-Time, Regular
Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0095/2A
Salary Range: $138.093.66- $141.854.08
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Brief Description of Duties
The Director, Contracting and Procurement Operations provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University's contracting and procurement functions. Under the delegated authority of the Vice President, Chief Contracting and Procurement Officer, the incumbent helps establish departmental objectives, sets performance goals, and directs daily contracting and procurement activities to ensure efficient, compliant, and customer-focused service to the University. The Director oversees procurement systems and operational support functions, administers the purchasing card program, and ensures adherence to applicable policies, regulations, and best practices. This role drives continuous process improvement, promotes operational excellence, and fosters strong partnerships across the institution to support the University's mission and strategic priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Procurement Leadership, Process Improvement and Compliance 
Provides strategic leadership for the University's contracting and procurement function by identifying process improvement opportunities, implementing best practices, and driving operational excellence. Evaluates federal and District procurement laws, regulations, and industry standards to ensure compliance while developing innovative solutions, policies, and procedures that strengthen organizational performance and procurement effectiveness.

2. Procurement Strategy, Sourcing and Contract Administration 
Develops and executes proactive procurement and sourcing strategies that optimize negotiations, pricing, contract terms, and overall value. Establishes formal solicitation requirements, oversees competitive bidding processes, reviews/approves procurement transactions and contracts in accordance with established procurement strategies, policies, and regulatory requirements.

3. Supplier Performance, Risk Management and Market Intelligence 
Leverages market intelligence, industry trends, and supplier insights to support organizational objectives and achieve best-value outcomes. Oversees contractor and consultant performance management programs, monitors vendor compliance and service delivery, identifies performance gaps and risk exposures, and implements corrective actions and vendor management strategies to mitigate organizational risk.

4. Customer Service, Advisory Support and Stakeholder Engagement 
Serves as a trusted advisor to faculty, staff, and university stakeholders on procurement and contracting matters. Promotes a culture of customer service excellence by maintaining open communication, providing guidance on procurement requirements, and fostering collaborative relationships that support university operations and strategic goals.

5. Staff Leadership, Training and Organizational Development 
Leads and develops procurement staff by fostering a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and professional growth. Ensures access to training, certification, coaching, and development opportunities while creating procurement guidance materials, policies, and educational resources to support consistent application of procurement practices across the University.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• At least 8 years of contracting and negotiation experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in complex procurements.

Information to Applicant
Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit. 
Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA).
Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business,  or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act.  In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act.  Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.
Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Residency Preference: A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.
Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.  The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia.  The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.
Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.
Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources only.

Contact Information:  All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University's EO Policy Statement, please visit: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/ .

4200 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20008

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