Procurement Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Description
The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is the largest public transit agency in Iowa. DART provides transportation anyone can access through services that include 11 Bus Routes, Paratransit, and On Demand. Resources support those who vanpool, walk or bike to move through the region in an efficient and affordable way. Services connect thousands of people every day to jobs, school, medical appointments, entertainment and more.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Procurement Lead, under general direction from the Senior Director of Finance & Compliance (SDFC), serves as DART's lead subject matter expert for complex procurement, contract administration, and federal/public procurement compliance. This position leads high-risk, agency-wide, and federally funded procurements; develops and maintains procurement standards, solicitation documents, and contract terms; provides strategic guidance to departments and leadership; and ensures procurement activities meet DART quality, schedule, cost, delivery, and compliance requirements.
PAY: $90k - $100k
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
Procurement & Contract Administration
• Lead and manage complex, high-risk, and federally funded procurements and contract administration activities.
• Coordinate the full procurement lifecycle, including solicitation development, vendor outreach, evaluations, negotiations, contract execution, amendments, renewals, and closeouts.
• Ensure procurements and contracts comply with applicable laws, FTA requirements, grant conditions, DART policies, and ethical procurement standards.
• Develop sourcing strategies, procurement standards, and agency-wide contracts that support operational efficiency, compliance, and best value.
Compliance & Operational Support
• Review procurement and contract documents for regulatory, legal, insurance, DBE, and business compliance requirements.
• Monitor contract performance, deliverables, vendor compliance, and renewal timelines; address vendor issues and corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain procurement policies, procedures, templates, and related documentation to align with changing regulations and operational needs.
• Coordinate procurement records, vendor documentation, and system files to ensure audit readiness and accurate recordkeeping.
Collaboration & Leadership Support
• Provide technical guidance, workflow support, training, and procurement expertise to internal staff and departments.
• Partner with IOC Hub, grants, finance, operations, legal counsel, and project teams to support federally funded purchases, compliance initiatives, and audit activities.
• Support process improvements, procurement metrics, ERP workflows, and Capital Improvement Plan initiatives.
Vendor Relations & Outreach
• Build and maintain effective relationships with vendors, agencies, DBE firms, and internal stakeholders to promote fair competition and procurement opportunities.
• Represent DART in vendor meetings, negotiations, committees, training sessions, and procurement-related discussions.
• Support surplus and asset disposition activities in coordination with operational, financial, and compliance requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Procurement, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public procurement, sourcing, and contract administration, including complex solicitations and compliance oversight; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with federally funded procurements, including FTA and DBE requirements, is strongly preferred.
• Public sector, transit, grant-funded, or multi-stakeholder procurement experience preferred.
• Experience drafting, negotiating, and administering contracts and procurement documents preferred.
• Professional procurement certification (CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP, or equivalent) preferred.
• Experience with e-procurement, ERP, and contract management systems such as Bonfire preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of public procurement principles, contract administration, solicitation methods, compliance requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Knowledge of procurement systems, ERP platforms, contract management practices, records retention, and process improvement principles.
• Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to lead complex procurements and contract activities from planning through closeout.
• Ability to interpret contracts, specifications, bids, proposals, and regulatory requirements and provide sound recommendations.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, conduct training, and present information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships, provide guidance and support to internal stakeholders, and influence outcomes across departments.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgement, and commitment to ethical procurement and documentation standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related business, procurement, and document management systems.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
This position has no direct supervisory responsibility. The role provides functional leadership and technical guidance to procurement staff, including workflow coordination, issue escalation support, and procurement standards oversight, without formal authority for hiring, discipline, or performance evaluations unless specifically delegated.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
On a normal workday, this position requires prolonged sitting, standing, and computer use, including frequent handling of documents and data entry. The position also requires the ability to communicate effectively in person and by phone and the ability to read and interpret detailed information accurately.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment and is not structured as a primarily remote position.
DISCLAIMER:
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications associated with the position. DART reserves the right to revise or assign additional duties as operational needs change.
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with federal and state equal employment opportunity laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, non-job-related disability, or any other protected group status.