Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher
Education!
At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado,
we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels
valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed
to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of
belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our
mission and purpose.
By joining our team, you'll have a direct impact on shaping the
future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board
of Regents, the University of Colorado's system administration
includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU's campuses
in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the
Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are
proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system.
Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education,
groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our
communities.
We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences
and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do
and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you're passionate about
making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting
a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of
our journey.
Learn more about CU
System Administration .
Position Summary:
The University of Colorado's (CU or University) Procurement Service
Center (PSC) is one of the leading higher education procurement
offices in the nation. The PSC supports the entire CU community,
which includes four campuses and System Administration, by
assisting customers with their purchasing, spend management,
procure-to-pay, and travel management responsibilities. The PSC
partners with CU constituents and suppliers to provide
collaborative, innovative, and leading practices that deliver high
quality expertise, significant value, and excellent customer
service. Procurement and Sourcing, a unit within the PSC, exists to
procure goods and services for the CU community, which includes
four campuses and System Administration, from the right source, and
at the most reasonable cost possible. Additionally, Procurement and
Sourcing assures accountability, integrity, and fairness to the
public and business community through the interpretation and
application of federal, state, and University procurement rules and
regulations.
The Purchasing Agent procures goods and services in a timely
manner, by specifying delivery from the right source to the right
place and at a price consistent with the quality and reliability
required by the user. Based on professional experience, knowledge,
and using the highest ethical conduct, this position makes
procurement decisions for the university community by clarifying
requirements, investigating sources of supply, while interpreting
and analyzing data and circumstances. The successful candidate is
an effective communicator committed to delivering the highest
quality customer service. They are organized and are able to
multi-task. The Purchasing Agent provides procurement leadership to
university departments by guiding them through the procurement
process in order to obtain the best value for the university.
Judgment is used in the adaptation and skilled application of
guidelines to solve the full range of problems related to each
procurement.
This position reports to the Procurement Manager and is exempt from
the State of Colorado Classified Staff system.
Where You Will Work:
Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to
Colorado within a month of starting employment with University of
Colorado System Administration.
This role is eligible to work remotely within Colorado.
Please note, leadership may adjust in-office work requirements
with a minimum of three months' notice before any change can be
implemented.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws governing
nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a
workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and
dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to
apply, including protected veterans and individuals with
disabilities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not
limited to:
Procurement of Goods and Services
- Procures services using professional judgment to determine if
competition is required. Procures goods and services pursuant to
the University's Procurement Rules on a competitive basis by
compiling and refining solicitation specifications, researching and
identifying potential sources, and preparing formal solicitation
documents.
Independently determines the most appropriate method of
acquiring goods and/or services by examining and evaluating the
unique elements of each request which may include estimating the
value, determining delivery requirements, researching sources of
supply, and accessing and employs the on-line computerized
purchasing system and multiple software packages as tools in the
procurement process.
Guides and assures the integrity of all aspects of the
Documented Quote (DQ) process by researching and developing the DQ
documents in collaboration with the requesting department(s). May
use other sourcing methods at the direction of the Procurement
Manager. Interprets and analyzes responses, communicates the
results, and collaborates with the department on selecting awarded
supplier(s) and awards the contract.
Interprets, explains, implements, clarifies, counsels, and
advocates courses of action, and advises the single or multi-campus
evaluation committee of options and consequences by employing the
University of Colorado Procurement Rules, University Fiscal Rules,
Federal Laws and additionally, the policies/procedures of the
various CU campuses as broad guidelines.
Analyzes sole-source, professional preference and other bidding
exception requests and recommends approval or disapproval.
Assures that the university obtains the best value by
negotiating with suppliers.
Formulates cost/price analysis based on professional purchasing
experience and knowledge.
Relationship Management
- Develops and professionally handles effective relationships
with suppliers and internal departments by delivering high quality
service and accurate information.
- Represents the purchasing organization in meetings and/or
committees with suppliers, government agencies, professional
associations and other organizations.
- Operates an outreach program with the campus community by
visiting departments to advise them of contracts, policies and
procedures, and to distribute information.
- Disseminates professional purchasing advice to departments and
suppliers by interpreting state, federal and university rules,
policies, procedures, processes and financial computer
systems.
- Collaborates with PSC management in developing policies,
procedures, and guidelines.
- Resolves contract or purchase order conflicts with reference to
quality and/or payment discrepancies working with the contracts
team to interpret contract terms and conditions.
Contract Management
- Coordinates with Contract Administrator to negotiate, create
and/or amend, contracts with suppliers by interpreting the position
of the University and State of Colorado on specific terms,
- Applies professional judgment in the adaptation and skilled
application of guidelines to solve the full range of problems
related to the assignment. Anticipates and analyzes the impact and
consequences of decisions.
- May develop, implement and administer university small dollar
contracts, agreements and awards.
What We Offer:
Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at
$66,000- $72,000 .
CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of
the selected candidate's education, training and experience as it
relates to the position, as well as the position's scope and
complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when
determining a salary level for potential new employees.
Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including
top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching
professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we
ensure your holistic growth and happiness.
- No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some
inclusive of IVF assistance.
- Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
- Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory
401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or
403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
- Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care
flexible spending accounts.
- Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and
vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes
a dedicated week off for winter break.
- 6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of
parenthood.
- A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
- Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at our 1800 Grant
Street Office.
- Many additional perks & programs with the CU
Advantage.
Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.
For more information on benefits programs, please review our
Comprehensive Benefits
Guide .
Access our Total Compensation
Calculator to see what your
total rewards could be at CU. (This position is a University Staff
position)
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Please include all relevant experience in your resume to be
accurately assessed against these qualifications. You must meet all
minimum requirements at the time of application to be considered
for this role.
- Bachelor's degree from accredited institution of higher
education or equivalent professional experience (the educational
requirement may be substituted for professional experience on a
year for year basis).
- One (1) year of professional experience procuring goods and
services.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Two (2) years of professional experience procuring goods and
services.
- Professional experience in a higher education institution or
other public procurement organization.
- Professional procurement certification such as CPSM or
CPPB.
- Experience using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solutions
in support of customers and business operations
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
To be successful in this position, candidates will need the
following:
- Knowledge of performance measures and standard contract terms
and conditions.
- Collaboration skills, including the ability to work with others
from different areas and backgrounds to reach a common goal
- Computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office
programs (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) and learn
and experiment with new software and systems
- Oral, written, and listening communication skills, including
the ability to accurately interpret what others are saying and
convey messages, information, concepts, and details accurately and
clearly
- Organizational skills, including the ability to set and meet
goals and deadlines, create schedules, coordinate and facilitate
meetings, and make decisions
- Ability to handle multiple concurrent and opposing tasks and
responsibilities, and adapt to changing priorities while
maintaining personal effectiveness
- Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and stay on task
when completing special projects and daily assignments
- Ability to work independently with minimal direction and
reliable professional judgment, as well as collaboratively with a
team to achieve desired results
- Ability to maintain a strong work ethic, positive
problem-solving attitude, and enthusiasm for the work
performed
- Ability to self-start and take initiative in completing daily
tasks and special projects
- Ability to focus on activities that have the greatest impact on
meeting work commitments
- Ability to establish and maintain partnerships with a variety
of internal and external constituencies
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals
from a diverse group of backgrounds, cultures, and ages
- Ability to interpret and apply complex rules and
regulations
- Ability to handle and maintain sensitive and confidential
material
- Ability to be cognizant of and address details
- Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to
examine and summarize data and trends in order to resolve issues
and produce results
- Knowledge of contractual concepts, terms, and conditions
- Ability to resolve issues and develop new ideas and initiatives
that improve the performance of the organization
- Customer service skills, including the ability to actively
listen, address customer needs, defuse tense situations, and
maintain an open, flexible, and friendly demeanor
- Ability to deliver a high level of commitment to customer
service
- Ability to respond to requests in a timely manner
- Ability to present oneself professionally in appearance,
demeanor, and effort
- Ability to effectively collaborate with team members in-person
and remotely
- Ability to successfully negotiate with internal and external
constituencies and with diplomacy
- Ability to utilize AI solutions to assist or perform business
operations
- Knowledge of AI ethics and data privacy considerations in the
workplace
- Knowledge of natural language prompting (NLP)
- Ability to produce content, ideate, edit, and perform
analysis
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please attach the following as separate
documents to your application:
- A cover letter identifying the job specific minimum
qualifications you possess and interest in the position.
- A resume including all relevant experience to be accurately
assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting.
Please ensure you check the “Job Specific Attachments” box next to
each document on the “Required Documents” page of the application
for the appropriate documents to be attached.
Per the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, you are not required
to provide your date of birth, dates of school attendance, or dates
of graduation on your resume or cover letter. If an application
requires additional materials, such as a transcript or
certification, you may redact identifying information relating to
your date or birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of
graduation.
When to Apply:
For full consideration completed applications must be submitted by
Monday, August 31st . Reference checking is a standard step
in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact
information, including email addresses and phone numbers, for up to
five references as part of the search process for this
position.
*Please note: All application materials must be submitted through
CU Careers; emailed materials will not be considered. *
Sponsorship Statement:
We are unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this
position.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and
productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we
conduct background investigations for all final applicants being
considered for employment. Background investigations include a
criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial
and/or motor vehicle history. The Immigration Reform and Control
Act requires that a verification of employment eligibility be
documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of
work. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and
equality in education and employment.
ADA Statement:
We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process.
We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation
through the search process such as alternative formats of this
posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations
throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator
at:
systemhr@cu.edu .
