Contracts and Procurement Associate Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee the coordination of outgoing service contracts, acquisitions, and related activities that support operational and administrative procurement requirements.

• Collaborate with staff to formulate procurement strategies for purchases.

• Assist in the creation and evaluation of solicitations.

• Perform vendor due diligence, which includes assessing financial stability, reviewing past performance, and conducting compliance checks.

• Lead the assessment and negotiation of procurement contracts.

• Identify, evaluate, and propose methods to reduce legal, financial, reputational, and operational risks.

• Develop and implement procurement policies, standards, requirements, and procedures.

• Mentor, support, and lead colleagues and direct reports as assigned.

• Provide training and guidance to staff regarding NFF procurement processes and requirements.

• Collaborate with Marketing, Information Technology, Finance, People and Culture, and administrative teams to manage the procurement of goods and services.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certification with 7 years of pertinent experience in procurement and contracting.

• A foundational understanding of federal procurement regulations, contracting principles and guidelines, and compliance frameworks.

• Experience in leading, mentoring, or supporting colleagues or direct reports.

• Familiarity with the USDA Forest Service is preferred.

• A strong commitment to the mission of the NFF.

• Authorization to work in the United States is required.

• Ability to collaborate with internal clients on procurement transactions and contract negotiations.

• Capacity to synthesize or communicate procurement and contract concepts in layman's terms.

• Skill in identifying and minimizing legal, financial, reputational, and operational risks when procuring software, goods, and services.

• Ability to make strategic procurement decisions that balance operational efficiency with compliance obligations.

• Competence in managing multiple competing priorities and meeting deadlines independently in a remote environment.

• Strong negotiation, customer service, troubleshooting, and creative problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, alongside outstanding interpersonal abilities.

• Proficient computer skills, with advanced knowledge of Microsoft 365, including SharePoint, Teams, and Word.

• Willingness to train, mentor, or assist program staff.

• Reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace are necessary.

• Ability to travel domestically up to 5% of the time per year.

• Applications must include both a cover letter and a resume.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance covered at 75% for you and your dependents.

• Vision insurance covered at 50% for you and your dependents.

• Health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions ranging from $1,878 to $3,750 annually, based on coverage type.

• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) provided at no cost.

• 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after one year of service.

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost.

• Basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with options for voluntary life insurance.

• Whole life insurance available at a discounted rate.

• Employees begin with 35 days of annual leave, sick leave, personal leave, and holidays.

• Annual leave accrual rates increase with years of service.

• Family and medical leave available for up to sixteen weeks, with up to four weeks paid.

• Access to Training & Development Programs.

• Professional development reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year.

• Opportunity to contribute to a remarkable mission.