Director, Strategic Contracting and Procurement
Apply NowCompany: Central Washington University
Location: Ellensburg, WA 98926
Description:
Central Washington University is recruiting a Director of Strategic Contracting and Procurement to join our Contracts and Procurement team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they support the university's mission by ensuring efficient, transparent, and compliant procurement and contracting processes for the University. The role is a campus-basedposition, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a salary, depending on experience, from $102,217 - $139,696 annually plus the awesome CWU benefits.
Who we are:
We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.
Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~10,000 students.
Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for the seventh time in eight years, CWU is a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.
Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.
Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A
The Contracting and Purchasing Department plays a vital role in supporting the university's mission by ensuring efficient, transparent, and compliant procurement and contracting processes. We facilitate the acquisition of goods, services, and equipment necessary for academic, research, and operational excellence, while maintaining fiscal responsibility and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Our department is committed to providing strategic sourcing, vendor management, and contract administration to optimize value, reduce risk, and ensure the highest standards of service. We collaborate with faculty, staff, and suppliers to foster a competitive and ethical purchasing environment that aligns with university policies and government regulations.
What we offer:
Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator .
The Role:
Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Campus Planning, Facilities Management, and Procurement, this role provides visionary leadership to the university's contracting and procurement functions, serving as the senior contracts review officer with Board-approved signatory authority. This position shapes long-term strategies and ensures operational excellence across Contracts, Purchasing, Surplus Inventory, Accounts Payable, and Travel departments, aligning activities with federal, state, and university regulations. Core responsibilities include driving strategic initiatives in purchasing, real property, surplus property, and asset management, along with optimizing budget management processes and cultivating a high-performing team of professional employees. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence. Contracts & Procurement employees directly affect the vision, mission, and values of Central Washington University by practicing and promoting responsible stewardship of our financial resources and through sustainable procedures that ensure the economic health of the university.
Job Duties
Contracts Management:
- Provide strategic oversight of all University non-employment contracts, including public works and grant/sponsored agreements, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and priorities.
- Develop and implement frameworks to ensure compliance with legislative requirements for awarding contracts, including all purchasing, leasing, competitive contracting and operational service contracting.
- Leads the evaluation, negotiation, and drafting of contracts, ensuring they drive value and mitigate risks for the University.
- Responsible for periodic comprehensive reviews of university policies and procedures delivering insights and recommendations to enhance efficiency, foster innovation and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Serves as the strategic liaison between the Assistant Attorney General and University departments, offering expert guidance on agreements that influence long-term operational success.
- Oversee the integrity and accessibility of the central file of executed contracts, informed decision-making and accountability.
Purchasing Management:
- Leads the development, implementation, and oversight of university-wide procurement policies for all goods and services, ensuring alignment with Washington Department of Enterprise Services and the Office of Financial Management regulations.
- Provides expert guidance on complex vendor bids and proposals, ensuring equitable evaluation and strategic alignment in awarding contracts. Advise staff on contract management for leases, personal services and other procurements, fostering compliance and operational excellence.
- Direct the procurement of university supplies, equipment and services, including university centers by evaluating competitive bids, sole source acquisitions, requests for proposals and direct negotiations to deliver value.
- Develop and conduct regular audits of purchasing processes, including decentralized purchasing systems such as P-Card Program, driving compliance with federal, state and local laws while identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Identify and implement innovative strategies to streamline procurement processes and enhance operational efficiency.
- Develop and provide comprehensive training for university staff on purchasing regulations, P-Card usage, and Minority or Women Owned Business policies.
- Oversee strategic bidding, negotiations and awarding of contracts consistent with state and federal laws to support institutional goals.
- Leads the development and integration of cutting-edge systems, including e-procurement, e-commerce, and future PeopleSoft implementations, to modernize and transform purchasing operations.
Supervisor Duties:
- Actively engage in recruitment and hiring new employees.
- Clearly define performance expectations, ensure accountability, and provide ongoing informal feedback, coaching, and mentoring. Conduct formal performance evaluations.
- Ensure employees have access to necessary resources.
- Oversee and direct the work of staff; serve as mentor, coach, and leader, and resolve complaints or issues.
- Promote professional development opportunities.
- Develop and foster supportive working relationships, motivation and engagement.
- Communicate information to staff on an ongoing basis to influence staff engagement and to be a part of a larger community.
- Take corrective action in a timely manner.
- Recognize and reward employees for exceptional performance.
- Schedule employee work hours/shifts; monitor hours worked; approve payable time and absence requests.
- Adjust leadership style as needed to achieve results.
- Recognize value of and promote a diverse workforce. Value and encourage diverse perspectives, creativity, and teamwork.
Asset & Surplus Property Management:
- Manage inventory of all equipment and furnishings owned by the university. Implement computerized tracking systems and conduct annual physical inventory by all departments.
- Conduct targeted audits as requested by the internal auditor, ensuring compliance and resolving discrepancies.
- Conduct spot audits to verify inventory, identification of lost or stolen assets, and reporting of stolen assets to the campus police and internal auditor.
- Develop and uphold guidelines for the disposal of surplus equipment and materials, adhering to state and federal regulations. Direct the sale and disposition of surplus properties, equipment and materials.
- Oversee the operation of the surplus property warehouse operations and ensure efficient control of inventory and surplus sales processes.
Real Property:
- Manages the University land program, including land acquisition, sales, leases, right-of-way, easements, and water rights. This includes writing property descriptions for bids, and instituting closing actions.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
Salary : This position has a minimum annual salary of $102,217 and maximum annual salary of $158,436. Tier 1: $102,217-$120,957 ( Expected hiring range ): Considered fair value for a newly hired employee meeting the basic requirements of the job, and those who are new to a director-level role. Tier 2 : $120,958-$139,696 ( Potentially considered hiring range ): May be considered if a fully competent applicant has 3-5 years of experience in a director-level or similar role, and able to quickly assimilate and consistently meet or exceed performance expectations. Tier 3 : $139,697-158,436 ( Longevity range, not considered for hiring )
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the hiring range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
Schedule/Appointment : Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch)
Working Conditions : Work is performed in an indoor office setting with frequent in-person interactions. It is essential to be able to remain at a desk/computer workstation for prolonged periods of time, perform extensive data entry and other computer-related tasks and create/maintain filing systems for departmental records. Some evening or weekend work and/or occasional travel may be required.
Benefits : CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator .
An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program .
How To Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:
**Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Contact Information
Name: Stuart Thompson
Title: AVP Campus Planning, Facilities Management and Procurement
Email: Stuart.Thompson@cwu.edu
Phone: 509-899-1289
Website: cwu.edu/about/offices/contracts/
Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.
Conditions of Employment
Background Check/Reference Check Process:
Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.
Notice to Prospective Employees:
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement
Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance , 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.
Reasonable Accommodations
Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.
Who we are:
We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.
Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~10,000 students.
Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for the seventh time in eight years, CWU is a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.
Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.
Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A
The Contracting and Purchasing Department plays a vital role in supporting the university's mission by ensuring efficient, transparent, and compliant procurement and contracting processes. We facilitate the acquisition of goods, services, and equipment necessary for academic, research, and operational excellence, while maintaining fiscal responsibility and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Our department is committed to providing strategic sourcing, vendor management, and contract administration to optimize value, reduce risk, and ensure the highest standards of service. We collaborate with faculty, staff, and suppliers to foster a competitive and ethical purchasing environment that aligns with university policies and government regulations.
What we offer:
Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator .
The Role:
Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Campus Planning, Facilities Management, and Procurement, this role provides visionary leadership to the university's contracting and procurement functions, serving as the senior contracts review officer with Board-approved signatory authority. This position shapes long-term strategies and ensures operational excellence across Contracts, Purchasing, Surplus Inventory, Accounts Payable, and Travel departments, aligning activities with federal, state, and university regulations. Core responsibilities include driving strategic initiatives in purchasing, real property, surplus property, and asset management, along with optimizing budget management processes and cultivating a high-performing team of professional employees. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence. Contracts & Procurement employees directly affect the vision, mission, and values of Central Washington University by practicing and promoting responsible stewardship of our financial resources and through sustainable procedures that ensure the economic health of the university.
Job Duties
Contracts Management:
- Provide strategic oversight of all University non-employment contracts, including public works and grant/sponsored agreements, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and priorities.
- Develop and implement frameworks to ensure compliance with legislative requirements for awarding contracts, including all purchasing, leasing, competitive contracting and operational service contracting.
- Leads the evaluation, negotiation, and drafting of contracts, ensuring they drive value and mitigate risks for the University.
- Responsible for periodic comprehensive reviews of university policies and procedures delivering insights and recommendations to enhance efficiency, foster innovation and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Serves as the strategic liaison between the Assistant Attorney General and University departments, offering expert guidance on agreements that influence long-term operational success.
- Oversee the integrity and accessibility of the central file of executed contracts, informed decision-making and accountability.
Purchasing Management:
- Leads the development, implementation, and oversight of university-wide procurement policies for all goods and services, ensuring alignment with Washington Department of Enterprise Services and the Office of Financial Management regulations.
- Provides expert guidance on complex vendor bids and proposals, ensuring equitable evaluation and strategic alignment in awarding contracts. Advise staff on contract management for leases, personal services and other procurements, fostering compliance and operational excellence.
- Direct the procurement of university supplies, equipment and services, including university centers by evaluating competitive bids, sole source acquisitions, requests for proposals and direct negotiations to deliver value.
- Develop and conduct regular audits of purchasing processes, including decentralized purchasing systems such as P-Card Program, driving compliance with federal, state and local laws while identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Identify and implement innovative strategies to streamline procurement processes and enhance operational efficiency.
- Develop and provide comprehensive training for university staff on purchasing regulations, P-Card usage, and Minority or Women Owned Business policies.
- Oversee strategic bidding, negotiations and awarding of contracts consistent with state and federal laws to support institutional goals.
- Leads the development and integration of cutting-edge systems, including e-procurement, e-commerce, and future PeopleSoft implementations, to modernize and transform purchasing operations.
Supervisor Duties:
- Actively engage in recruitment and hiring new employees.
- Clearly define performance expectations, ensure accountability, and provide ongoing informal feedback, coaching, and mentoring. Conduct formal performance evaluations.
- Ensure employees have access to necessary resources.
- Oversee and direct the work of staff; serve as mentor, coach, and leader, and resolve complaints or issues.
- Promote professional development opportunities.
- Develop and foster supportive working relationships, motivation and engagement.
- Communicate information to staff on an ongoing basis to influence staff engagement and to be a part of a larger community.
- Take corrective action in a timely manner.
- Recognize and reward employees for exceptional performance.
- Schedule employee work hours/shifts; monitor hours worked; approve payable time and absence requests.
- Adjust leadership style as needed to achieve results.
- Recognize value of and promote a diverse workforce. Value and encourage diverse perspectives, creativity, and teamwork.
Asset & Surplus Property Management:
- Manage inventory of all equipment and furnishings owned by the university. Implement computerized tracking systems and conduct annual physical inventory by all departments.
- Conduct targeted audits as requested by the internal auditor, ensuring compliance and resolving discrepancies.
- Conduct spot audits to verify inventory, identification of lost or stolen assets, and reporting of stolen assets to the campus police and internal auditor.
- Develop and uphold guidelines for the disposal of surplus equipment and materials, adhering to state and federal regulations. Direct the sale and disposition of surplus properties, equipment and materials.
- Oversee the operation of the surplus property warehouse operations and ensure efficient control of inventory and surplus sales processes.
Real Property:
- Manages the University land program, including land acquisition, sales, leases, right-of-way, easements, and water rights. This includes writing property descriptions for bids, and instituting closing actions.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management or related field.
- Five years' procurement experience in a government or business setting.
- Extensive experience interpreting and applying local, state and federal law.
- Advanced knowledge of highly complex or specialized areas of purchasing.
- Experience managing or coordinating multiple large-scale projects.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient using computer software such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
- Demonstrated success in personnel supervision.
- Demonstrated ability and/or experience fostering a supportive and effective workplace while working with students and/or colleagues to uphold institutional excellence.
- OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) or other business-related certifications.
- Experience with ERP systems such as PeopleSoft.
- Higher education or public sector procurement or business administration experience.
- Experience coaching and elevating staff, fostering professional growth and collaboration.
- A record of promoting institutional excellence in the work environment.
- Ability to incorporate a variety of perspectives and relevant societal issues into everyday conversations.
- Life experiences that demonstrate an ability to contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values.
- Strategic Vision: Ability to develop and execute long-term procurement strategies aligned with organizational goals.
- Risk Management: Expertise in identifying potential risks in procurement and contracting, implementing strategies to mitigate them effectively.
- Change Management: Competence in leading organizational changes, improving processes, and enhancing procurement efficiency.
- Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
- Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
- Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
- Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
- Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
Salary : This position has a minimum annual salary of $102,217 and maximum annual salary of $158,436. Tier 1: $102,217-$120,957 ( Expected hiring range ): Considered fair value for a newly hired employee meeting the basic requirements of the job, and those who are new to a director-level role. Tier 2 : $120,958-$139,696 ( Potentially considered hiring range ): May be considered if a fully competent applicant has 3-5 years of experience in a director-level or similar role, and able to quickly assimilate and consistently meet or exceed performance expectations. Tier 3 : $139,697-158,436 ( Longevity range, not considered for hiring )
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the hiring range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
Schedule/Appointment : Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch)
Working Conditions : Work is performed in an indoor office setting with frequent in-person interactions. It is essential to be able to remain at a desk/computer workstation for prolonged periods of time, perform extensive data entry and other computer-related tasks and create/maintain filing systems for departmental records. Some evening or weekend work and/or occasional travel may be required.
Benefits : CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator .
An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program .
How To Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:
- A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting;
- Resume including work history, education, training; and
- Contact information for three professional references.
**Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Contact Information
Name: Stuart Thompson
Title: AVP Campus Planning, Facilities Management and Procurement
Email: Stuart.Thompson@cwu.edu
Phone: 509-899-1289
Website: cwu.edu/about/offices/contracts/
Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.
Conditions of Employment
Background Check/Reference Check Process:
Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.
Notice to Prospective Employees:
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement
Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance , 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.
Reasonable Accommodations
Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.