Contracts Specialist 1

Central Washington University is recruiting a Contract Specialist 1 to join our Contracts and Procurement team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a salary, depending on experience, from $49,116 - $66,012 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. 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

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.

The Role:

The Contracts Specialist 1 performs duties primarily categorized under (1) contracting, and (2) purchasing. Contracting duties include the first level of professional contract administration for the University with substantial responsibility in the review and administration of routine contracts. Purchasing duties include processing requisitions into purchase orders, conducting competitive procurement processes, and performing other related tasks. All employees are expected to support CWU's commitment to diversity and to bring and support inclusion into the university environment.

Contracting Duties
- Prepare, review, maintain, administer, negotiate, and modify routine contracts, memoranda of understanding, and other agreements as directed by the supervisor, ensuring compliance with University, State, and Federal contracting rules, policies and procedures
- Consult with department heads/project administrators on matters related to contracts, and addenda, etc., as needed.
- Obtain necessary signatures of parties to agreements, maintain a list of authorized contract signatories, and coordinate termination of contracts as necessary.
- Maintain electronic contracting transaction system, such as PeopleSoft, and paper-based contracting records.

Purchasing Duties
- Utilize electronic purchasing transaction system, such as PeopleSoft.
- Coordinate payment resolution with accounts payable as directed.
- Advise customers on product specifications and develop requirements for non-stocked items.
- Arrange for adjustments of materials not conforming to purchase specifications.
- Assist staff members and vendors with routine requests on product requirements and specifications.
- Confer with vendors, clients, and other campus departments regarding shipping and receiving, and delivery of goods.
- Edit and review requisitions for content, accuracy and appropriate approvals.
- Issue purchase orders.
- Research and develop specifications for standardized goods and services and determine appropriate evaluation criteria.
- Determine appropriate purchasing method (credit card, request for quotations, request for proposal, etc.) and obtain prices in compliance with Washington State Law and University policy.
- Conduct competitive procurement processes, analyze results, and make recommendations on awards within limitations assigned by the supervisor.
- Conduct bid openings when required.
- Help clients in selection of alternate products offered on a bid/quote.
- Where practical, develop product expertise in specifically assigned standardized commodities to be able to advise clients on appropriateness of various products.
- For all purchases requiring competition, seek out MWBE/VIGS vendors for inclusion.
- Interpret and communicate state and University contracting and purchasing regulations/ policies/procedures to staff, campus community and external parties.

- Perform other related duties as required.

• One year of experience in business administration and/or reviewing, negotiating, administering and/or terminating contracts.
• Experience interpreting complex written rules, laws, policies, or procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated willingness and/or experience working with students and/or co-workers from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and experiences.
• OR any other applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in reviewing, negotiating, administering and/or terminating contracts on behalf of a local, state, or federal government agency.
• Experience working in a higher education setting.
• Experience in contract cost or price analysis.
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Professional in Supply Management, or equivalent certification.
• A record of promoting inclusivity in the work environment.
• Ability to incorporate multicultural perspectives and issues into everyday conversations.

Competencies

• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines and work schedules.
• Attention to Detail: Checks work to ensure accuracy and completeness. Strives to minimize errors.
• 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; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
• Commitment to Diversity: Recognizes the value of diversity and helps create an environment that supports and embraces diversity.
• Abilities: Is able to deal professionally and effectively with representatives of business, the professions and institutions to agree on terms of contracts and ensure compliance with contract terms.

Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. This may be the job for you!

Salary: This position is based on the range 47 of the Washington State Classification Listing, which has a minimum annual salary of $49,116 and maximum annual salary of $66,012. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the 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.

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.