Director of Procurement and Contracts

Colorado Community College System (CCCS); Denver (CO); On-site; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Community College of Denver seeks an executive Director of Procurement and Contracts to lead all purchasing, contracting, and capital projects. The role reports to CCD Contracts & Procurement within CCD Business Services, driving ethical spend and MWBE engagement.

Strong policy, negotiation, and compliance skills are essential. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s in a related field, 5–8 years in public procurement and 3+ years of supervisory experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in business, finance or related field.
• 5–8 years of public procurement or contract administration experience.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic leadership and policy development for procurement.
• Direct complex contract management, RFPs/IFBs and negotiations.
• Oversee audits, compliance, and budget management.
• Supervise procurement staff and provide campus training.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy development

Process improvement

DEI & sustainability

Contract negotiation

Legal liaison

Budget management

Team supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, or related field

Master’s degree (MBA, MPA) or JD

Tools

COPROU Basic Procurement Certificate

CPPB/CPPO/NIGP-CPP

Job description

Title: Director of Procurement and Contracts

Position Type: Administrator Full Time

College: Community College of Denver

Division: CCD Business Services

Department: CCD Contracts and Procurement

Campus: Auraria Campus

Location: Denver

Salary Range: $105,000.00-$120,000.00

Who We Are:

The Community College of Denver (CCD) seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive learning and work environment and who can effectively work with students, families, faculty, instructors, and staff from diverse backgrounds. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, CCD is dedicated to expanding access and opportunity for nontraditional students, supporting workforce development, and strengthening community partnerships that promote educational attainment and career success. Serving a diverse student population, CCD values individuals who contribute to its mission of advancing social, civic, and economic vitality.

Job Summary:

Applications received by July 22, 2026, will receive priority consideration. However, we encourage all interested candidates to apply, as the position will remain open until filled.

The Director of Procurement and Contracts serves as the Chief Procurement Officer for the College. This executive-level role provides strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for the acquisition of all goods, services, and construction. The Director is responsible for ensuring that CCD’s multi-million dollar annual spend is managed transparently, ethically, and in strict compliance with the State of Colorado Procurement Code, State Fiscal Rules, and Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Policy Development

Strategic Roadmap: Transition the procurement department from a transactional function to a value-added strategic partner by implementing long-range sourcing plans.

Policy Oversight: Lead the drafting, interpretation, and auditing of College policies related to purchasing, travel, and disbursements to minimize administrative burden while maintaining compliance.

Process Innovation: Drive digital transformation by identifying and implementing emerging technologies (e.g., automated workflows, AI-driven invoice processing, and e-procurement systems).

DEI & Sustainability: Promote the College’s diversity and equity goals by expanding the Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) vendor pool and implementing sustainable sourcing practices.

2. Complex Contract & Solicitation Management

High-Value Solicitations: Direct the entire lifecycle of complex solicitations, including RFPs, IFBs, and Documented Quotes. Serve as the final authority on vendor selection recommendations.

Contract Negotiation: Negotiate high-stakes contract terms, statements of work, and legal provisions to mitigate institutional risk and ensure favorable pricing and "Net 30" payment terms.

Legal Liaison: Facilitate the resolution of bid protests and contract claims; confer with legal counsel and the State Controller’s office on complex contractual matters.

Capital Construction: Oversee procurement for complex construction projects and professional service agreements in coordination with facilities management.

3. Program Administration & Fiscal Control

Commercial Card Oversight: Provide executive oversight of the P-Card and Travel card programs, ensuring robust internal controls to prevent fraud and unauthorized expenditures.

Audit & Compliance: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external audits. Ensure all disbursements align with state/federal tax laws and "accountable plan" requirements.

Budget Management: Develop and monitor the department budget, establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure departmental impact and cost savings.

4. Personnel Management & Campus Training

Team Supervision: Directly supervise, coach, and evaluate a team of professional and classified procurement staff.

Campus Education: Lead the development and delivery of comprehensive, campus-wide training programs for faculty and staff on procurement workflows and fiscal ethics.

Competencies/KSAs:

Risk Mitigation: Expert knowledge of contract law, insurance requirements, and liability.

Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex financial data and market trends to drive cost-reduction goals.

Communication: Exceptional ability to influence and collaborate with executive leadership, faculty, and external vendors.

Minimum Qualifications:

Any equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, or a closely related field.

Experience:

5–8 years of progressive professional experience in public procurement, contract administration, or supply chain management.

3+ years of direct supervisory experience managing a professional team.

Licensure: (Required)

Must hold or obtain the Colorado Procurement University (COPROU) Basic Procurement Certificate within 90 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

Master’s degree (MBA, MPA) or Juris Doctorate (JD).

Experience:

Experience within the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) or a State of Colorado agency.

Licensure: (Preferred)

Certified Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), or NIGP-CPP

Selection Process:

Preliminary screening will be made on the basis of completed application packet submitted by candidate. Completed application packet includes: a letter of interest of no more than five pages, addressing in general the items under "Primary Duties" and specifically each item under “Minimum Qualifications”; an online application; resume; and transcripts. All candidates, including current Community College of Denver employees must submit a complete application packet which includes all material listed above.

Only completed application packets will move forward for screening. Please review the job duties and minimum requirements carefully. Meeting the minimum qualifications for a particular position does not assure the applicant an interview. Selected applicants will be invited by the screening committee for interviews. All application materials become the property of Community College of Denver and cannot be copied.

Additional Information/Benefits:

Our campus is located in downtown Denver, adjacent to two light rail stations, and just minutes away from shopping, restaurants, and event venues. When you visit our campus, it will be immediately evident that our faculty, staff, and instructors are passionate about serving our diverse student population. At CCD our passion is to help others, and we offer career pathways that will make a difference in the lives of our students.

CCD is a Learning College where policies, programs and practices support learning as the major priority. The Community College of Denver is an Equal Employment Opportunity Educational Employer.

Background checks will be conducted on all finalists for employment consideration.

CCD recognizes that administration, faculty, instructors, and staff reflect the diversity of its students and community and prohibits employment and student discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.