Strategic Procurement & Partnerships Leader

The Urban Institute; Washington; Remote; USD 114,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Remote-friendly

Excellent leave

Job summary

The Urban Institute seeks an Associate Director of Procurement and Partnerships to lead pre-award procurement, subcontracting, and partner engagement across diverse funding sources. You will draft subcontract agreements, mentor staff, and ensure compliance with federal requirements while advancing Urban’s mission.

Reporting to the Subawards Director, you will shape strategy, lead negotiations, and drive cross-functional coordination to strengthen supplier relationships and grant success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, public policy, nonprofit management, law, finance, or related field.
• Seven+ years of progressive procurement, subcontracting, proposal development, supplier/partner management experience across various funding environments.
• Hands-on experience with U.S. federal procurement and financial assistance (FAR, 2 CFR 200/Uniform Guidance).
• Experience with small business subcontracting requirements and reporting.
• Experience managing staff preferred.
• Knowledge of common contract/subcontract instruments (cost-reimbursement, fixed-price, T&M, IDIQ); GSA or PSS schedules preferred.
• Ability to translate procurement requirements into guidance for researchers and operational partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-award partner and supplier processes including sourcing, market research, solicitations, and evaluations.
• Advise research teams on partnerships and engage priority partners; advance engagement in key jurisdictions.
• Develop procurement, subcontracting, and teaming strategies for competitive proposals and long-term value.
• Evaluate and negotiate scopes, budgets, pricing, workshare, and contract terms; ensure compliance with funder requirements.
• Oversee procurement actions through the award lifecycle including closeout; supervise Subawards staff as needed.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, corporate, and philanthropic requirements; manage M/WBE subcontracting plans.

Skills

Procurement strategy

Subcontracts

Proposal development

Supplier/partner management

FAR & 2 CFR 200

Negotiation

Communication & coordination

Analytical skills

Staff leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration/public administration/public policy/nonprofit management/finance

Advanced degree or relevant certification preferred

Job description

The Urban Institute seeks an Associate Director of Procurement and Partnerships to lead pre-award procurement, subcontracting, and partner engagement across diverse funding sources. You will draft subcontract agreements, mentor staff, and ensure compliance with federal requirements while advancing Urban’s mission.

Reporting to the Subawards Director, you will shape strategy, lead negotiations, and drive cross-functional coordination to strengthen supplier relationships and grant success.