Associate Director, Supplier Diversity

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2021-12691
Type: Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Financial Services and Procurement

Princeton University

Overview

The Office of Finance & Treasury at Princeton University seeks an experienced procurement professional to join our team as Associate Director, Supplier Diversity. The associate director is accountable for spearheading Princeton’s efforts to foster a more diverse and inclusive supplier base. Building upon the University’s current program, the lead will develop and execute strategies that champion and advance the case for diverse suppliers across Princeton’s procurement needs.

To achieve this objective, the lead will be charged with three primary responsibilities: partner with the central procurement team to establish more equitable and inclusive procurement practices by enhancing associated processes, technology, and policies; Strengthen relationships between the University, diverse suppliers, and advocacy organizations to strengthen the pipeline of prospective suppliers; implement capacity building initiatives that provide diverse suppliers with greater insight into doing business with Princeton.

The Office of Finance & Treasury actively searches for staff members of exceptional ability and promise who share in Princeton University's commitment to excellence, and who present a diversity of viewpoints and cultures. We offer varied professional opportunities spanning all aspects of financial management, analysis, and processing in support of the teaching and research mission. As part of the University community, we respect the dignity and individuality of each member while trying to foster a sense of shared experience and common purpose. We are unwavering in our commitment to both diversity and community and embrace the variety of talents, backgrounds, and perspectives of all of our colleagues.

Responsibilities

Supplier Diversity Program Administration

Lead the development, implementation, and administration of the University-wide supplier diversity program, including policies, procedures, and processes that increase engagement with diverse firmsDevelop robust partnerships with internal stakeholders and external partners that foster connections between both partiesLeverage procurement and financial data and an understanding of University operations to establish program goals, measures and insightful analytics that monitor progressPartner with Treasury Services to expand efforts to forge partnerships with financial firms providing banking, advisory, credit, and related servicesEstablish channels to maintain program visibility, promoting accomplish, trends, and priorities to internal and external constituents

Campus Engagement

Develop training materials and content to educate campus departments on the case for diversity and their responsibilitiesInteract with a range of University stakeholders from transaction processors to executives to establish appropriate goals, track progress, and drive strategic planning efforts, ensuring University wide engagement and accountability for supplier diversity resultsPartner with University buyers and other stakeholders to promote competition, identify diverse suppliers, and adopt strategies that promote equity and inclusion in procurement processesIn collaboration with the Procurement Services team, establish methods to raise the visibility and promote opportunities for diverse suppliers

Program External Outreach

Serve as the University’s primary representative for engagement with diverse firms and advocacy organizationsDevelop and communicate messages to increase awareness and engagement; convey policies and best practices, and the University’s commitment to supplier diversity to external audiencesFacilitate engagement in industry networking events, presentations and other activities that build connections and demonstrates the University’s supportImplement capacity building initiatives that provide suppliers with insight into the University’s operations, organization, and expectations and strengthen their ability to meet the needs of Princeton

Sub-Contractor Program Administration

Build, formalize, and implement strategies that grow and expand the University’s Subcontractor Reporting (Tier 2) programDevelop and implement solutions to capture periodic reporting of Tier 2 progress from firms participating in the programPartner with the Facilities Procurement Office and contracted Architects, Contractors, and Construction Managers to establish sub-contractor participation goalsPartner with the Facilities Procurement Office and contracted Architects, Contractors, and Construction Managers to expand efforts to engage diverse sub-contractors on University projectsLead the University’s efforts to identify opportunities for diverse firms in federally awarded sub-contracting plans and report ongoing progress to the responsible federal agencies

Qualifications

We seek an experienced individual capable of quickly shifting between directing a multi-year supplier diversity integration plan and providing hands-on support of daily procurement needs. The successful individual will be a dynamic self-starter capable of building relationships with a broad population of stakeholders, a strong advocate for diversity by championing a compelling and persuasive case for change, and possess a curious and innovative passion to synthesize disparate analytics and rapidly shifting needs across the University to realize greater opportunities for diverse suppliers.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a procurement/supply chain role
• 6+ years’ experience in a procurement, supply chain, or corporate social responsibility role
• Superior analytical ability to perform detailed analysis of financial and procurement data and develop actionable insights
• Strong conceptual thinking skills and experience leading others through ambiguous and complex issues
• Experience managing change
• Proven ability to develop and maintain influential and collaborative relationships with internal and external partners
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and with teams
• Superior negotiation skills to influence campus partners and leaders on strategic direction, business case value proposition and process improvements
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks concurrently
• Experience utilizing internal and industry information to benchmark, measure, and improve processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Business, Finance, or Management
  
• Program management experience
• Proficient using business intelligence applications to manage, manipulate and analyze large datasets
• Experience with Source to Pay lifecycle tools and processes including leading practices

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW

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