Overview

The Associate Director, Supplier Diversity 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 role calls for 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.

 

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 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 firms
• Develop robust partnerships with internal stakeholders and external partners that foster connections between both parties
• Leverage procurement and financial data and an understanding of University operations to establish program goals, measures and insightful analytics that monitor progress
• Partner with Treasury Services to expand efforts to forge partnerships with financial firms providing banking, advisory, credit, and related services
• Establish 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 responsibilities
• Interact with a range of University stakeholders from transaction processors to cabinet heads to establish appropriate goals, track progress, and drive strategic planning efforts, ensuring University wide engagement and accountability for supplier diversity results
• Partner with University buyers and other stakeholders to promote competition, identify diverse suppliers, and adopt strategies that promote equity and inclusion in procurement processes
• In 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 organizations
• Develop and communicate messages to increase awareness and engagement; convey policies and best practices, and the University’s commitment to supplier diversity to external audiences
• Facilitate engagement in industry networking events, presentations and other activities that build connections and demonstrates the University’s support
• Implement 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) program
• Develop and implement solutions to capture periodic reporting of Tier 2 progress from firms participating in the program
• Partner with the Facilities Procurement Office and contracted Architects, Contractors, and Construction Managers to establish sub-contractor participation goals
• Partner with the Facilities Procurement Office and contracted Architects, Contractors, and Construction Managers to expand efforts to engage diverse sub-contractors on University projects
• Lead 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

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 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 OFT leadership team 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
• Experience working in a higher education environment
• 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. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Standard Weekly Hours36.25Eligible for OvertimeNoBenefits EligibleYesProbationary Period180 daysEssential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)NoPhysical Capacity Exam RequiredNoValid Driver’s License RequiredNo Experience LevelMid-Senior Level#LI-NC1