Strategic Procurement is a department within FAD at Harvard University that assists the University community in obtaining the best quality and value for the goods and services purchased from third party vendor relationships by leveraging vendor spend and relationships across the University in support of identifying and reducing total costs; sourcing and procuring quality goods and services in support of superior service and growth; and establishing business partnerships and contracts with preferred vendors and contract vendors.
The Principal Contracts Analyst demonstrates the ability to independently perform the duties related to the comprehensive reviewing, drafting, and negotiating of complex contracts. May prepare and review complex requests for proposals as needed for university projects. This position is the primary resource for complex product and service agreements/contracts and is responsible for a variety of agreement types which include but are not limited to the following: Software License Agreements; Professional Services Agreements; Website Design and Hosting Agreements; Digitization Agreements; Equipment Purchase Agreements; and other types of complex product and service agreements/contracts. This includes partnering with campus clients and subject matter experts, such as the Office of the General Counsel and the Harvard University Information Technology Vendor Management Office, to review/negotiate contracting provisions, and to ensure compliance with University policies as well as applicable laws and regulations.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will demonstrate good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for achieving solutions beneficial to the University and safeguarding its interests.
The incumbent provides contract analyst expertise to campus departments and research units for unique product and service agreements/contracts by analyzing, structuring, drafting, negotiating and preparing agreements for execution related to approved University programs and activities to ensure compliance with University policies.
This position represents the University's interests to outside parties concerning terms and conditions of product and service agreements/contracts.
Establishes and improves communication channels with departments and research units to achieve continuity and efficiency in the execution of agreements/contracts.
Identifies potential problems and provides alternative solutions in the structuring of the agreement/contract to meet desired objectives and avoid unnecessary costs should a dispute arise in the course of the contractual relationship.
This position is responsible for promoting compliance with University policies and procedures and state and/or federal regulations and provides advice to faculty and staff regarding University policies and procedures and other information as it relates to their contracting activities.
Will mentor and train less experienced professionals and provide training to Harvard community as necessary.
Typical Core Duties:
Lead contract negotiations and deliver contracting guidance under University policies to schools and departments.
Identify areas for efficiency or improvement within existing contracting and contract management policies and procedures, recommend improvements
Advise on developing contract and contract management strategies and recommend and implement processes and methods
Negotiate contracts and services with vendors to maximize cost savings; identify new sourcing and vendor opportunities
Collaborate with management and university representatives to review ongoing contracting and contract management process initiatives, may recommend improvements
Ensure quality customer service and educate community on contracting, contract management, and high-level procurement practices
Additional Information:
Please provide a cover letter with your application.
Please note:
·Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
·Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
·This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.
Working Conditions:
Interview and onboarding activity for this position may be conducted via telephone & Zoom video conferencing.
This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. FAD supports hybrid workplace models where business and team needs allow. Additional detail pertaining to this position will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT).
FAD is currently developing hybrid workplace models which actively support remote work (within a Harvard registered state) where business and team needs allow. Any remote scheduling of your work, agreed to by your supervisor, will need to be in a state in which Harvard is registered as an employer as a condition of continued employment. Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will may discussed during the interview process.
Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University's COVID-19 Information Website.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
Job Function Finance
Department Strategic Procurement
Time Status Full-time
Union 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Pre-Employment Screening Education, Identity
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Basic Qualifications:
·Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
·Minimum of 8 years' relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications:
The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.
·Juris Doctor preferred and can be considered in lieu of years of applicable experience
·Working knowledge of:
oContracting concepts, software as a service, licensing, data security and Uniform Commercial Code
oFederal regulations related to grant spending
oGDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
oPurchasing principles
·Contract negotiation experience with strong influencing and persuasive talents
·Working knowledge of contracting concepts, software as a service, licensing, data security and Uniform Commercial Code
·Able to work in a fast-paced environment
·High integrity and strong ethics
·Excellent oral and written communication
·Strong capacity to prioritize work and projects
·Experience working collaboratively across a diverse organization
Certifications:
·Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) preferred
