PURCHASING AGENT III - Classified - Remote from Anywhere in Colorado

Eligibility and Location This position is open only to current residents of Colorado. The start date is flexible from July 1 through mid‑August. The incumbent must work for CDE within Colorado. The post may fill multiple positions. Colorado Department of Education – What We Do The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and accountability to the state's 178 school districts, 1,888 schools, over 53,000 teachers, and over 3,200 administrators to help them build capacity to meet the needs of the state's approximately 905,000 public school students. In addition, CDE provides structural and administrative support to the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and the Charter School Institute. As the administrative arm of the State Board of Education, CDE is responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, holding schools and districts accountable for performance, licensing all educators, and providing public transparency of performance and financial data. CDE is a values‑based agency that serves students, parents, and the general public by protecting public trust through ensuring adherence to laws, strong stewardship of public funds, and accountability for student performance. CDE strives to incorporate five core values that we uphold in our work internally and externally. If you come to CDE, be prepared to incorporate Integrity, Equity, Accountability, Trust, and commitment to Service in what you do. The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non‑discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. Why Work For CDE The work we do is rewarding and impacts the students, families, educators, and communities across Colorado. We promote a culture that puts families and self‑care as a priority. The following is a summary of the benefits we offer: Flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours, working from home, working in the office, and or a hybrid working environment. Premier medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance options. All with a generous employer contribution keeping employee costs as low as possible. Employer paid short‑term disability and life insurance Up to 160 hours of Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) 11 paid holidays per year Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals Retirement through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Employer paid RTD Eco Pass (certain restrictions may apply) Paid professional development opportunities Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Why Work for CDE Purchasing Mission: Are you interested in drafting solicitations and contracts to benefit students and teachers in Colorado? Then this is the position for you! Our team procures and contracts for a wide variety of services such as reading trainings and assessments for students, trainings and support for teachers, information technology systems to document student nutrition needs in schools, programs to provide assistive technology for students with disabilities, and so much more. By joining the CDE team, you can help support a vital mission and be proud of the work you do! Team: Work with and help lead a collaborative and supportive team. The purchasing and contracts team is made up of seven individuals who welcome and support new employees. The Purchasing Director has fifteen years of State procurement and contracts experience. Flexibility: The position can be filled by eligible applicants who desire to work from home. You may also choose to work in the office. The position also offers the opportunity for flexible work schedules and promotes a healthy work‑life balance. Work Environment: This is a full‑time, state‑funded hybrid position. Remote/Home Office with a requirement to report to the work location per business needs. The position can work from anywhere within Colorado. Position Summary This position exists to enable CDE to acquire all necessary goods and services in a timely and cost‑effective manner. This position makes purchasing decisions for CDE by analyzing and interpreting needs, specifications, data, and circumstances. The position drafts, prepares, publishes, and evaluates RFPs, ITNs, DQs, and IFBs. The position drafts and negotiates contracts, purchase orders, and statements of work for solicitations; negotiates vendor agreements, counsels and trains CDE staff on contract and purchasing issues; develops purchasing procedures and guidelines; and makes decisions and judgments implicit in all of these activities. This position is responsible for the appropriate application of procurement code and rules, fiscal rules, and best practices during the solicitation and selection of contractors and the development and execution of contracts and purchase orders. This position assures compliance with Procurement Code and Rules, State Fiscal Rules, State Purchasing Office and State Controller policies, department purchasing best practices, and other applicable department policies and procedures that impact purchasing and contracting. Major Duties and Responsibilities Drafts solicitations, particularly requests for proposals for personal services and information technology. Coordinates with program staff to draft the statement‑of‑work for solicitations, including Requests for Proposals, Invitations to Negotiate, Documented Quotes, Invitations for Bid with a focus on complex solicitations. Coordinates with program staff to draft the statements‑of‑work and payment options for contracts, amendments, interagency agreements, intergovernmental agreements, and purchase orders. Drafts and negotiates limitations of liability, changes to purchase order and contract terms and conditions, and negotiates vendor agreements. Drafts and submits fiscal rule waivers and other approval requests for the State Purchasing and Contracts Office. Negotiates contractual terms and conditions with vendors. Processes purchase order and contracts in accordance with Colorado Procurement code and rules, federal laws, and CDE policies and procedures. Facilitates the evaluation process for solicitations. Provides training and advice to CDE program staff regarding Procurement code and rules. Education and Experience Requirements Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. Two (2) years of relevant experience that involves writing requests for proposals and/or writing contract/purchase order statements of work or other legal documents. Six (6) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position. Juris Doctor degree, or a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to the work assignment may be substituted for the required experience on a year‑for‑year basis. Note: Relevant experience must include significant writing duties, such as writing statements of work for solicitations and/or contracts, and/or negotiating legal terms such as indemnification, insurance provisions, or arbitration. Experience making purchases with a credit card, administrative duties related to purchasing, inventory management, filing of contracts or purchase orders, data entry related to purchase orders or contracts, or accounting work like paying invoices is not considered relevant. Preferred Qualifications Government procurement experience. Juris Doctorate Degree. Conditions of Employment Must be willing and able to submit to the pre‑screening process and pass a background check. Work extended schedule per business needs. Report to work location per business needs. Driver's License Not Required: The applicant must independently determine and obtain means to complete commuting requirements for infrequent trips to the CDE building. Sign the acknowledgment form that this position is funded through state funds and is subject to availability. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities. We provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will assist individuals with a disability with reasonable accommodations. #J-18808-Ljbffr Department-of-Education-1