Purchasing & Grants Manager
Cornell College

Job Info

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Cornell College invites applications for the position of purchasing & grants manager.  This position is responsible for providing professional advisory and technical skills necessary in the procurement process to acquire supplies, equipment, and services required by the institution in compliance with all laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

This position is also responsible for managing grants awarded to faculty members from outside organizations using knowledge of grant and contract management rules and regulations, technical expertise, and analytical skills to ensure compliance and successful management of grants through their lifecycles.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Sources products and services for Cornell College departments and projects. Creates, and implements, a buying strategy taking into account the budget and specified needs, and then finds matching vendors. Conducts competitive bidding and contract negotiation. 
• Researches and determines the most economical methods for procuring materials and supplies based on need, cost, and storage facilities; coordinates with staff, faculty, and departments to ensure the best value following applicable regulations, policies, and procedures. Follows the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP)
• Reviews financial terms and conditions of agreements; negotiates price, discount, and other terms and conditions with vendors.
• Responsible for staying current on federal grant policies & procedures, grant-specific policies & procedures, and College policies & procedures relevant to procurement and grant awards.  Develop new and/or modified College policies through the established College process, as needed or when required by federal changes.
• Coordinate initial meeting with relevant parties upon receiving grant award; set up account numbers with Business Services.
• Participate in monthly reconciling of all grant budgets and expenses with the Staff Accountant. 
• Prepare, coordinate, and review interim and final reports for grants (role will vary depending on grant type).
• Review all expenses for accuracy and compliance with grant requirements; serve as second signature on these expenses.
• Serve as an institutional resource on grant compliance, participate in the review of new funding opportunities, and provide critical feedback on institutional eligibility and risk.
• Manage budget, reporting, and compliance timelines through the lifecycle of the grant or contract; communicate and/or set up automated reminders on these items with appropriate individuals involved in the grant.
• Review and communicate award expiration dates, altered timelines, milestones, and major changes in budgets to appropriate staff (Business Services, Program, etc)
• Train PIs (Principal Investigators) and others involved in the grant process on grant policies & procedures applicable to each grant.
• Other duties as assigned.

Because Cornell College values diversity and strives to create a welcoming community in which all individuals are respected and included, the entire campus community is called upon to engage in dialogue around issues of difference, identity, and ideology. The college is committed to fostering a faculty and staff community that reflects our diverse student body. We encourage applications from candidates who share our vision for a campus that embraces differing backgrounds, viewpoints, and identities, and who will excel at mentoring students who are broadly diverse. (See our diversity statement here.)

About Cornell College

Cornell College is a selective liberal arts college distinguished by our Ingenuity curriculum that builds on the strengths of our One Course At A Time schedule. This combination encourages the qualities of being thoughtful, original, and inventive, using the strengths of a liberal arts education to apply ideas to solve problems and meet challenges through hands-on experience in learning. Academic immersion, Division III NCAA athletic teams, and unparalleled flexibility attract an ambitious student body from across the U.S. and worldwide. We are located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, an urban fringe community located in the heart of the ICR Iowa region.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 1-2 years experience in a related professional-level position, such as contracting and acquisitions, project management, or compliance required. Previous purchasing experience preferred.

Preferred Skills

Organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Knowledge and basic skills in purchasing, negotiation, compliance, and higher education. Experience in, or willingness to learn, grant administration and compliance. Excellent computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software, especially Excel. Ability to communicate effectively, interact professionally, maintain confidentiality, and handle multiple demands simultaneously and to a conclusion. Ability to perform self-directed work in a team environment.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily while seated in an office environment.  All requirements are subject to change over time, with possible modifications made to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.  This position works in-person with the option to work 1-2 days per week remotely after the first 90 days of employment. 

Cornell College offers a fantastic benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, HSA & FSA accounts, a TIAA 403(b) retirement account, and tuition remission and exchange for employees and dependents. We also offer life insurance, disability insurance, travel insurance, and accident insurance. And, all full-time staff begin with a 4-week vacation accrual along with 14.5 paid holidays per year. The hiring pay range for the position is $50,000 - $60,000.

Application Process

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and list of at least three professional references through Cornell College's online application system.

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and minorities. Cornell complies with Iowa's Smoke-Free Air Act. Cornell utilizes E-Verify and requires satisfactory completion of a background check.

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