Contracts and Procurement Associate Manager

Overview

Description The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer an Exempt, full-time position that coordinates outgoing service contracts, purchases, and other similar actions to advance the organization’s operational and administrative procurement needs.

About the NFF: As the official national partner to the US Forest Service (USFS), the National Forest Foundation was chartered by Congress in 1993. Today, the NFF advances forest resiliency, healthy watersheds and wildlife habitat, and recreation for all by working with communities and organizations across the country. The Foundation has grown significantly in the last few years in programmatic impact, revenue and support, and organizational capacity.

NFF leads with impact, deploying roughly 90% of its expenses towards projects and programs across the country’s 193-million-acre National Forest System. NFF is forward-thinking and innovative, with ambitious strategies and goals to advance and prepare forests for a new economy.

Position Function: The Contracts and Procurement Associate Manager reports to the Contracts and Procurement Attorney. This role works closely with NFF’s Marketing, Information Technology, Finance, People and Culture, and administrative teams to coordinate the procurement of services and goods for organizational operations. The Manager is responsible for leading vendor solicitations and the review and negotiation of complex vendor contracts—including non-template agreements—to identify, assess, and mitigate legal, financial, and operational risks.

This position develops and implements risk management strategies, conducts vendor due diligence, and ensures all procurement activities comply with funding terms, 2 CFR 200, and internal policies throughout the contracting lifecycle. The Manager advances or escalates high-risk contracts and leads cross-departmental efforts to align contract terms with NFF’s risk tolerance and strategic objectives. The Manager mentors staff, advances procurement best practices, and serves as a primary resource for complex contract and risk-related matters.

The Contracts and Procurement Associate Manager is responsible for the following with a moderate degree of oversight:

• Lead, mentor, and support colleagues and direct reports (if assigned), fostering a culture of trust, engagement, accountability, and professional growth.
• Work with staff to develop procurement strategies for pending solicitations and assist in the development and review of requests for proposals and requests for quotes.
• Lead the review and negotiation of complex vendor contracts, including non-template agreements, to identify, assess, and mitigate legal and financial risks to the organization.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies for all procurement activities, including evaluation of vendor insurance, bonding, and performance security requirements.
• Advise leadership on risk exposure and recommend contract modifications or alternative approaches to minimize organizational risk.
• Conduct vendor due diligence, including financial stability assessments, past performance reviews, and compliance checks.
• Advance or escalate contracts with significant risk factors and make final recommendations on vendor selection and contract terms.
• Serve as a resource to staff and prospective vendors, answering questions and guiding each through defined processes.
• Train and mentor staff on current procurement processes and requirements.

NFF expects the Contracts and Procurement Associate Manager to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of experience in contract administration and compliance, contract management, procurement and acquisition, or related fields.
• Paralegal certificate or legal contract experience.
• Knowledge of obligations and requirements associated with federal funding.
• Familiarity with the USDA Forest Service preferred.
• Commitment to the mission of the NFF.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

NFF expects the Contracts and Procurement Associate Manager to possess…