Are you ready for that next big move in your career?  Are you looking for your next challenge with an association that is in growth mode?  Our opportunity is the kind that doesn’t come around very often – an opportunity to develop a research center and determine its structure and future.   

NIGP is on the hunt for an experienced executive-level professional who will serve as our founding Director of our Center for the Advancement of Research & Excellence (CARE). NIGP’s Director of CARE is a senior leadership position that determines the blueprint for the Center’s mission and objectives and, in collaboration with  the Center’s volunteer leadership on the CARE Steering Council & Advisory Board, shapes and executes program strategies based on  capacities and priorities. 

 We are seeking a talented executive to join our dynamic group of professionals who are deeply dedicated to elevating our public procurement profession.  In our search, we are looking for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, who is inclined to be disruptive and visionary, who is prepared to implement new ideas, and who is not afraid to lead our research program to success.

While work experience and educational preparation are certainly important, we don’t just hire the best resumes…we hire talented individuals that are a great fit for our culture and values first.

NIGP’s Director of CARE is a senior leadership position that determines the blueprint for the Center’s mission and objectives and, in collaboration with the Center’s volunteer leadership on the CARE Steering Council & Advisory Board, shapes and executes program strategies based on capacities and priorities. 

This position is ideal for someone who wants to develop program leadership, strategic partnerships, determine research initiatives, grants, funding, and content production and distribution. 

Your Key Responsibilities will be:

 Program Leadership - 30%

• Establish priorities and direction for activities under the Steering Council’s authority.
• Develop and execute the Center’s operational budget based on priorities and allocate resources effectively, manage workloads, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Serve as the Center’s central spokesperson when communicating to academic institutions, collegial associations, businesses, and the media.
• Collaborate with the Steering Council Chair and the Advisory Board Chair in identifying key areas of interest and focus, setting priorities, establishing a schedule of meetings (virtual and in-person), developing meeting agendas, and documenting key decisions.
• Collaborate with NIGP’s Executive team to ensure that the Center’s outcomes and objectives facilitate the Institute’s mission to ensure that public procurement is a career of choice.
• Collaborate with NIGP’s marketing team to develop communications, plans, and collateral materials that promote the Center’s work.

 Strategic Partnerships – 25%

• Lead the Center in developing and sustaining strategic partnerships with the leadership of academic communities for the purpose of integrating public procurement in academic programs by:
  • Sharing trends and related content in public procurement for possible inclusion into academic/professional journals and curriculum serving public policy and public administration academic programs.
  • Seeking and cultivating a cadre of academic researchers to perform Center-sanctioned research studies.
  • Establishing sustainable relationships with academic leaders and institutions and with non-profit associations.
  • Creating organizational structures, such as internship programs, which facilitate a pipeline of public service professionals emerging from schools of public affairs.
• Lead the Center in developing and sustaining strategic partnerships with the leadership of the NIGP Business Council and the supplier community in the study of public procurement best practices that strengthen the strategic relationship between public sector procurement and suppliers.
• Lead the Center in developing and sustaining strategic partnerships with public sector executives and elected leaders in the study of public procurement best practices that result in greater economy, efficiency and effectiveness in public spend and beneficiaries of the public good.

 Research Initiatives - 20%

• Design, develop and execute a comprehensive research program that:
  • Aligns with industry trends, research strategies, and emerging technologies.
  • Supports the key topics being assessed by the Center’s Advisory Board.
  • Assesses the continuation of standard research projects that have been commissioned based on a timetable (for example, the compensation and benefits study commissioned every other year).
• Oversee the production of high-quality research reports, white papers, and presentations that effectively communicate findings and insights to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ensure research outputs meet industry standards, are data-driven, and provide actionable recommendations.
  • Present research findings to the Center’s executive leadership, providing strategic recommendations and insights.

Grants and Funding - 20%

• Collaborate with NIGP’s Chief Growth Officer to develop and grow a sustainable funded research program that mutually benefits the Center’s mission and the donor’s desired outcomes.
• Pursue grants underwritten by foundations with a mission that mutually aligns with the Center’s mission.
• Identify and establish new funding streams through sponsorships, grants, and patron memberships that support the Center’s objectives.
• Define and articulate the value of sponsorships and related benefits and ensure that sponsors and related donors receive agreed upon benefits.

Content Production and Distribution - 5%

• Produce an annual State of Public Procurement white paper focused on the Center’s work during the prior year.
• Advise fellow staff members on the work and results of the Center’s research program and the relevance of those results to other Institute programs.

Your Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge and proven success in applying research methodologies and generating meaningful outcomes
• Strong strategic planning, program execution, and management skills
• Proven ability to organize and clearly communicate thoughts and ideas
• Proven ability to innovate, prioritize, and create value for an interdependent program
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and presentation skills
• Exceptional relationship building skills with stakeholders at all levels, both within and external to the Institute
• Strong budget development, assessment, and management skills
• Effective presentation style in one-to-one and group settings
• Ability to travel up to 20%

Your Minimum Qualifications are: 

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in a relevant field (e.g., Public Administration, Public Policy, Economics, Social Sciences, Data Science, etc.)
• Minimum 3 years’ proven experience in research management and/or leadership; working experience at an applied research center, academic institution, and/or public service organization is highly desired
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising and securing grants for operational and programming needs
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with a track record of producing high-quality research briefs
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence

NIGP is a 100% virtual non-profit association.  We have retained offices in Reston, Virginia for employees who are local and within a commutable distance (under 100 miles) and the office is used to support operations and provide space where NIGP employees gather for meetings and events. 

NIGP is an Equal Opportunity Employer, that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace.  Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply.  EOE M/F/D/V are encouraged to apply.

About NIGP

NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement. Developing, supporting and promoting the public procurement profession through premier educational and research programs, professional support, technical services and advocacy initiatives that benefit members and constituents since 1944. With over 3,000 member agencies representing over 15,000 professionals across the United States, Canada and countries outside of North America, the Institute is international in its reach. Our goal is simple (though maybe not so easily attained): recognition and esteem for the government procurement profession and its dedicated practitioners. NIGP is currently using a hybrid work model. Most of our employees can work 100% virtual depending on their job. We do have offices in Reston, Virginia where we do gather for employee events.

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