Contracts and Procurement Associate Specialist

About the NFF

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is the official national partner to the US Forest Service (USFS), chartered by Congress in 1993. 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 deploys roughly 90% of its expenses towards projects and programs across the 193-million-acre National Forest System. NFF leads with impact, innovation, and ambitious strategies to prepare forests for a new economy.

About the role

The Contracts and Procurement Associate Specialist is an exempt, full-time position that coordinates outgoing service contracts, purchases, and other procurement actions to advance the organization’s operational and administrative needs. Reporting to the Contracts and Procurement Attorney, this role works closely with NFF’s Marketing, Information Technology, Finance, People and Culture, and administrative teams to oversee procurement of goods and services. The Associate Specialist supports solicitations, leads the contracting process, ensures compliance with funding requirements and NFF policies, and identifies and mitigates risks arising from procurement transactions.

Responsibilities

• Work with staff to develop procurement strategies for purchases; assist in the development and review of solicitations; and conduct vendor due diligence, including financial stability assessments, past performance reviews, and compliance checks.
• Lead the review and negotiation of procurement contracts, identifying, analyzing, and making recommendations to mitigate legal, financial, reputational, and operational risks to the organization.
• Develop and implement policies, standards, requirements, and processes to reduce legal, financial, reputational, and operational risks.
• Lead, mentor, and support colleagues and direct reports (if assigned), fostering a culture of trust, engagement, accountability, and professional growth.
• Train and advise staff on NFF procurement processes and requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certification with 7 years of relevant experience in procurement and contracting.
• Preferred qualifications: JD and 4 years of relevant experience in procurement and contracting.
• A foundational understanding of federal procurement regulations, contracting principles and guidelines, and compliance frameworks.
• Experience leading, mentoring, or supporting colleagues/direct reports.
• Familiarity with the USDA Forest Service preferred.
• Commitment to the mission of the NFF.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Skills

• Ability to collaborate with internal clients on procurement transactions and contract negotiations.
• Ability to synthesize or translate procurement and contract concepts into lay terminology.
• Ability to identify and minimize legal, financial, reputational, and operational risks in procuring software and goods and services related to marketing, communications, and fundraising.
• Ability to make strategic procurement decisions that effectively balance operational speed with compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and prioritize effectively.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Strong customer service, troubleshooting, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong self-motivation and the ability to meet deadlines independently in a remote setting.
• A good sense of humor, flexibility, resilience, and ability to work well under tight deadlines.
• Clear and professional written and oral communication skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent computer skills, with high proficiency in Microsoft 365, including SharePoint, Teams, and Word.
• Willingness to train, mentor, or assist program staff.

Travel

This position requires occasional domestic travel to attend meetings, trainings, convenings, and related events. The travel estimate for this position is up to 5% per year.

Location

This is a remote/work-from-home position flexible throughout the lower 48 states. Reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace are required.

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is $80,000 to $96,000, with the ability to grow to $112,000 based on performance outcomes over time and assessed annually.

Benefits

Health And Wellness

• Medical and dental insurance paid at 75% by the organization for you and any dependents.
• Vision insurance paid 50% by the organization for you and any dependents.
• Health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions between $1,878-$3,750 per year, predicated on coverage type.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Employee assistance program (EAP) at no cost.

Financial Wellbeing

• 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after one (1) year of service.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost.
• Basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with voluntary life insurance options.
• Whole life insurance at a discounted rate.

Flexibility And Time Off

• Employees start with 35 days of annual leave, sick leave, personal leave, and holidays (annual leave accrual rates increase with years of service).
• Family & medical leave for up to sixteen (16) weeks with up to four (4) weeks paid.

Personal Development

• Training & Development Programs.
• Professional development reimbursement for up to $1,000 per year.