Contracts and Procurement Associate Specialist

About the Organization

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is the official national partner to the US Forest Service (USFS), chartered by Congress in 1990. 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 is forward-thinking and innovative, with ambitious strategies to prepare forests for a new economy.

About the Role

The Contracts and Procurement Associate Specialist reports to the Contracts and Procurement Attorney and works closely with NFF’s Marketing, Information Technology, Finance, People and Culture, and administrative teams to oversee the procurement of goods and services. This role supports solicitations, leads the contracting process, and ensures compliance with applicable funding requirements and NFF policies. The Associate Specialist identifies, analyzes, and recommends risk mitigation strategies for procurement transactions, develops and implements procurement processes, mentors non-procurement staff, and promotes best practices. There is potential for supervision in this role.

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.