Procurement Assistant

This position is located in Ithaca, New York. The successful candidate will have the option to perform this role remotely at a location of their choosing within the United States.
The New York Convenience of employer guidelines require New York State individual tax reporting and withholdings for this position. Additional individual state income tax filings may also be required if working outside New York State.
No Visa sponsorship available for this position.
What is the Division of Financial Services and Procurement Service Office?
Cornell University, unique among peers, is the federal land-grant institution of New York State, a private endowed university, and a member of the Ivy League. The University Procurement Office sits within the Division of Financial Services ("DFS"). DFS provides central financial functions in support of the university's academic mission. DFS's vision is, "To deliver world-class financial services to the university."
Cornell University's Board of Trustees delegates significant procurement authority, ultimately, to Procurement Services (Procurement) for acquiring goods and services on the university's behalf from external sources. Procurement has been called upon to provide crucial data analysis, strategic recommendations, assistance in decision-making, and tools to assist the university in reducing spending and making processes more efficient. While Procurement continues to pursue non-salary cost savings for the university, its focus is to improve the purchasing process for campus customers by improving procurement tools and making processes simpler and more efficient.
What you will do:
In accordance with the Transaction Authority Policy, as approved by the Board of Trustees, Procurement Agents have been delegated (by the EVP/CFO and Vice President of the Division of Financial Services) the authority to make obligations outside of the University for the procurement of goods and services. This requires Procurement Agents' approval and signature on purchase orders, agreements, and contracts related to the procurement of goods and services.
As a member of the Procurement Services team of Procurement Agents, reporting to the Director of Campus Services, you will be part of a team-focused, fast-paced, demanding, and continuously evolving environment that provides University departments with the business skills required for the procurement of equipment, supplies, and services in assigned commodity area seeking the best total value package of quality, price, and service.
In a team-focused environment, the Procurement Assistant will participate in various functions related to procurement of Goods and Services for the Office of Procurement Services at Cornell University including:

• Providing administrative support for the new web-based procurement software, Jaggaer Contracts +
• Creation of contract templates along with any other required requirements to be forwarded to appropriate procurement agents
• Assisting in training of campus customers
• Managing a database of customer issues and problem solve to bring to problems to resolution using Team Dynamix
• Participating in enhancements, and acting as a liaison with technical resources between Financial Information Services (FIS), Jaggaer and Cornell for additional problem solving
• Serving as the main point of contact for campus units requesting procurement expense contracts
• Facilitating and coordinating all steps in the contracting process.
• Providing analytical support including quantitative analysis to improve processes and efficiencies.
• Analyzing and approving purchase orders, agreements, and contracts related to the procurement of goods and services up to $25K per requisition while adhering to separation of duties, as needed.
• Interpreting and advising internal and external customers on policies and procedures related to the procurement of goods and services.
• Interacting with vendors to enable processing of purchase orders and resolve somewhat complex related issues.
• Assisting accounting and receiving departments with procurement related information.
• Providing operational and administrative support to Purchasing Agents and Managers in procurement functions including assistance in the Supplier Diversity initiative.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
This is a one-year term position.
Note: All employees are accountable for supporting the organization's values of collegiality, integrity, initiative, excellence, civility, and stewardship; and supporting inclusive and sustainable practices in carrying out everyday responsibilities. Every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
What we need:

• Associate degree with 2 - 4 years' relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with MS Office (Word, Excel,PowerPoint, Visio, Project)
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated, a self-starter with strong follow through and work effectively in a team environment to deliver significant projects and deliverables.
• Comfortable interacting with individuals across the university and suppliers to solve problems and provide assistance.
• Demonstrated judgment and discretion in handling and protecting sensitive and confidential information.
• Proven ability to successfully balance changing priorities. Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure within a fast-paced office environment where change in process and procedures is the norm.
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures, analyze and solve complex problems.
• Detail oriented and possess strong organizational skills.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and wellbeing.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more items that we would prefer you to have, but not required:

• Knowledge and experience in Supply Management, procurement functions, and higher education desired.
• Knowledge of financial and data management systems, including, but not limited to, Jaggaer, Kuali Financial System, Oracle OAS, Workday, and other relevant applications helpful.

What we offer:
Great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation, 12 university paid holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year's Day) and superior retirement contributions.
An active and diverse community to work and thrive in, Cornell is situated in picturesque Ithaca, New York, the heart of the Finger Lakes. Ithaca is home to two academic institutions, state parks, waterfalls, gorges, and a wide range of art galleries, theaters, eateries, wineries, and breweries. Ithaca has something to suit all ages and interests!
Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information.
University Job Title:
Purchasing Assistant
Job Family:
Administration
Level:
D
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
$24.12 - $28.03
Remote Option Availability:
Fully Remote
Company:
Contact Name:
Susie Jackson
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

To learn more about Cornell's non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.
Union Positions
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates.
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For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.
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EEO Statement:
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
2023-12-11