Assistant Director, Contracts and Procurement

Assistant Director, Contracts and Procurement

 

ABOUT THE CONNECTICUT HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY:

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority ("CHFA") is a self-funded, quasi-public organization. Its mission is to alleviate the shortage of housing for low- and moderate-income families and persons in the state of Connecticut ("State") and, when appropriate, to promote or maintain the economic development of the State through employer-assisted housing efforts.

CHFA is a mission-driven leader in creating affordable housing opportunities for families and individuals in Connecticut. We believe in the power of the diverse and inclusive communities we serve. We provide a challenging, progressive, and supportive environment that encourages and promotes employee development.

We offer competitive salaries; tuition reimbursement; 457 deferred compensation, state sponsored pension plan, comprehensive health, dental, life, and disability plan, paid vacation, sick, and holidays, hybrid work schedule, ongoing training, career development and, if qualified, employee may be eligible for student loan forgiveness under Federal Loan assistance program.

 

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Assistant Director, Contracts and Procurement provides leadership and oversight of all Connecticut Housing Finance Authority ("CHFA") contracting, procurement, competitive solicitation, records management, and Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA") functions. The position ensures compliance with applicable State of Connecticut ("State") laws and regulations and CHFA policies while promoting transparency, accountability, sound risk management, and effective internal controls.

The position manages complex contract and solicitation processes, advises leadership and staff on compliance and risk, develops policies and procedures, and coordinates organization-wide records retention and public records responses.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Receives direction from the General Counsel or a designee.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

May supervise legal administrative staff and provide functional leadership, guidance, and training to CHFA staff on contracting, procurement, compliance, FOIA, and records management. Provides guidance and advice to the General Counsel on contract compliance.

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Contracts, Procurement Management and Competitive Solicitation

  • Oversee contract administration throughout the lifecycle, including development, negotiation, execution, amendments, renewals, expenditure monitoring, and closeout.
  • Lead CHFA's Request for Proposals ("RFP") and Request for Qualifications ("RFQ") processes, including solicitation development, publication, conflict of interest disclosures, evaluations, reference checks, award recommendations, notifications, and documentation.
  • Verify vendor registration and required affidavits, licenses, insurance, and other compliance documentation.
  • Review contracts, statements of work, and amendments for consistency with approved terms, scope, fees, and applicable requirements.
  • Monitor contract and solicitation deadlines and establish controls to support timely renewals and compliance.
  • Advise leadership and staff on procurement practices, contracting risks, and statutory requirements.

  Compliance, Policy, and Risk Management

  • Interpret and apply applicable State contracting, procurement, ethics, affirmative action, and related regulatory requirements.
  • Develop, review, and update CHFA policies, procedures, directives, and internal controls governing contracting and procurement.
  • Monitor changes in laws, regulations, and state policies and recommend necessary procedural updates.
  • Identify contractual risks, recommend corrective actions, and escalate material issues to leadership.

  FOIA and Public Records Compliance

  • Oversee CHFA FOIA and public records request process, coordinating receipt, tracking, review, and timely responses.
  • Work with relevant CHFA internal departments to identify responsive records and assess applicable exemptions, confidentiality requirements, and redactions.
  • Monitor statutory deadlines, maintain request documentation, and establish consistent procedures for managing and responding to requests.
  • Coordinate communications with requestors and provide staff guidance on public records obligations and records preservation.

  Records Management and Retention

  • Serve as CHFA Records Management Liaison Officer and oversee the CHFA records retention program.
  • Maintain records retention procedures consistent with applicable State requirements and CHFA policies.
  • Coordinate required approvals for the destruction of eligible records after applicable retention periods have been satisfied.
  • Provide staff training and guidance on retention schedules, records preservation, documentation, and authorized destruction procedures.

  Organizational Leadership and Staff Development

  • Serve as CHFA subject matter expert on contracting, procurement, competitive solicitations, FOIA, insurance coordination, and records management.
  • Develop and deliver staff training on contracting procedures, procurement compliance, ethics, public records, and document retention.
  • Collaborate with leadership and internal CHFA departments to resolve complex issues and improve organizational processes.
  • Prepare reports and recommendations on contracts, solicitations, renewals, insurance, FOIA activity, compliance, and operational risks.
  • Promote accountability, consistency, transparency, and continuous improvement across CHFA administrative functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, finance, or a related field.
• A minimum of nine years of progressively responsible experience in contracts administration, procurement, competitive solicitations, regulatory compliance, or related functions; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex contracts, competitive solicitations, vendor negotiations, compliance requirements, and organizational policies or procedures.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of State contracting and procurement laws, ethics requirements, affirmative action, public records and FOIA requirements, document retention, and insurance-related risk management.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to advise senior management, CHFA board of directors, staff, vendors, and members of the public.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and meet deadlines.

ALL OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED:

This is not an exclusive list of all job functions, and the employee is expected to complete all duties as assigned. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally. This job description in no way constitutes an employment contract or agreement.

CHFA EOE