What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Purchasing Agent position at Inside Higher Ed?
Responsibilities and Duties
Primary Location: Main Campus
Job Posting: Jun 2, 2026
- Independently solicit, evaluate, award, and exercise contract renewals for low to high-dollar-value procurement but are not limited to information technology (IT), services contract, facilities maintenance, construction, commodities and or any other goods and services as assigned by the Procurement Director and Associate Procurement Director. Identify/screen new contract vehicles, validate customer sole-source and emergency justifications, and furnish end users with new contract vehicles, price, and data. Independently lead RFP evaluation teams, conduct IFB, process purchase orders, change orders, and contract modifications or amendments. Prepare and review bids and make contract awards to the most responsive and responsible bidder.
- Independently provide proactive procedural/policy guidance and advice to Procurement customers to ensure fulfillment of the University's and the division's mission, goals, requirements, and schedules, and adherence to State of Maryland statues/regulations, Board of Public Works (BPW) advisories, USM Procurement Policies and Procedures, and best purchasing practices.
- Independently advise end-users on new technology and contract vehicles etc. as appropriate. Consult on tactical issues (e.g., project planning, choice of contracting method, optimal source, term, and contract language, etc.). Remain current with USM, State of Maryland, and other contracts available for use by TU clients, to optimize available resources.
- Independently interpret contract/acquisition law and requirements, representing the University in vendor negotiations as necessary to resolve issues and ensure best value. Resolve procurement issues between customers and suppliers, including difficult and complex contract modifications, disputes, claims and terminations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Bachelor's Degree with at least two years of procurement related experience.
- Knowledge of Maryland procurement statues/regulations, Uniform Commercial Code, Towson University and USM Procurement Policies and Procedures, and public-sector/higher education purchasing practices.
- Skill in handling a variety of stakeholders, including campus customers, suppliers, elected/appointed officials, and the public. Skill in managing/resolving conflict and achieving consensus. Skill in technical writing, and public presentations--including persuasive writing/speaking.
- Ability to organize large amounts of data, and to quickly grasp/assess a wide variety of markets and industries. Ability to be attentive to detail despite distractions/interruptions, to work under pressure, and manage competing priorities.
- Ability to represent the University effectively in a variety of public settings, and to subordinate personal feelings/preferences to group goals.
- Two years’ experience procuring information technology, IT consulting and services related procurement preferred.
- Experience in higher-education or public-sector procurement strongly preferred.
Primary Location: Main Campus
Job Posting: Jun 2, 2026