Director of Contracts and Procurement

NRHA’s Vision and Mission

At the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA), we’re proud to be the largest housing and redevelopment authority in Virginia and a leader in real estate development and property management across the country. Since 1940, we’ve been working to revitalize and improve neighborhoods in Norfolk.

We also acknowledge that public housing has a complicated history, tied to issues of social injustice and racial inequality. While we haven’t always gotten it right, we’re committed to making positive change by offering quality housing options that support diverse, mixed-income communities. Our vision is to provide quality housing choices in neighborhoods where people want to live. Our mission is to provide quality housing opportunities that create sustainable, mixed-income communities.  

Position Summary 

The Director of Contracts and Procurement is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all procurement, contracting, and purchasing activities of NRHA in compliance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, federal, state, and local laws, and NRHA policies which reports to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). This role ensures the acquisition of goods, services, construction, and professional services in a transparent, competitive, and cost-effective manner while supporting NRHA’s mission to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing.

 Essential Functions 

• Direct and manage all procurement and contracting functions, including solicitations, evaluations, negotiations, awards, renewals, amendments, and closeouts.
• Ensure full compliance with HUD procurement requirements (24 CFR Part 200 and 2 CFR Part 200), including small purchases, sealed bids, competitive proposals, and non-competitive procurements.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce procurement policies, procedures, and internal controls consistent with HUD and NRHA requirements.
• Oversee contract administration to ensure vendors meet contractual, regulatory, performance, insurance, bonding, and reporting requirements.
• Review and approve procurement documentation, contracts, and recommendations for award.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on HUD procurement regulations, federal grant requirements, and applicable state and local procurement laws.
• Ensure procurement activities support compliance with HUD programs, including Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Capital Fund, Operating Fund, and other grant-funded programs.
• Prepare for and respond to HUD reviews, audits, monitoring visits, and external audits related to procurement and contracting.
• Ensure compliance with federal requirements such as Section 3, Davis-Bacon Act, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), minority- and women-owned business participation, and conflict-of-interest standards.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with NRHA’s operational and capital improvement goals.
• Lead, supervise, and mentor procurement and contracts staff; establish performance standards and conduct evaluations.
• Provide guidance and training to internal departments on procurement planning, contract management, and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, legal counsel, finance, and program staff to support agency-wide initiatives.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with vendors, contractors, consultants, government agencies, and community partners.
• Promote fair and open competition and support outreach to small, minority-, women-, and Section 3 businesses.
• Resolve procurement-related disputes, protests, and contract performance issues in coordination with legal counsel.
• Monitor procurement activities to ensure cost effectiveness, budget compliance, and timely delivery of goods and services.
• Prepare reports, board resolutions, and agenda items related to procurement and contract awards.
• Analyze procurement data and recommend improvements to processes and systems.
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Performance Standards 

• Ensures procurement and contracting activities comply with HUD regulations, 2 CFR Part 200, applicable laws, and NRHA policies, with no material audit findings attributable to procurement oversight.
• Maintains effective procurement policies, procedures, and internal controls that promote transparency, consistency, and risk mitigation.
• Provides clear direction, oversight, and accountability for procurement and contracts staff; establishes expectations and addresses performance issues timely.
• Ensures procurement documents, contracts, and award recommendations are accurate, complete, and legally sufficient prior to approval.
• Ensures procurement activities support operational and capital needs without avoidable delays or lapses.
• Promotes cost-effective procurement practices that align with approved budgets and funding requirements.
• Leads successful preparation for HUD monitoring reviews, audits, and external reviews; responds promptly and effectively to findings.
• Exercises sound judgment in resolving procurement disputes, protests, and contract performance issues in coordination with legal counsel.
• Communicates clearly and professionally with executive leadership, staff, vendors, and external partners.
• Upholds confidentiality, ethical standards, and conflict-of-interest requirements at all times.
• Uses data and best practices to improve procurement processes, systems, and outcomes. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in public-sector procurement and contract administration. 

At least three years in a management or supervisory role. Demonstrate experience with HUD-funded procurement and federal grant compliance is required. 

Preferred Certifications 

• Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)
• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) 

Special Requirements 

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Subject to a background check and reference verification prior to hire.
• Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to NRHA policies and professional standards. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• In-depth knowledge of HUD procurement regulations, federal grant requirements (2 CFR Part 200), and public-sector procurement best practices.
• Strong contract negotiation, drafting, and administration skills.
• Knowledge of federal labor and socioeconomic requirements, including Section 3, Davis-Bacon Act, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), debarment and suspension, and conflict-of-interest standards.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex federal, state, and local regulations, contracts, and legal requirements.
• Ability to develop, implement, and enforce procurement policies, procedures, and internal controls that ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage and develop staff.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including the ability to analyze budgets, funding sources, cost effectiveness, and procurement data.
• Ability to oversee and resolve procurement protests, disputes, and complex contract performance issues in coordination with legal counsel.
• Ability to prepare and present executive-level reports, board agenda items, and procurement recommendations.
• Proficiency with procurement systems, contract management software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a highly regulated, high-volume environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, staff, vendors, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to lead audit and monitoring preparation efforts and respond effectively to findings and corrective actions.
• Strong relationship-management skills with vendors, contractors, consultants, government agencies, and community partners.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and uphold ethical standards in high-risk and high-visibility matters. 

Physical Requirements 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, see, or hear. The employee may occasionally be required to stand or walk and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Primarily office-based with occasional site visits to housing properties. May require attendance at board or public meetings.

VRS Contribution:   All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.