Deputy Director, Procurement & Operations

Deputy Director, Procurement & Operations

The Deputy Director, Procurement & Operations serves as the functional owner and technical expert for all organizational purchasing systems, vendor strategy, and procurement compliance across NYC Kids RISE. Operating with a high degree of autonomy and self-direction, this role manages a critical operational function that ensures our purchasing practices are rigorous, equitable, fully compliant with public and private funding mandates, and seamlessly integrated across all programmatic and administrative departments.

This role serves as the primary subject matter expert on equitable procurement practices and public grant procurement requirements. The role oversees key vendor relationships, leads organizational RFP processes, leads purchasing execution, and collaborates closely with the Operations Associate to oversee internal and externally-managed inventory. The ideal candidate brings technical expertise in public grant compliance, exceptional project management skills, and a strong commitment to embedding equity into operational infrastructure to drive the success of a fast-paced, mission-driven organization.

The Deputy Director, Procurement & Operations is a key member of the growing Operations team. They are critical to the future and success of NYC Kids RISE and the Save for College Program and will be ready for their next big challenge to make a lasting impact for all New York City kids across generations throughout the five boroughs.

Procurement Systems & Operations

• Systems Buildout & Optimization:
  Build, refine, and maintain scalable procurement systems, standard operating procedures, and clear workflows for vetting, onboarding, and evaluating new and existing vendors.
• RFP Process Management:
  Manage the organization's RFP processes, ensuring competitive, equitable, and fair vendor and subgrantee selection. Support teams to design and execute department-led RFPs.
• Coordination of course of business procurement initiatives and related inventory management:
  Lead and ensure timely execution of cross-functional, course-of-business procurement needs, including supplies, printing, technology, etc. Maintain close coordination between operations and departmental leads to ensure appropriate, proactive inventory management (onsite and with vendors).
• Contracting and Vendor Management:
  Lead and support contract drafting with legal, scope-of-work negotiation, and ongoing contract management in partnership with internal teams and legal / compliance.
• Key Vendor Relations:
  Serve as the primary point of contact for key vendors including those managing sensitive relationships, monitoring performance against contract terms, and resolving service or contractual issues.
• Equitable Procurement Leadership:
  Design and execute equitable procurement best practices and drive their implementation across all programmatic and functional areas.

Public Grant Compliance

• Grant & Public Funds:
  Act as the organization's subject matter expert on public grant funds procurement requirements (including NY state, and NYC municipal compliance regulations), ensuring all purchasing adheres to strict regulatory and funder guidelines.
• Grant Procurement Operations:
  Create, implement, and maintain tailored procurement systems and documentation designed to meet specific funder mandates and public grant requirements, in collaboration with compliance and legal.

• Strategic Project Execution:
  Manage large-scope procurement and operations projects from initial planning through execution, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and operational realities, in collaboration with the Director, Operations
• Event Operations:
  Support organizational event work streams and operationalizing varying sizes of events
• Facility Operations:
  Support the Director, Operations and Operations Associate in various facility management needs including inventory oversight and facility-vendor relations.
• Core Initiatives :
  Support the Director, Operations on core programmatic initiatives related to the Save for College Program and public funding streams.

• At least 4 - 6 years of related professional experience working in procurement or operations, ideally in non profit / grant-funded operations roles
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple concurrent work streams while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and high-quality execution.
• Highly organized with outstanding project management and prioritization skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Skilled in fostering trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultivating an inclusive, collaborative culture.
• Adaptable, flexible, and effective problem solver in fast-paced settings.
• Passion for and commitment to increasing economic opportunities and long-term financial security for low-income New York City families and neighborhoods, and combating wealth inequality…