Director, Procurement and Accounts Payable (Job ID: 2025-3656)

Overview

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!  

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.  

  

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. 

  

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors. 

 

The Office of Financial Service (OFS) is dedicated to supporting the mission of Brookings by ensuring and enhancing its financial health and promoting financial efficiency and innovation. We accomplish this by safeguarding the institution’s assets, stewarding donor contributions and providing quality and client-driven service characterized by professionalism, integrity, reliability, transparency, accountability, expertise, and above all else – respectfulness and fairness. OFS is comprised of Accounting, Financial Planning and Management, Financial Operations and Investments. 

 

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of two days of remote work each week.  

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

 

The Procurement and Accounts Payable Director oversees all aspects of procurement and accounts payable at the Brookings Institution and is responsible for developing and executing the procure to pay strategy focused on delivering best in class services to its research programs and business units. This is a key role in the Office of Financial Services and a unique opportunity to build out a successful strategy and effective processes around procurement and accounts payable.

 

The Director will partner with research programs and business unit staff with their procure to pay needs, strategies, and plan best options. S/he/they/them will develop and maintain a deep knowledge base and understanding of vendor spend across Brookings to inform sourcing and purchasing decisions. The Director will develop strategic partnerships with vendors, build preferred vendor lists, develop savings programs, lead contract negotiations and identify cost saving opportunities throughout our business. This position leads the effort to develop a comprehensive set of internal guidelines on policies, processes and best practices for procurement, accounts payable, vendor management and travel.

 

This position will be responsible for identifying opportunities to streamline processes and develop tools to enhance procure to pay effectiveness. The Director is responsible for procurement and accounts payable related functions within Workday and Ironclad.

 

This position collaborates with and provides guidance to staff across Brookings on all matters related to procurement and accounts payable. The Director is responsible for designing, developing and delivering effective trainings to build, expand and enhance the procurement and accounts payable capacity at the Institution.

 

This is a key role in the Office of Financial Services, reporting to the Assistant Vice President and Controller and provides leadership and direction to the Procurement and Accounts Payable team.

 

Procurement and Accounts Payable (40%)

• Coordinates and streamlines accounts payable and procurement activities across Brookings to identify economies of scale and opportunities for savings.

• Establishes and maintains measurable performance metrics for all levels of procurement and accounts payable activities; develops reports and analytics.

• Develops and maintains preferred vendors and strategic contracts for the organization.

• Supports research programs and business units with vendor selection, contract development, negotiations and RFPs/RFQs. 

• Coordinates with the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) in supporting the drafting, negotiating, and review of contracts. 

• Regularly reviews contracts pursuant to Brookings policies and procedures. Supports the negotiation and drafting of major transactional agreements and documents.

• Oversees the