Download Position Specification Here
Established in 1977, the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC) is a nonprofit purchasing consortium that currently serves over 820 members encompassing public and private colleges and universities; technical, vocational, and charter schools; municipalities; libraries; and other nonprofit organizations within the six New England states. On behalf of its members, MHEC develops, bids, and manages highly competitive contracts by aggregating spend volume to achieve remarkable cost savings and administrative efficiencies. MHEC offices are located adjacent to the campus of the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts, a vibrant community in the heart of the Five College region (UMass, Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College).
The Position
Reporting to the MHEC Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for providing vision, strategic leadership, and management for a premier regional purchasing consortium. The Executive Director devises short and long range goals, objectives, policies, and operating plans for the organization, builds understanding around MHEC’s current mission and goals, and implements initiatives adopted by the Board of Directors. As a hands-on leader, the Executive Director oversees the organization’s operational activities, implements and strengthens member outreach strategies, develops initiatives to increase MHEC’s contract portfolio consistent with members’ business needs, and works with a wide range of business partners and stakeholders in the development of programs and resources that advance the work of the organization. The Executive Director directs a team of 15 procurement/contract professionals and support staff, maintains a portfolio of 55 master contracts with over 500 supply partners, and oversees an annual spend volume in excess of $205 million. Additionally, the Executive Director provides leadership in the development of information technology enhancements that create efficiencies in the procurement and contract management process, improve member access to MHEC resources, and streamline the interface of suppliers with MHEC members and staff. Assuring the delivery of high quality operations and services while employing creative and innovative methods to maintain a positive budget balance, respond to evolving member needs, achieve strategic goals, and sustain a collegial and productive work environment for all staff are important priorities of the Executive Director.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field – a master’s degree in a related field is highly preferred – a progressive portfolio of experience demonstrating vision and strategic administrative leadership at the executive or senior level within a complex non-profit or business enterprise. Additional requirements include: a track record of success in leading and managing an organization with an operational budget in excess of $1 million; familiarity with competitive and public bidding requirements, strategic sourcing, and supplier relations management; ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with members and a broad range of business partners and stakeholders; a consistent, dynamic, and focused work ethic with ability to prioritize and manage concurrent projects and competing priorities; strong analytical skills with reliance on data to drive key decisions and enhance quality; and superior writing, speaking, and presentation ability. Flexibility to travel to conduct business development and represent MHEC at professional meetings and conferences is also required. Strong fiscal and human resource management skills, familiarity with electronic procurement systems, superior professional ethics and integrity, and successful experience supervising, developing, and motivating staff will be important considerations in the selection of the next Executive Director.
Application and Nomination
Review of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled. To apply for this position please click on the Apply button, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Valerie B. Szymkowicz at vbs@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.
Spelman Johnson
MHEC – Executive Director
Valerie B. Szymkowicz, Senior Associate
Visit the MHEC website at www.mhec.net
MHEC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.