Purchasing Specialist/Business Analyst

ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY

 

Title (Function): Purchasing Specialist/Business Analyst

Department: Procurement and Payment Services
Reporting To: Purchasing Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt

Compensation: $53,000.00-58,000.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!

Open Date: 01/21/2026

Close Date: 02/08/2026 11:59 PM MST.

SECTION I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE

At CMU, we believe in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the pursuit of new possibilities. It’s this courage that enables the Mavily to explore new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no perfect idea.

From this place of humility and courage, we’ve built a culture of resilience. We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement.

Inspired by the soul of the West—the spirit that our region embodies—we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create.

Colorado Mesa University Core Values
Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others
Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill
Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities
Humility - Suspending one’s ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others
Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity
Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown
Power - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals

SECTION II – THE SEAT

At CMU, we look at every position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seat contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable and accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnerships that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centric organization, a priority is to ensure we have the “right seats” in our organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities are defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding the seats.

OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS

This position is a member of the Purchasing Department and serves as a vital link to campus administrators and their departments, providing them with key information and promoting the department as service to the campus community. Specific responsibilities include processing campus purchase requisitions through the procure to pay cycle; leading the competitive solicitation process; leading business analysis, coordinating fiscal year end procedures; developing policies and procedures; maintaining the department’s website; assisting with the campus OneCard program; assisting campus fleet management and campus travel; and assisting with contract entry and database management.

ROLES
Procurement Responsibilities
• Review all campus requisitions, verify account codes and authorizing signatures, check for fund availability, determine best procurement method for items or services requested.
• Ensure that proper documentation for purchase orders is received including, receipt of insurance certificates verifying correct coverage limits, endorsements and signed bi-lateral purchase orders.
• Maintain proficient knowledge of State price agreements, national price agreements, the Department’s Policies and Procedures for all programs managed by the Department.
• Enter requisitions efficiently and accurately into campus ERP and eProcurement system maintaining close supervision of non-sufficient funds in order to expedite issuance of purchase order.
• Ensure that purchase orders are issued within one day of receipt of requisition.
• Source goods and services, assist with competitive bidding processes, manage and negotiate contracts.
• Process documented quotes for goods and services exceeding the discretionary spending threshold as defined in the Purchasing Policies and Procedures.
• Maximize managed spend via market analysis, IFB/RFP/RFQ, supplier negotiation and other activity.
• Utilize departmental systems to generate reports tracking and validating savings.
• Monitor open purchase orders to ensure that goods and services are received in a timely manner.
• Reconcile orders through invoicing, resolving all problem purchase orders.
• Work closely with Accounts Payable staff to ensure proper payment and encumbrance liquidation.
• Research purchase orders or encumbrance documents not properly liquidated during the year by contacting vendors and on campus departments, reviewing for reconciliation errors.
• Process fiscal year end functions to ensure encumbrances are properly liquidated, accrued or moved into a new fiscal year.
• Maintain a listing of all fixed assets acquired for the campus and reconcile campus business reply mail departmental reallocation. 
• Educate and train campus personnel and student groups on appropriate procurement methods.
• Develop and maintain business relationships with vendors and internal customers, while adhering to departmental objectives and ethical guidelines.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with fleet operations, finance, and procurement peers in order to resolve problems and continuously improve purchasing processes.
• Assist in supervising workflow for student employees.

IT/ Business Analysis Responsibilities
• Collecting, cleaning, and analyzing purchasing data sets to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement or opportunities.
• Working with technical committees to design, test, and implement technology solutions or process changes that meet campus goals.
• Creating detailed reports, dashboards, and visualizations, to communicate insights and recommendations. 

Contract Database Maintenance Responsibilities
• Create contract documents including adding encumbrance documents for proper contract encumbrance.
• Maintain the department contract database updating payment information, amendments, exhibits and encumbrances.
• Monitor encumbrance activity for proper liquidation including year-end close out.

Website Development and Maintenance Responsibilities
• Maintain the Procurement and Payment Services Department website to accurately inform the campus, vendors and public about the Department and all areas encompassed by it, to include Procurement, Campus Travel, Purchasing Policies and Procedures, Shipping and Receiving, Campus • Mailroom and Campus Fleet.
• Work with the campus webmaster to implement changes and ensure continuity with University website.
• Develop the site to become a technological portal for information available to the campus community and outside customers and vendors.

Campus OneCard Responsibilities
The University processes payments for goods and services costing less than $5,000 with its OneCard.  This position has related duties as follows:
• Utilize bank issued OneCard software to generate reports, assist in new cardholder issuance and maintenance, research problems and track purchasing trends.
• Provide assistance with cardholder training, compliance efforts, and general campus communication.
• Assist in development and implementation of new software programs for campus OneCard program.
• Assist in developing OneCard policies and procedures.

Campus Travel Responsibilities
• Assist with issuing travel authorizations to campus travelers.

Miscellaneous Duties
• Provide coverage for Receiving and Mail room in staff absence.
• Provide support to the mail room and warehouse. Perform reconciliations of various mail provider accounts, including invoice statements, department allocations, and accounts payable. Drive freight/mail equipment when needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities
This position reports to the Purchasing Manager and will assist with supervising student employee activity.

Other duties may be assigned as needed by our business.

SECTION III – OUR DESIRES FOR RIGHT FIT

For the success of our mission and our teams, we desire to have individuals who are a “Right Fit” in our seats. We define “Right Fit” as those who embrace our culture, demonstrate our values, understand the seat and what is required. We seek individuals who want this seat, desire to be a part of a bigger vision and have the capacity to be a successful member of our CMU team.

CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and committed to accuracy in every aspect of their work. They bring strong analytical skills and a problem-solving mindset, enabling them to identify inconsistencies, interpret financial data, and resolve issues efficiently. This individual demonstrates dependability by meeting deadlines, managing multiple priorities, and taking ownership of assigned responsibilities. They also uphold the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information.

In addition to technical aptitude, the successful candidate excels in communication and collaboration. They can clearly explain financial concepts to colleagues at all levels, contribute effectively within a team, and adapt to evolving systems, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Their natural curiosity and willingness to learn support continuous improvement and professional growth, allowing them to thrive in a dynamic accounting environment.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE FOR RIGHT FIT

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required.
• Minimum of 3 years’ work-related experience in similar areas of duties and responsibilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and implement solutions effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task in busy, deadline-oriented department
• Demonstrated excellent customer service, interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated analytical and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated experience working in higher education or other large, complex organization is preferred.
• Previous procurement experience is preferred.
• Experience with Banner or other complex ERP systems is preferred.
• Experience with an automated and fully integrated procurement IT platform and/or travel and expense IT platform is preferred.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and areas of accountability. 

DIRECT INQUIRIES CONTACT: Bree Meier, [email protected]

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Include the name, phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying for. Professional references should include at least one current or former supervisor.  Professional reference may also include current or former employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge and can recommend you for employment.
• Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)

ABOUT COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY

A comprehensive university in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado’s largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and via online offerings. 

Colorado Mesa University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling 10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.

At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce demands.

The Grand Valley is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you will not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that’s less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one of Colorado’s best kept secrets.

Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.

Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.