United States onlyInternet2 is a non-profit, member-driven advanced research and higher education technology organization. Founded in 1996, Internet2 provides and delivers mission-critical technology services and programs. Internet2's core infrastructure components include the nation's largest and fastest network, and cloud and security services that are influenced, customized, and designed to address the unique needs of technology leaders in research and education (R&E). Internet2 serves and supports U.S. higher education institutions, federal government agencies, regional and state education networks, leading industry providers, and international R&E network partners across more than 100 countries. Internet2 programs advance opportunities to convene, collaborate, and innovate.
The Cloud Contract Analyst and Vendor Manager is an advisor and subject matter expert on cloud procurement and vendor management for the Internet2 NET+ program. The program supports over 750 research and higher education institutions working together to manage risk and maximize opportunities by facilitating the technical evaluation of cloud services, negotiation of contracts and business models, and more.
The position is responsible for drafting and analyzing business terms and conditions, identifying gaps or opportunities within contracts or other procurement documentation, and working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the successful performance of NET+ contracts through a data-driven approach and active contract management.
Essential job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
● Provide advice and subject matter expertise to business teams, legal counsel, external stakeholders to analyze and negotiate NET+ contracts.
● Responsible for contract lifecycle including: pricing, research, renewals, amendments, timely negotiations, monitoring and tracking obligations.
● Proactively audit contract pricing and complete an annual market analysis to ensure continued contract competitiveness and appropriate product mix to support changing markets and needs of customers.
● Contribute to the development of the NET+ program’s vendor management strategy.
● Represent Internet2 in industry forums, conferences, meetings, and community events related to vendor management, contracting practices, and other related issues relevant to research and higher education institutions.
● Foster knowledge-sharing within Internet2 and the broader research and higher education community by conducting training sessions, workshops, and knowledge transfer initiatives.
● Contribute to the development of industry standards, guidelines, and best practices related to vendor management and contracting for research and higher education environments.
● Establish and maintain strong working relationships with key vendors and their channel partners.
● Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., legal, program management, program development) to ensure alignment and effective vendor governance.
● Conduct regular vendor and channel partner performance reviews, and provide feedback to drive continuous improvement.
● Manage the pipeline of requests from the NET+ team to Internet2 Legal Services to ensure prioritization.
● Support the NET+ Business, Procurement, and Legal Advisory Committee.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Information Technology, Supply Chain Management, Higher Education Administration) or equivalent experience.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in vendor management, procurement, contract negotiation, and strategic sourcing, with a strong focus on cloud service providers and vendors supporting research and higher education initiatives.
Proven track record of successfully managing vendor relationships and negotiating complex contracts in research and higher education environments.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders in research and higher education settings.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex contract terms and identify potential risks and opportunities specific to research and higher education contracting.
In-depth knowledge of cloud computing technologies, industry trends, and best practices in vendor management and contracting for research and higher education institutions.
Familiarity with relevant legal and regulatory requirements related to vendor management, contracting, and research and higher education environments.
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office tools and/or Google Suite. Experience with customer relationship management, customer service, and contract management platforms is strongly preferred.
Ability to recognize, triage, and troubleshoot pain points in commercial relationships and work to minimize or remedy them.
Commitment to building open, diverse, and inclusive communities to facilitate collaboration.
Proven ability to work remotely and with virtual teams.
Ability to travel domestically, approximately three weeks per year.
As a full-time employee, you will be eligible to participate in Internet2’s employee benefits program. The program currently includes medical, dental, life, vision and disability insurances, a health spending account program, sick time, vacation time and a tax deferred retirement plan. The salary range for this role is $78,000 - $88,000 annually (B-6).
