Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

The Sourcing Agent plays a critical support role in Procurement Services, assisting the Strategic Sourcing Managers (SSMs) in delivering high-value, cost-effective sourcing outcomes. The Sourcing Agent manages low-dollar procurement transactions, supports preferred supplier programs, coordinates training materials and supplier engagement, and promotes diversity and sustainability in purchasing. This positions also supports data tracking, stakeholder communications, and event coordination, serving as a campus-facing liaison for tactical procurement activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required; bachelor’s preferred
• Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible procurement or project coordination experience
• Experience in customer service, sourcing, hospitality, or university settings preferred
• Experience with purchasing systems (Jaggaer/Banner) is highly desirable
  
  A relevant combination of education, directly related experience and training may be substituted for a degree.
  
  

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Job Duties

• Manage small dollar (under $5,000) requisitions, ensuring timely, cost-effective procurement aligned with policy.
• Leverage preferred suppliers to support efficient and user-friendly purchasing processes.
• Promote supplier diversity and sustainable procurement practices in alignment with campus and department goals.
• Assist with small-dollar contract enablement and prioritization by analyzing transaction data and end user needs. Contribute to cost savings and supplier engagement metrics; support reporting to internal stakeholders.
• Support the SSMs in improving the non-catalog ordering and maintaining documentation such as “How to Buy” guides. Monitor procurement activity for compliance; escalate non-compliance issues to appropriate staff.
• Review and vet new supplier requests under $5,000; verify necessity and alignment with sourcing strategy.
• Coordinate events such as the annual Supplier Showcase, including logistics, communications and feedback analysis.
• Administer stakeholder and supplier surveys using tools like Qualtrics; compile and share actionable insights.
• Support office operations, including mail, supply orders, and insurance certificate management when needed.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Customer-focused with strong interpersonal and organizational abilities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; capable with procurement software tools
• Able to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities
• Familiarity with procurement regulations, sustainability practices, and supplier diversity initiatives

Shift

Business Hours: Monday - Friday

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $62,354

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).