University procurement counsel

Position Summary

The University Procurement Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice regarding procurement-related matters for procurement contracts flowing through the Department of Purchasing Services. The position includes (i) advising on Finance & Operations (‘F&O’) procurement transactions as part of the F&O team under the supervision of Office of University Counsel (‘OUC’), and (ii) serving as the unit counselor and for the F&O’s procurement office, ensuring updated compliance with all state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and University policy.

University Procurement Counsel will review and advise on a variety of matters, including purchasing agreements, independent contractor agreements, software licenses, NDAs, consulting agreements, authorized vendor relationships, equipment loans, template residential lease agreements, facilities use agreements, accounts payable policies, community collaborator agreements, executive search firm agreements, exhibition agreements, performance/speaker agreements, and certain ITS agreements.

Additional duties of the position include:

• Integration of legal expertise in educating, tracking, and coordinating legal advice regarding the management of all procurement-related transactions across various business units within the University;
• Increased volume and complexity of procurement contracts, beyond those limited to F&O, to include complex multi-party contracts; expanding information technology, health affairs, and research needs, including but not limited to contracts involving private industry, both nationally and internationally.
• Responsibility to educate and support all contracting units campus wide in areas such as contract and solicitation (e.g., RFP, RFI) development; clinical research and special contracts; process improvement, wherever possible, to identify high risk situations and work to mitigate risk; and to collaborate with University departments, the System Office, and other State agencies to create a centralized system to serve as a University resource to ensure compliance with applicable State law, administrative code, regulations, policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Licensed and in good standing to practice law in North Carolina, or able to become licensed in North Carolina within one year of joining the University.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Strong background and knowledge of procurement and government contracting laws and regulations. Experience working for a public agency or educational institution. Ability to use effective approaches for choosing a course of action, developing appropriate solutions, and/or reaching conclusions. Sufficient knowledge of client program, organization, and culture to provide appropriate advice and counsel. Ability to develop plans to accomplish unit objectives and requirements.