PRINCIPAL COUNSEL, PROCUREMENT

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Position Base
Oakland

Location
UCOP - Franklin Building

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Legal delivers ethical, timely, efficient and high-quality legal services to the University of California's ten campuses, six medical centers, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as well as to the Board of Regents, the President, the Chancellors and other officers of the University. Its services include prosecuting and defending litigation, drafting and negotiating agreements, providing advice, counsel and interpretation of laws, regulations and policies, and assisting with development of effective compliance and risk mitigation strategies to facilitate the University's complex operations. The Business, Transactions, and Innovation (BTI) practice group handles a broad range of business transactions including, but not limited to transactions involving innovative research, joint ventures, collaborations, international activities, public finance, real estate, land use, construction, investments, intellectual property, laboratory affairs, energy, tax-exempt organizations, charitable giving, trusts and estates, and institutional advancement.

POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Managing Counsel, Business, Transactions, and Innovation, the Principal Counsel is responsible for providing expert guidance, knowledge, consulting, and advising to UC procurement local and systemwide managers and the UC Legal team on complex contracts and agreements; independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects, to include the most complex and that of substantial importance and impact; interprets complex facts and the law in areas of high ambiguity; drafts, reviews, and revises a variety of documents, such as policies, contracts, and advice memoranda; conducts client trainings and prepares legal updates; provides functional advice and/or guidance through all aspects of the goods/services procurement and contracting process to procurement and contract management personnel and less-experienced attorneys and legal support staff; and may act as a liaison with outside counsel, and/or represent the University in proceedings.

This attorney is an expert in the competitive bidding process and constructing, modifying, and negotiating complex contracts, with particular expertise in IT cloud, IT software, goods and services agreements. This position requires substantial knowledge of procurement laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local level pertaining to higher education institutions and constitutionally created public university systems. The position also requires an ability to independently handle a full range of legal matters and projects in the procurement area, deliver functional advice to clients regarding risk assessment and liability, and build and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with clients and colleagues.

By practicing UC Legal's established values, all team members are expected to promote diversity and maintain a workplace that is collaborative, supportive, respectful of differences, and committed to fairness and diversity in all interactions, both within and outside the team.

Responsibilities

90% Client Service

• Reviews requests for proposals for legal form, drafts and negotiates procurement, business, and government contracts, and ensures compliance by the University with applicable laws and regulations at the local, state and federal levels throughout all stages of the procurement process.
• Drafts complex contract language to mitigate business and legal risks, particularly complex contracts that may possess greater risk and require additional legal support.
• Provides high quality, timely, relevant, and solution-oriented counsel including: following trends, researching, writing, advising and advocating for the University with respect to contract risks and negotiations.
• Functions as a lead and technical resource within procurement, particularly at the UC systemwide level.
• Analyzes legislation and proposed changes to laws and regulations related to UC goods and services contracting and procurement.
• Independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects, to include those which hold substantial importance and impact.
• Serves as a trusted strategic partner with University business units, providing practical advice and alternative solutions to business issues.
• Interprets complex facts and the law in areas of moderate to high ambiguity.
• Directly negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents.
• May act as a liaison with outside counsel, and/or represent the University in complex matters. Provides guidance on ethics, compliance, audit, and UC governance issues.
• Participates in the drafting, communication and interpretation of UC and departmental policies.
• Provides functional advice, training and/or guidance and effectively mentors less experienced attorneys.
• Provides clear expectations and mentors legal support staff to meet expected levels of productivity and accuracy.
• Makes recommendations concerning areas of work to perform in-house, versus payment for an outside firm.
• Delegates work effectively to maximize efficiencies.
• Ensures accurate record keeping in compliance with OGC data quality protocols.
• Complies with delegations of authority for committing University funds.

10% Leadership

• Provide training to support continuing education and professional development of UC Procurement management and UC Procurement personnel.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant practice experience in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation or other entity.
• Excellent abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking with internal and external partners.
• Thorough understanding of highly complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications, even when ambiguous or hidden.
• Advanced interpersonal communication skills, including proven ability to actively listen, negotiate, persuade and educate.
• Advanced written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.
• Skills to gain trust and build credibility with a broad group of colleagues and clients, including senior leaders.
• Advanced research skills; ability to readily identify material and relevant information.
• Proven decision-making ability, even when the decision is unpopular, earning credibility and support from colleagues.
• Commitment to the highest ethical standards.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to mentor and coach all levels of staff; provide for succession planning in area of specialty.
• Familiarity with UC Procurement policies.

Education: Advanced degree in related area is required

License/Certifications: Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar. (Out-of-state hire would be afforded time to pass the Bar within a reasonable period.)

Travel Requirements: 10% Occasional work travel

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This position has been approved for a hybrid work arrangement. A new hire must reside in or be willing to relocate to California and will be required to report to work onsite in Oakland, CA at least 2 days per week (currently Tuesday and Wednesday).

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title: Counsel 4
Job Code: 000201
Salary Grade: Grade 29

Payscale: $220,000 - $255,000, commensurate with experience

Full Range: 165,200 to 333,800

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is December 11, 2023. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. EEO/AA Employer UC Nondiscrimination Policy

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