Inside Higher Ed
Overview
The Assistant General Counsel (Contracts) is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Legal Contract Administration Department and assists the General Counsel by providing legal advice and counsel to the Board of Trustees, Chancellor, and College. This position handles areas of actual and potential legal liability, including reviewing and drafting contracts, negotiating contract terms, providing representation in internal administrative proceedings, interpreting federal and state laws and regulations, interpreting system policies and procedures, and developing policies and procedures. Executive level staff at HCC are system-wide leaders who support the one-college vision articulated in our strategic plan – Embracing Houston’s Future – with college strategic priorities as measurable manifestations of our Mission, Vision, and Values. The role includes design, execution, and monitoring of internal controls ensuring operations are effective and assets are safeguarded, financial information is reliable, and compliant with laws and procedures. The position also involves Talent Engagement activities for direct reports (recruiting, hiring, training, development, mentoring, performance evaluations).
Essential Functions
Serve as the primary contract administrator for the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and subject matter expert for District-wide contracts, products and services.
Authorize OGC contract approvals and collaborate with management to gather, analyze, and prepare recommendations on contracts, sourcing strategies, and procedures. Draft contracting policies and procedures.
Maintain current knowledge of regulatory, legislative, and industry changes and implement updates within required timeframes.
Provide leadership in developing key long-term supply contracts to achieve continuous improvement.
Ensure OGC contracts are awarded in accordance with HCCS Purchasing Policies and Procedures Manual.
Provide district-wide expertise for OGC contracts management, oversee contracts signed by the College, contract compliance, modifications, closeout, process improvement, project management, problem resolution, and adherence to procurement standards and law.
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts for the College; develop and revise standard contract templates for compliance.
Advise internal parties on procurement and contracting issues, contract monitoring, risks, performance issues, and vendor protests; research contract and procurement-related legal issues.
Review contract documents for release in response to open records requests or related court orders.
Review and draft bill analyses and related documents during legislative sessions on contracting and procurement-related legislation.
Develop training materials and provide training to college personnel on state contracting and procurement law.
With outside counsel, represent the College in procurement and contract-related litigation matters; prepare legal memoranda, pleadings, briefs, and discovery responses as needed.
Qualifications
J.D. degree from an accredited law school required
5 years of combined experience in commercial transactions, contract drafting, contract negotiations, public procurement law, government law, Education Law, Texas Education Code, and lease drafting
5 years of experience in a public procurement, higher education institution or Texas community colleges, school districts, or governmental entities preferred
Valid Texas Driver License
Member, State Bar of Texas required
Special Skills
MS Office Programs
Information Management Systems
Legal Contracts
Competencies
Acting as a Champion for Change
Thinking like an Entrepreneur
Driving for Results
Leveraging Opportunities
Setting a Strategic Vision
Attracting & Developing Talent
Inspiring & Motivating Others
Acting Strategically
Demonstrating Beliefs & Principles
Managing Resources
Working Conditions General Office. Must be able to perform all job requirements with or without reasonable accommodations; remain in a stationary position during shift; move items up to 25 pounds; operate job equipment; access, input, and retrieve information from technology devices; and work after hours, including weekends and holidays as needed.
Equal Employment Opportunity Houston Community College does not discriminate on the bases of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or veteran’s status. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Sandra B. Jacobson, J.D., M.Ed., SHRM-SCP, Interim Director of EEO and Compliance & Title IX Coordinator, Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, PO Box 667517, Houston TX 77266, 713-718-8271 or hcc.oeotix@hccs.edu. Individuals with disabilities who require special accommodations to interview should contact (713) 718-8565.
Location Houston, TX
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Assistant General Counsel (Contracts) is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Legal Contract Administration Department and assists the General Counsel by providing legal advice and counsel to the Board of Trustees, Chancellor, and College. This position handles areas of actual and potential legal liability, including reviewing and drafting contracts, negotiating contract terms, providing representation in internal administrative proceedings, interpreting federal and state laws and regulations, interpreting system policies and procedures, and developing policies and procedures. Executive level staff at HCC are system-wide leaders who support the one-college vision articulated in our strategic plan – Embracing Houston’s Future – with college strategic priorities as measurable manifestations of our Mission, Vision, and Values. The role includes design, execution, and monitoring of internal controls ensuring operations are effective and assets are safeguarded, financial information is reliable, and compliant with laws and procedures. The position also involves Talent Engagement activities for direct reports (recruiting, hiring, training, development, mentoring, performance evaluations).
Essential Functions
Serve as the primary contract administrator for the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and subject matter expert for District-wide contracts, products and services.
Authorize OGC contract approvals and collaborate with management to gather, analyze, and prepare recommendations on contracts, sourcing strategies, and procedures. Draft contracting policies and procedures.
Maintain current knowledge of regulatory, legislative, and industry changes and implement updates within required timeframes.
Provide leadership in developing key long-term supply contracts to achieve continuous improvement.
Ensure OGC contracts are awarded in accordance with HCCS Purchasing Policies and Procedures Manual.
Provide district-wide expertise for OGC contracts management, oversee contracts signed by the College, contract compliance, modifications, closeout, process improvement, project management, problem resolution, and adherence to procurement standards and law.
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts for the College; develop and revise standard contract templates for compliance.
Advise internal parties on procurement and contracting issues, contract monitoring, risks, performance issues, and vendor protests; research contract and procurement-related legal issues.
Review contract documents for release in response to open records requests or related court orders.
Review and draft bill analyses and related documents during legislative sessions on contracting and procurement-related legislation.
Develop training materials and provide training to college personnel on state contracting and procurement law.
With outside counsel, represent the College in procurement and contract-related litigation matters; prepare legal memoranda, pleadings, briefs, and discovery responses as needed.
Qualifications
J.D. degree from an accredited law school required
5 years of combined experience in commercial transactions, contract drafting, contract negotiations, public procurement law, government law, Education Law, Texas Education Code, and lease drafting
5 years of experience in a public procurement, higher education institution or Texas community colleges, school districts, or governmental entities preferred
Valid Texas Driver License
Member, State Bar of Texas required
Special Skills
MS Office Programs
Information Management Systems
Legal Contracts
Competencies
Acting as a Champion for Change
Thinking like an Entrepreneur
Driving for Results
Leveraging Opportunities
Setting a Strategic Vision
Attracting & Developing Talent
Inspiring & Motivating Others
Acting Strategically
Demonstrating Beliefs & Principles
Managing Resources
Working Conditions General Office. Must be able to perform all job requirements with or without reasonable accommodations; remain in a stationary position during shift; move items up to 25 pounds; operate job equipment; access, input, and retrieve information from technology devices; and work after hours, including weekends and holidays as needed.
Equal Employment Opportunity Houston Community College does not discriminate on the bases of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or veteran’s status. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Sandra B. Jacobson, J.D., M.Ed., SHRM-SCP, Interim Director of EEO and Compliance & Title IX Coordinator, Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, PO Box 667517, Houston TX 77266, 713-718-8271 or hcc.oeotix@hccs.edu. Individuals with disabilities who require special accommodations to interview should contact (713) 718-8565.
Location Houston, TX
#J-18808-Ljbffr