Assistant General Counsel (Contracts)

Houston Community College•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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 has responsibilities in areas of actual and potential legal liability, including but not limited to, reviewing, and drafting contracts, negotiating contract terms and conditions, providing representation in internal administrative proceedings, interpreting federal and state laws and regulations, interpreting system policies, regulations, and rules, and developing and drafting policies and procedures. Executive level staff at HCC are system-wide leaders that share the responsibility to collaboratively support the one-college vision articulated in our strategic plan – Embracing Houston’s Future – with college strategic priorities as measurable manifestations of our shared Mission, Vision, and Values. Responsible for the design, execution, and effectiveness of a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that operations are effective and efficient, assets are safeguarded, financial information is reliable and compliant with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Manages Talent Engagement activities for direct reports in regards to: recruiting and selection, hiring and termination, training, development, mentoring, counseling, and performance evaluations. Houston Community College (HCC) is composed of 14 Centers of Excellence and numerous satellite centers that serve the diverse communities in the Greater Houston area by preparing individuals to live and work in an increasingly international and technological society. HCC is one of the country’s largest single-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities. Play a central role at HCC as you keep our everyday operations running like clockwork. You’ll get the chance to make things happen and work closely with inspiring leaders across different parts of the institution. Whether your role is supportive, administrative, financial or something else, you’ll be part of a dynamic team that not only provides HCC students with cutting-edge academic and career tools, it also takes care of its people.

Requirements

J. D. degree from an accredited law school required
5 years combined experience in any of the following: commercial transactions, contract drafting, contract negotiations, public procurement law, government law, Education Law, Texas Education Code, and lease drafting. required
Member, State Bar of Texas required

Nice To Haves

5 years experience working in a public procurement, higher education institution or Texas community colleges, school districts, or governmental entities preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contract administrator for the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and subject matter expert for District-wide contracts products and services.
Responsible for all activities required to authorize OGC contract approvals.
Collaborate with all levels of management to gather, analyze, summarize, and prepare recommendations on contracts, sourcing strategies and practices and procedures.
Draft contracting policies and procedures.
Maintain current knowledge of regulatory, legislative, and industrial changes to ensure changes and/or updates are completed within the required time, as needed.
Provide leadership in developing key long-term supply contracts to achieve continuous improvement.
Ensure that OGC contracts are awarded in accordance with HCCS Purchasing Policies and Procedures Manual.
Provide expertise District-wide for OGC contracts management, maintains HCC’s contracts and entire contract process which includes but is not limited to oversight of contracts signed by the College, contract compliance, accuracy of contracts, modifications to contract, contract closeout efforts, process improvement, project management, problem resolutions, and ensures adherence to procurement industry standards and practices as well as federal and state law standard.
Draft, review and negotiate contracts for the college.
Develop and revise standard College contract templates to maintain compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Advise internal parties on procurement and contracting issues, including on contract monitoring activities, contract risks, contractor performance issues, and vendor/supplier protests.
Research contract and procurement-related legal issues.
Review contract documents for release in compliance with open records requests or related court orders.
Review and draft bill analyses and other related informational documents during the legislative session on contracting and procurement-related legislation.
Develop training materials and provide training to college personnel regarding state contracting and procurement law.
With outside counsel, represent the College as assigned in procurement and contract-related litigation matters; research and analyze legal issues and prepare legal memoranda, pleadings, briefs, notices, motions, and orders; and gather and review evidence, prepare discovery responses and affidavits, and otherwise assist in the defense or prosecution of litigation.
Perform other duties, tasks and assignments as required.