Assistant General Counsel and Director of Procurement and Contract Services

Austin Peay State University   Clarksville, TN   Full-time     Legal
Posted on April 26, 2024
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Posting Details

Position Information

Posting Number

20121541Staff

Working Title

Assistant General Counsel and Director of Procurement and Contract Services

Pay Rate

Salary is competitive and commensurate with education and experience.

Employment Category

Administrative/Professional

Regular/Temporary

Regular

If temporary, list duration

Type of Appointment

Fiscal

Contract Period

12 month

Position Summary Information

Position Summary

The Assistant General Counsel and Director of Procurement and Contract Services oversees and manages the procurement and contracting process for the university and provides legal services to the institution. This position is responsible for providing procurement and contracting services, as well as legal guidance and support in matters related to procurement, contracts, and other legal affairs. The incumbent will oversee the procurement and contracting processes, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and university policies. Additionally, the position will provide legal advice and counsel to various university stakeholders, including senior administrators, faculty, and staff.

Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 9,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 166,000 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Procure and manage the overall operation of the University's Procurement and Contract Services Department.
  • Oversee the end-to-end procurement and contracting process. Prepare or approve specifications for all procurements, vendor selection bids and analysis of quotation for all University purchases. Review recommendations to assure the bid accepted is one that meets the specifications, terms and conditions of the request for quotation and that the value as to quantity and quality are obtained for funds expended.
  • Provide legal advice and guidance on procurement and contracting matters to university stakeholders, including senior administrators, departments, and project teams.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and practices that align with relevant laws, regulations, and university policies.
  • Oversee the procurement process, including vendor selection, contract negotiation, and contract administration, to ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practices.
  • Review, analyze, and negotiate contract terms, conditions, and provisions to identify potential risks, liabilities, and compliance issues.
  • Supervise personnel or interns assigned.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to draft, revise, and negotiate contracts, ensuring that they accurately reflect the university's needs and protect its legal interests.
  • Conduct legal research and stay up-to-date with relevant laws, regulations, and industry trends related to procurement and contracting.
  • Provide training and educational programs to university staff regarding procurement and contract-related matters.
  • Collaborate with other university departments to understand their procurement and contracting needs, provide guidance, and establish effective communications to ensure coordination and alignment of legal and operational activities.
  • Assist the General Counsel with other legal matters and special projects, as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to efficiently manage the overall operations of the Procurement and Contract Services Department.
  • Ability to accurately prepare or approve and evaluate specifications for purchases, vendor selection for bids and analysis of quotations.
  • Ability to interpret and enforce Federal laws, TN laws and University policies. Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures related to procurement and contracts.
  • Ability to efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) as well as Ellucian Banner ERP.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
  • Ability to interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Ability to effectively supervise personnel and complete all associated personnel actions in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Ability to promote and foster a positive, efficient working environment.
  • Ability to effectively and accurately advise the University faculty and staff on all phases of the procurement and contract process.
  • Ability to understand and coordinate the user functions of complex computer applications.
  • Basic knowledge of the accounting principles related to capitalization, depreciation and encumbrances.
  • Ability to provide competent legal advice and counsel on a wide range of legal and policy issues.
  • Knowledge of a range of applicable laws and regulations which impact all facets of university policy and operations, especially in area of procurement and contracting.
  • Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management.
Physical Requirements
  • Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Required Minimum Qualifications
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and licensure (or currently eligible for licensure or reciprocity) in the State of Tennessee.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in work involving procurement, contracts, or related areas.
  • In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing procurement and contracting in the public sector, including but not limited to public bidding requirements, contract formation, and contract administration.
  • Strong negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills, with the ability to review and understand complex legal documents.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate legal concepts to non-legal professionals.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience working in a higher education or public sector environment is preferred, but not required.
  • Knowledge of relevant technology platforms and systems used in procurement and contract management is a plus.
Note: The duties and responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive and may evolve over time based on organizational needs.

Posting Detail Information

Open Date

04/24/2024

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

An official transcript will be required of the selected candidate before the candidate will be offered a position. You will not be able to modify your application after it has been submitted.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
  1. * Do you have a Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited U.S. law school and licensure (or currently eligible for licensure or reciprocity) in the State of Tennessee?
    • Yes.
    • No.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents
  1. Unofficial Transcript
  2. Letter of Recommendation 1
  3. Letter of Recommendation 2
  4. Letter of Recommendation 3