Digital Technology Contracts Counsel

University-of-North-Carolina-At-Chapel-Hil; Chapel Hill (NC); Remote; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Junior Digital Technology Contracts Counsel at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a fully remote role reporting to the Chief Privacy Officer. The position advises on data privacy, information security, and technology procurement, drafting and negotiating provisions in university contracts and support documents.

You will collaborate with the Office of University Counsel, ITS, ISO, and Finance & Operations to ensure compliant, risk-balanced technology agreements.

Qualifications

• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Experience drafting and negotiating technology-related agreements, including SaaS and cloud services.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, FERPA, GDPR, NIST and other data privacy concepts as applied to contract negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate routine data privacy and information security provisions in technology agreements.
• Coordinate with ITS, IPO, ISO, and other units to support compliant technology procurement.
• Assist in triaging and coordinating legal review of technology purchases.
• Provide training and guidance on contracting practices involving data privacy and information security.

Skills

SaaS agreements

Technology contracting

HIPAA/FERPA/GDPR/NIST

Public university experience

Contract templates

Education

Relevant post-baccalaureate degree

Job description

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Institutional Privacy Office engages in a challenging, wide-ranging data and privacy practice that requires knowledge of digital risk and data governance issues. The department consolidates digital risk management and privacy laws to develop, implement, and maintain privacy-focused policies, procedures and guidelines, keeping the University in compliance with Federal, State and International regulations. The department coordinates senior leaders across the academic medical center, including clinical research, clinical care, and information security platforms, as well as knowledge of international privacy laws to assist the institution’s global programs. The Institutional Privacy Office partners with information technology professionals who have knowledge of information security and data governance principles to assist in improving the institution’s approach to managing digital risk across dispersed units, committees, and systems while also advising institutional leaders on data and privacy issues.

Position Summary

This position is a 100% remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Junior Digital Technology Contracts Counsel provides legal advice and transactional support related to data privacy, information security, and technology procurement. The position is responsible for drafting, reviewing, updating, and negotiating data privacy and information security provisions contained in the University’s standard terms and conditions and a wide range of technology-related agreements.

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor, Chief Privacy Officer, and Special Counsel, this position supports the University’s digital risk, data privacy, information security, data governance, and technology acquisition activities by providing specialized legal advice related to technology licensing, data privacy, and information security provisions contained in University technology agreements. The Junior Digital Technology Contracts Counsel partners closely with the Office of University Counsel, Finance & Operations, Purchasing Services, the Information Security Office, research administration, and other administrative units to ensure appropriate contractual protections for institutional data and information systems.

Responsibilities of the Junior Digital Technology Contracts Counsel include:

• Draft, review, and negotiate routine, low and moderate-risk data privacy and information security provisions in technology-related agreements, including Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), software licensing agreements, software development agreements, cloud service agreements, non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, data processing agreements, cybersecurity services, managed services agreements and other complex technology provisions contained in University contracts.
• Partner with Information Technology Services ( ITS ), Institutional Privacy Office ( IPO ), Information Security Office ( ISO ), the Office of University Counsel, Finance and Operations, Research Administration, and other administrative units to support compliant technology procurement.
• Assist Senior Digital Technology Contracts Counsel in triaging and coordinating legal review of all technology purchases
• Conducts legal research and provides advice to University units on technology purchases and applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and University policies.
• Assist in developing and maintaining contract templates, negotiation playbooks, and institutional guidance for technology and data-related agreements.
• Provide training and guidance to University units regarding contracting practices involving data privacy, information security, and technology procurement.
• Assist with resolution of contractual issues or disputes involving technology vendors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-baccalaureate degree: relevant undergraduate degree with 7-10 years of related professional experience may be substituted for the advanced degree.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. Ability to obtain admission to the North Carolina State Bar within a reasonable time if not already admitted.
• Experience negotiating technology transactions, commercial contracting, or related practice areas.
• Experience drafting and negotiating technology-related agreements, including Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) agreements and cloud services agreements.
• Experience drafting and negotiating non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality provisions.
• Knowledge of HIPAA , FERPA , the GDPR , NIST , and other data privacy and information security concepts as applied to contract negotiations.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Three (3) to five (5) years of legal experience in technology transactions, privacy, cybersecurity, or related areas.
• Experience advising public universities, higher education institutions, or other public sector organizations.
• Experience supporting procurement operations or vendor risk management programs.
• Working knowledge of cloud computing services, cybersecurity standards, and data processing agreements.
• Experience developing contract templates, negotiation playbooks, or institutional guidance materials.

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• Certification/licenses
• List of References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select the education/experience that matches your background.
  • Relevant post-baccalaureate degree
  • Relevant undergraduate degree with 7-10 years of related professional experience
  • None of the above