Digital Technology Contracts Counsel

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); Remote; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Digital Technology Contracts Counsel to join the Institutional Privacy Office. The role focuses on data privacy, information security, and technology procurement, drafting and negotiating complex technology agreements, and advising on regulatory compliance.

Reporting to senior counsel, you will collaborate with ITS, IPO, ISO, and other units to ensure compliant contracting and protect institutional data across university programs.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience negotiating technology transactions and contracting.
• Experience drafting SaaS and cloud services agreements.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, FERPA, GDPR, NIST in contract negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate technology-related agreements including SaaS and cloud services.
• Coordinate with IPO, ISO, University Counsel, and other units on procurement.
• Assist senior counsel in triaging legal reviews of technology purchases.
• Conduct legal research on applicable laws and policies.
• Develop contract templates, negotiation playbooks, and guidance materials.
• Provide training on contracting practices involving data privacy and information security.
• Assist with resolution of contractual issues or disputes with vendors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Tech contract negotiation

SaaS and cloud contracts

Data privacy & security

NDA & confidentiality agreements

Legal research

Training & guidance

Vendor management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Post-baccalaureate degree in law or related field

Job description

Posting Information

Department: Institutional Privacy Office-602500

Career Area: Information Technology

Posting Open Date: 10/22/2026

Application Deadline: 11/30/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Digital Technology Contracts Counsel

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number: 20048483

Vacancy ID: NF0010137

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours per week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $120,000 - $140,000

Proposed Start Date: 12/21/2026

Position Information

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world‑class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

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.

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.

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.
• Conduct legal research and provide 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.

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, 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.

Not Applicable.

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327414

Posting 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.

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.