DOC Senior Procurement Counsel

State of Illinois

Chicago (IL)

Hybrid

USD 112,000 - 134,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Health, vision & dental insurance

Pension program

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Corrections seeks a Senior Procurement Counsel to lead technical legal work in procurement, policies, and procedures. The role involves advising on statutes, drafting analyses, and guiding procurement programs with strong interpersonal skills.

Preferred candidates hold a law license in Illinois and have public procurement experience, contract drafting, and negotiation skills. This is a hybrid position with travel and overtime as needed.

Qualifications

Requires a law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
Requires licensure to practice law in the State of Illinois.
Experience in procurement and public contracting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Directs technical legal work in Procurement and related policy/regulatory matters.
Provides advice and analysis on statutes and regulations governing Procurement programs.
Performs duties within the scope of Senior Procurement Counsel and supports policy development.
Travel possible; overtime may be required as needed.

Skills

Procurement law

Legal research

Contract negotiations

Public sector experience

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Corrections is seeking to hire an individual who will serve as Senior Procurement Counsel. This individual will conduct and direct technical specialized legal work in the area of Procurement and provide advice and analysis regarding statutes and legislation pertaining to Procurement programs, policies, and procedures. The ideal candidate would be a self‑motivated, task‑oriented, organized individual with strong interpersonal skills. We are looking for an energetic candidate looking to be an integral part of the Team. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Essential Functions

Subject to administrative approval serves as Senior Procurement Counsel.
Conducts and directs technical and specialized legal work in the areas of Procurement and related policy/regulatory matters, often highly sensitive and controversial.
Provides advice and analysis regarding various statutes and legislation pertaining to Procurement programs, policies, and procedures.
Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience performing legal work in a public or business organization.
Requires a law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
Requires the possession of a license to practice law in the State of Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications

Prefers at least two (2) years of professional experience in public procurement.
Prefers at least four (4) years of professional experience drafting contracts and conducting contract negotiations.
Prefers at least four (4) years of professional experience in legal research and writing.

Conditions of Employment

Requires possession of a current, active license to practice law in the State of Illinois.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last‑minute overtime.
Requires use of agency‑supplied equipment (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, etc.).
Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5‑45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non‑State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non‑State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A‑101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15‑09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
Required to utilize digital technology, tools, platforms, and processes in managing and supporting various digital enhancements for greater efficiency, productivity, and digital transformation efforts within the department.
Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer.
The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Revolving Door

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5‑45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non‑State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non‑State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.

Statement of Economic Interests

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A‑101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15‑09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

About the agency

The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training. We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency’s success. IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel valued, respected, and included. Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, but not limited to, racism, ageism, ableism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression. The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in behavior of individuals in custody, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization.

Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off; and pre‑tax benefit programs. The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Benefits

As a IDOC employee, you are entitled to a robust benefits package that includes:

Flexible work schedules in some program areas (flexible time and hybrid options)
Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
Pension Plan – vesting at 10 years for Tier II
Full 20-year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement
Deferred compensation and other pre‑tax benefits programs
Paid state holidays 13‑14 days annually
3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)

10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)

Personal, sick, and vacation rates modified for 12-hour work schedules. (As applicable.)

Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses: