Senior Contracts Counsel — Public Sector Procurement

Port of Portland; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

The Port of Portland is seeking an Assistant General Counsel to partner with our Legal Department on contracts and procurement activities that drive regional progress. You will draft, negotiate, and advise on complex agreements spanning construction, professional services, goods and services, and technology within a public agency framework.

You will lead cross‑functional initiatives, improve contracting processes, and provide practical legal counsel to senior leaders while ensuring compliance

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible legal experience.
• 5+ years of leadership, supervisory, and advisory experience.
• Experience with complex contracting and procurement, including construction, professional services, goods and services, technology, or other commercial‑style agreements, strongly preferred.
• Expertise in legal operations and innovation, contract lifecycle management and process improvement preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior‑level legal counsel throughout the procurement process, including sourcing, solicitation strategy, RFPs, awards, protests, and contract administration.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex agreements across construction, professional services, goods and services, technology, licensing, and intergovernmental contracting.
• Develop practical legal strategies that balance risk, operational needs, and organizational goals.
• Advise business leaders and senior executives on complex legal issues, risk assessments, legal interpretations, and organizational recommendations.
• Lead special legal initiatives and cross‑functional projects requiring senior‑level legal judgment.
• Provide legal guidance on public agency requirements, policies, and other matters affecting Port operations.
• Support the Deputy General Counsel in improving legal workflows, technology, playbooks, policies, and other tools that strengthen how the Legal Department serves the Port.
• Lead departmental and cross‑functional initiatives, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Communication

Leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Problem solving

Education

JD, accredited law school

Job description

The Port of Portland is seeking an Assistant General Counsel to partner with our Legal Department on contracts and procurement activities that drive regional progress. You will draft, negotiate, and advise on complex agreements spanning construction, professional services, goods and services, and technology within a public agency framework.

You will lead cross‑functional initiatives, improve contracting processes, and provide practical legal counsel to senior leaders while ensuring compliance