University Procurement Counsel

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a University Procurement Counsel to advise on procurement contracts and related matters. The role involves reviewing complex agreements, licenses, NDAs, and vendor arrangements to ensure state and university compliance.

You will educate campus teams on procurement law and work with F&O, OU C, and system partners to manage legal risk. The position requires a JD from an accredited school and NC licensure within one year.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in North Carolina, or eligible to become licensed within one year.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on procurement contracts and related transactions across University units.
• Review purchasing agreements, vendor relationships, NDAs, and licensing deals for compliance.
• Educate campus stakeholders on state laws, regulations, and University policies affecting procurement.
• Collaborate with Finance, Operations, and System Office to align contracting with risk mitigation.

Skills

Legal advisory

Procurement law

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Department:

Procurement and Strategic Ops-213600

Career Area :

Other

Posting Open Date:

09/23/2026

Application Deadline:

10/06/2026

Open Until Filled:

No

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title:

University Procurement Counsel

Appointment Type:

EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number:

20078659

Vacancy ID:

NF0010063

Full Time/Part Time:

Full-Time Permanent

FTE:

1

Hours per week:

40

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

Commensurate with experience

Proposed Start Date:

11/02/2026

Be a Tar Heel!:

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.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

Procurement and Strategic Operations oversees the University’s procurement processes and travel operations and designs and implements University-wide data driven strategic sourcing operation that is integrated with exceptional payment services.

Position Summary:

The University Procurement Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice regarding procurement-related matters for procurement contracts flowing through the Department of Purchasing Services. The position includes (i) advising on Finance & Operations ('F&O') procurement transactions as part of the F&O team under the supervision of Office of University Counsel ('OUC'), and (ii) serving as the unit counselor and for the F&O’s procurement office, ensuring updated compliance with all state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and University policy. University Procurement Counsel will review and advise on variety of matters, including purchasing agreements, independent contractor agreements, software licenses, NDAs, consulting agreements, authorized vendor relationships, equipment loans, template residential lease agreements, facilities use agreements, accounts payable policies, community collaborator agreements, executive search firm agreements, exhibition agreements, performance/speaker agreements, and certain ITS agreements.

Additional duties of the position include:

• Integration of legal expertise in educating, tracking, and coordinating legal advice regarding the management of all procurement-related transactions across various business units within the University;
• Increased volume and complexity of procurement contracts, beyond those limited to F&O, to include complex multi-party contracts; expanding information technology, health affairs, and research needs, including but not limited to contracts involving private industry, both nationally and internationally.
• Responsibility to educate and support all contracting units campus wide in areas such as contract and solicitation (e.g., RFP, RFI) development; clinical research and special contracts; process improvement, wherever possible, to identify high risk situations and work to mitigate risk; and to collaborate with University departments, the System Office, and other State agencies to create a centralized system to serve as a University resource to ensure compliance with applicable State law, administrative code, regulations, policies and procedures.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Licensed and in good standing to practice law in North Carolina, or able to become licensed in North Carolina within one year of joining the University.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

Strong background and knowledge of procurement and government contracting laws and regulations.
Experience working for a public agency or educational institution.
Ability to use effective approaches for choosing a course of action, developing appropriate solutions, and/or reaching conclusions.
Sufficient knowledge of client program, organization, and culture to provide appropriate advice and counsel.
Ability to develop plans to accomplish unit objectives and requirements.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.