University Procurement Counsel

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The University Procurement Counsel at UNC-Chapel Hill provides legal guidance on procurement contracts and related matters within the Department of Purchasing Services. The lawyer will review agreements, software licenses, NDAs, and vendor relationships to ensure compliance with state and federal law.

They will educate campus units, manage complex multi-party contracts, and collaborate with University departments to mitigate risk while supporting innovative procurement practices across the

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Active North Carolina bar membership or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• 0–2 years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on procurement contracts for the University.
• Educate and support contracting units campus-wide on contract and solicitation processes.
• Review complex multi-party contracts and IT/government contracts.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal laws, policies.

Skills

Procurement law knowledge

Government contracting laws

Contract negotiation

Public university experience

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Posting Information

• 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

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.

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.

• 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.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325824

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Rachel Traver, Human Resources Specialist

Department Contact Telephone or Email: [e-mail]

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.