Associate University Counsel

The Office of University Counsel represents the University, which entails providing legal advice and counsel to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, the administration, faculty, and staff on legal matters involving or affecting the institution. We advise the University administration on a broad range of initiatives, issues, and policy matters, and serve as a liaison between the University and its related and affiliated entities on legal and policy issues. We also assist with program implementation and provide legal and policy training for internal University audiences and educational programs for legal audiences and general audiences outside the institution on matters affecting the University and higher education in general. We engage in crisis and opportunity management and preventative counseling, including the identification of high risk activities and enterprises conducted by the University and the articulation of methodologies or strategies for coping with the risks. Our Office is responsible for selecting and supervising any outside counsel engaged by the institution. In all of our work, we are committed to understanding the goals and upholding the values of Carolina’s diverse campus community.

Position Summary:

INTERNAL ONLY: Internal posting for permanent and SHRA time-limited employees of UNC-Chapel Hill only.

The Associate University Counsel is responsible for managing a broad portfolio of commercial transactions. Prior experience in higher education, nonprofits, and/or with public procurement is highly valued.
Key responsibilities include:

• Advising a variety of University stakeholders on legal issues impacting University priorities, which may include matters related to revenue generation, athletics, development and fundraising, infrastructure, facilities use, and on-campus special events, filming, and production.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex agreements that may involve technology, data privacy, information security, intellectual property, development and fundraising, business operations, capital improvements, construction, ITS infrastructure, parking and transportation, telecommunications, and energy services.
• Supporting entrepreneurial ventures, the University’s arts and cultural initiatives, financial and business initiatives, and service agreements across all University units and affiliates.
• Collaborating closely with colleagues in the Office of University Counsel, especially those focusing on procurement, development and gift planning, associated entities, and business transactions.
• Mentoring postdoctoral legal fellows and junior attorneys in the Office of University Counsel and providing training on contract processes to campus departments, as needed or appropriate.

Applicants should demonstrate substantial experience in at least two of the following:

• Technology and data-related transactional work.
• Development and fundraising agreements.
• Athletics.
• Healthcare and/or research.
• Launching new business ventures and/or supporting innovation within a complex organizational environment.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

This position requires a law degree from an accredited school and North Carolina bar membership or the ability to become a member within one year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

A minimum of five years working as an attorney in a higher education setting on transactional matters.