THECB - Attorney IV

THECB is observing a hybrid telecommuting schedule with employees required to be in the office at least two (2) days per week.

We are located at the George Herbert Walker Bush building located in the capitol complex at 1801 Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78701.

General Description:
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is seeking an attorney to join its quest to change the future of Texas and Texans through the power of higher education. THECB provides leadership and coordination across Texas colleges and universities. As part of its mission, THECB collects and analyzes data to provide institutions of higher education with the tools to best serve their students. The agency uses financial resources and data-driven tools to drive improvement of individual student achievement and economic performance across the state.

This position reports to, and works closely with, the Assistant Commissioner for Contracts, Procurement, and Grants to provide superb legal counsel and work product to the Commissioner of Higher Education and THECB staff. Duties of this position will primarily include providing legal counsel for state procurements and drafting or reviewing contracts and grant agreements. Work may also include drafting proposed legislation, policies, and procedures, and interpreting statutes, case law, rules, and regulations. The successful candidate will have excellent attention to detail, be able to manage multiple deadlines on a tight timeframe and have a demonstrated record of success working on highly advanced (senior-level) matters with minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

General Duties and Responsibilities:
• Drafts, develops, reviews, and negotiates contracts and contractor proposals.
• Serves as legal counsel for agency solicitations or other procurements, including reviewing solicitations and providing legal advice as needed.
• Develops and updates contract and solicitation templates and additional contract forms/guidance, interprets contractual provisions, and provides advice on all facets of contract and grant (State and Federal) issues.
• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates Memoranda of Understanding and Interagency Contracts with other State agencies.
• Works closely with agency staff on all aspects of contracting and procurement.
• Coordinates with the Chief Privacy Officer to provide counsel on data privacy and data security for contracts.
• Provides advice and counsel to agency staff on legal matters and on the interpretation and application of agency policies and rules, and state and federal laws.
• Performs other work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of state government contract and procurement law, State and Federal grant law, and commercial laws.
• Knowledge of Texas procurement laws and rules and CPA Contract Management Guide.
• Knowledge of IT contracting and procurement requirements through the Department of Information Resources and the Shared Technology Services Program.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and rules governing the Higher Education Coordinating Board.
• Skill in legal research, legal and business writing, and analysis.
• Skill in using personal computers, general office software, databases, and online legal research services and software.
• Skill in negotiation.
• Skill in interpersonal communications.
• Ability to prepare legal documents, including legal briefs, pleadings, motions, administrative rules, proposed legislation, and contracts and grant agreements.
• Ability to conduct research, to interpret and apply laws, and to summarize findings.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects, tasks and priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internally and externally.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to obtain and maintain knowledge of all pertinent laws, rules, regulations, and procedures.

Military Crosswalk: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf

Required Minimum Education and Experience:
• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Six (6) years full-time experience as a licensed, practicing attorney.
• Two (2) years of experience serving as legal counsel reviewing competitive solicitations as well as drafting and reviewing/negotiating contracts/grant or a combination of contract transaction and contracts litigation experience.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications:
• License to practice law in the State of Texas and be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Preferred:
• Four (4) + years’ experience working in the areas of State government contract and procurement law and State and Federal grant law.
• Experience with contracting and procurement of IT services.
• Experience with contracting through the Department of Information Resources and the Shared Technology Services program.
• Experience in contract management.
• Knowledge of federal laws and regulations governing expenditure of federal grant funds.
• Experience negotiating licenses and working in the areas of copyright and trademark.
• Knowledge of data breach, data privacy, and state and federal confidentiality laws, including FERPA.
• Knowledge of higher education law.

Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a standard office environment and requires:
• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at work;
• Frequent use of personal computer, copiers, printers and telephones;
• Frequent sitting;
• Frequently works under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.
• If/when working from home, a strong, reliable internet connection and a dedicated workspace are required.

Workforce:
Must be able to:
• Demonstrate knowledge of customer service deliverables.
• Show flexibility and adaptability toward changes in assignments and work schedules, working extended hours, as necessary.
• Adhere to the organization’s internal management policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the agency’s performance measures and mission.
• Travel occasionally for work assignments (generally less than one percent of time).

Application Requirements:
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A State of Texas application is required to apply. For more information on how to apply for this position, go to the Coordinating Board’s employment opportunities website athttps://www.highered.texas.gov/about/human-resources/careers/

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board participates in E-Verify for each new employees’ Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For questions, please call the HR Department at 512-427-6190. For vocal and/or hearing assistance call 7-1-1.

Notes to Applicant:
If you require any reasonable accommodation for the interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls to schedule your interview. This position has been designated as a security sensitive position. A criminal background investigation will be conducted on the final candidate for this position.

Your job application must be completely filled out. Your application must contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer and a description of duties performed in a way that demonstrates you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes do not take the place of the requirement to include this information on the application. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete.

Veterans Information: THECB is committed to hiring Veterans. To receive Veteran’s Preference, a copy of the FORM DD214 -member #4, must be attached when submitting your application.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: THECB does not discriminate on the basis, of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

Job offer and continuation of employment with THECB is contingent upon:
• Proof of education and experience listed on the application.
• Eligibility/authorization to work in the U.S.
• Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Compliance with the Selective Service Law for males ages 18-25. Please be advised that under Texas law, names and other information concerning applicants or nominees may be subject to disclosure upon request.

THECB does not allow dual employment with other state of Texas agencies or institutions.

Skills assessment may be conducted at time of interview

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.