Senior University Transactions Counsel

Overview

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. 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.

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.

The Senior University Transactions Counsel will lead a dynamic and diverse team of transactional attorneys, overseeing a wide range of complex legal matters for the University. This attorney is responsible for managing a broad portfolio of commercial transactions. Prior experience in higher education, nonprofits, and/or with public procurement is highly valued.

• Supervising, managing, mentoring, and developing a team of transactional lawyers across specialized contractual practice areas.
• Advise senior University leaders, including the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, and the Provost on legal issues impacting University priorities, including matters related to information technology, AI, finance, development and fundraising, infrastructure, facilities, and real estate. Unit Counsel for the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations, the University Development Office, and endowment funding.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex agreements involving technology, data privacy, information security, digital education, finance, accounting, development and fundraising, business operations, capital improvements, construction, municipal law, land use and zoning, ITS infrastructure, parking and transportation, telecommunications, and energy services.
• Supporting entrepreneurial ventures, 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.
• Applicants should demonstrate substantial experience in at least two of the following: technology and data-related transactional work; development and fundraising agreements; public finance and business operations; healthcare and/or research; launching new business ventures and supporting innovation within a complex organizational environment.

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.

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.

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

Not Applicable.