Review Officer, Office University Counsel

The Office of the University Counsel at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks an individual to serve as a Contract Review Officer reporting to Deputy University Counsel, Matthew Connors. This full‑time position will review proposed agreements arising within the Office of the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Medical Center. University Counsel provides legal representation to the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia in all legal and regulatory matters and provides advice and counsel to the Board of Visitors, the President, executive officers, and other administrators, faculty, and staff in their official capacities.

University Counsel engages in the active preventative practice of law, helps facilitate the accomplishment of larger institutional objectives, and aggressively advocates the University’s position in all administrative, state and federal litigation, and/or closely monitors efforts of the Virginia Attorney General’s Office and appointed special counsel.

The ideal candidate will possess a demonstrated ability to recognize and weigh business and legal risks, think strategically, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and advance practical solutions. This candidate will have a deep knowledge and understanding of contracting processes, possess expertise in interpreting applicable policies, document complex contractual and non‑traditional business arrangements, and have a keen ability to effectively manage a high volume of time‑sensitive priority tasks across multiple stakeholder groups.

• Log and track each request for contract review from initial request to final approval.
• Review and analyze proposed agreements for compliance with applicable laws and University and Medical Center policies.
• Revise documents to ensure conformity with applicable laws, policies, and client needs, and negotiate with external parties when needed to achieve a satisfactory result.
• Address complex contract problems and provide resolutions for contract negotiations.
• Assist with the development of contract templates, alternative language for problematic clauses, and standard vendor service terms and conditions upon request.
• Interface with UVA Health, Medical Center, and department leadership to review and provide negotiation assistance for Medical Center procurement contracts (including purchasing agreements, information technology licenses, subscriptions and service agreements, non‑disclosure agreements, and data use agreements) and clinical and administrative services agreements with internal and external partners.
• Ensure that the terms of contractual agreements are written in language that is legally binding and in accordance with the desires of the client.
• Help UVA Health, Medical Center, and department leadership make informed decisions by providing insight into contractual terms and conditions, identifying potential risks associated with accepting contract language, and mitigating or otherwise addressing identified risks through use of the appropriate contractual risk allocation provisions.
• Work with a high degree of autonomy, including spotting common legal issues, and knowing when to consult an attorney in the Office of University Counsel for legal advice and guidance.
• Work with a high degree of autonomy, including spotting common operational and business issues, and knowing when to flag for staff in the Office of the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, UVA Health, Medical Center, or applicable department.
• Maintain knowledge of how to effectively use available legal research tools to achieve the required results.
• Assist with the development and enhancement of educational materials, resources and guidance documents or provide training to internal clients upon request.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience:
  
  Five years of grant and contract experience. Four additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of degree. Extensive experience negotiating complex agreements is strongly preferred.
• Licensure:
  Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification is preferred.

• Knowledge of the law related to…