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The Chief Contracts, Purchasing, Legal Affairs, and Risk Management Officer oversees the University’s purchasing, contract, and policy development review and maintenance process. The incumbent serves as the institution’s legal liaison and is responsible for the University’s risk management program, including training and development, the procurement of non-employee insurance (i.e. liability, cyber, property, automobile, equipment, travel), claims management, loss prevention programs, risk analysis, and Board of Adjustment matters.

Essential Duties

1. Develop, analyze, and review contract documents to ensure compliance with federal, and state laws and University policies and procedures and to ensure legal language is contained therein to protect the interest of the University and its agents.
2. Supervise the Purchasing department with its day-to-day operation and in the legal procurement of goods and services in accordance with State and Federal laws and University policy.
3. Recommend updates to, and the development of, University policies to include changes in existing policy and/or procedures when discrepancies or deficiencies are discovered; coordinate amendments to policies as necessary and ensure policies are drafted and presented to the University’s Board of Trustees for review and approval; ensures approved policy changes are communicated to the University community and posted to its website appropriately.
4. Serve as point-of-contact for legal matters and serve as the liaison with external legal counsel and inform University administration on the status of current and pending litigation. Advise University administration on a wide range of routine and non-routine legal, risk, and compliance matters, including federal and state regulatory compliance as well as areas that pertain specifically to the University’s business operation including but not limited to, financial, employment, and contract law.
5. Assess risk, determine necessary insurance coverage for property (real and inland marine) and business functions, liability coverage for Board, employees, and students; represent the University to the insurance market; negotiate and procure applicable coverage.
6. Review contracts with specific attention to insurance and indemnification language and make recommendations regarding risk-related revisions; prepare waivers/releases for risk management purposes. Supply certificates of coverage as applicable.
7. Investigate and manage all non-employment related claims made against the University with the State of Alabama Board of Adjustment as applicable.
8. Develop, administer, and monitor various training programs for University personnel as appropriate for the safe and effective operation of the institution. Conduct annual MVR reviews on all routine drivers.
9. Prepare and monitor departmental budget and unit plans as required.
10. Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of direct reports.
11. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive experience drafting and interpretation of contracts;
• Knowledge of competitive bid practices in government or public higher education environment;
• Proficient computer skills; advanced Excel skills; working knowledge of Banner systems;
• Ability to effectively explain and interpret contracts to management;
• Ability to interpret, apply, and enforce University policies and Federal and State laws;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Experience and Education
A Jurist Doctorate or similar advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
Education may not be substituted for experience of 3 years of contract development management, legal, or related experience.

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