Deputy General Counsel

(Hiring salary will be based on experience, credentials, pay equity, and statewide rules.)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned legal professional to take on a strategic role in the legal operations of Georgia’s central procurement agency. If you possess the required experience and leadership qualities, we invite you to apply to help us ensure efficient, transparent, and compliant procurement processes across the state of Georgia. As a pivotal leader within our legal team, the Deputy General Counsel plays a crucial role in shaping and overseeing our organization's legal strategies and operations with a focus on supporting the State Purchasing Division. This leadership position demands a profound understanding of diverse legal disciplines, including contracts law and negotiation, public procurement law, regulatory compliance, and Georgia open records law, among others. The position will work closely with strategic thinking, and the ability to exercise sound judgement and decision making in a fast-paced environment. the General Counsel to provide sound legal advice, implement best practices, and mitigate risks while upholding the highest ethical standards. Additionally, the Deputy General Counsel will serve as a trusted advisor to senior management while ensuring that state business objectives align with relevant legal requirements and foster a culture of transparency and accountability. The role requires exceptional analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to exercise sound judgement and decision making in a fast-paced environment.

Job Responsibilities:

·         Provide legal advice and support to senior management and various divisions within DOAS

·         Supervise, mentor, and support junior attorneys and other legal staff including the open records officer, fostering professional development and strong team collaboration

·         Offer legal support to the state’s centralized procurement functions, including the development and implementation of state procurement policies and procedures

·         Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts and agreements for goods, services, and technology

·         Oversee and manage the agency open records process and staff to ensure compliance with the Georgia Open Records Act and related laws

·         Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, particularly those relating to procurement and contracting

·         Develop and implement proactive legal strategies to minimize risk

·         Collaborate with external counsel, regulatory bodies, and other relevant entities to ensure legal compliance and resolve complex legal issues

·         Conduct legal research and analysis to support informed decision-making and guide policy implementation

·         Preparation of legal documents, memorandum, policies, and procedures

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

·         Juris Doctor (JD) Degree from accredited law school

·         Active member in good standing with the Georgia State Bar

·         Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities

·         Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment

·         Experience managing a team of legal professionals

·         Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with attention to detail and ability to prioritize effectively

·         Proven experience with complex contract drafting, negotiation, and procurement-related legal matters.

·         Familiarity with state-specific regulations, including Georgia procurement laws

·         Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal issues clearly and effectively to non-legal audiences

·         Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders at all levels of the organization

·         High ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism

·         Proficiency in legal research tools and contract management software

This position may require occasional travel.

Completion of a pre-employment background check is required.

DOAS participates in a hybrid work environment and

Telework is encouraged with some days in the office required.

MINIMUM ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS: 

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and licensed to practice law in Georgia, and which includes eight (8) years in a managerial role in job-related legal experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess one or more of the following items below.  PLEASE CLEARLY INDICATE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THESE QUALIFICATIONS ON YOUR RESUME.   

·         Experience in government procurement, particularly in the State of Georgia

·         Experience in complex contract drafting and negotiation, especially in the public sector

·         Experience working with or advising state agencies or large public sector organizations

Minimum of 6 years of relevant legal experience, particularly in public procurement law or government contracting

Applications accepted at Team Georgia Careers 

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or email.  Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by the hiring agency.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

DOAS is an equal opportunity employer

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications.  Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated experience clearly indicated in their work history.