~THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE STATE HUMAN RESOURCES ACT (EPA) per GS 115D-3~

The North Carolina Community College System (System Office) is a statewide network of 58 public community colleges. The system enrolls over 500,000 students annually. It is the 3rd largest in the nation based on the number of colleges. It also provides data to the North Carolina Learning Object Repository by collecting, contributing, and sharing digital learning resources for use in traditional or distance learning environments. The mission of the North Carolina Community College System is to open the door to high-quality, accessible educational opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success, develop a global, multicultural, and competent workforce, and improve the lives and wellbeing of N.C. citizens. To learn more about the NC Community College System Office and the Great 58 visit our website  About Us | NC Community Colleges

NC Community Colleges System Office has an opening for a Associate Legal Counsel, in the Legal Affairs Section of the Executive Division. The recruitment range: $70,000 – $77,000.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:   This position will report to the NCCCS General Counsel and will have primary responsibility for editing contracts, drafting contracts, and engaging in contract negotiation with third parties on behalf of the General Counsel. This position will also provide legal advice and guidance to patrons of the Legal Affairs Office seeking assistance with System Office, State Board of Community Colleges, and Foundation contracts. This position will provide legal expertise to subject matter experts in the development of State procurement documents, including Requests for Proposals, Requests for Quotes, and Invitations for Bids. This position will develop training documents and provide training on contract issues, intellectual property issues, and other legal issues as assigned.

This position will also be responsible for assisting the General Counsel of the NC Community College System in providing legal advice to community college stakeholders. This position is responsible for providing legal assistance, consultative services, and interpretations pursuant to the North Carolina General Statutes (primarily Chapter 115D), the State Board of Community Colleges Code (SBCC Code), multiple federal statutes, and regulations. In addition to contract negotiation, this position does legal research and writing as requested.  The position also assists the General Counsel in maintaining and updating the contract database, accurately preparing, and filing SBCC Code rules; researching and collecting information as requested; and meticulously reviewing contracts to assure adherence to applicable federal and state laws and SBCC Code regulations.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/AND ABILITIES: Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of administrative law. • Thorough knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the programmatic or administrative areas to which the position is assigned. • Thorough knowledge of the programmatic principles and/or technical concepts, procedures and terminologies related to the area to which the position is assigned. • Ability to interpret laws, rules, regulations, and court decisions. • Ability to analyze facts, evidence, and legal documents. • Ability to express legal interpretations or conclusions of law clearly and logically in oral and written form. • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the public and other persons contacted in the course of work.

MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES:  The General Counsel prefers the following: that the person in this position 1) has at least two years of legal experience editing and negotiating contracts on behalf of a State educational agency or other educational entity in North Carolina; 2) has at least two years’ experience conducting legal research on the state and federal level; 3) has an ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources efficiently; 4) is detail oriented; and 5) possesses high standards of professionalism.