Job Description:Duties and Responsibilities: The State University of New York System Administration, located in Albany, New York invites applications for a real estate and contracts counsel position within the Contracts Practice Group ("Contracts Counsel") in OGC. The position will be filled as an Assistant, Associate, or Senior Counsel depending on the applicant's relevant experience.
As a staff member of the Office of the General Counsel, the
Contracts Counsel will assume responsibilities to provide comprehensive legal services and guidance to the State University and its State-operated campuses on issues related to real estate, procurement, contracts, and business transactions.
Responsibilities for this role will focus on reviewing, negotiating, drafting, finalizing and assisting with obtaining regulatory approval for contracts for the organization, in particular:
- Real estate matters, including but not limited to leases (as both landlord and tenant), acquisition (through purchase or gift) , subordination, attornment, estoppels, lease surrender, lease renewals, lease amendments, early termination agreements; and short-term licensing agreements for use of SUNY Campus space; and
- Procurement and contract matters, including but not limited to, advising on solicitation document compliance, contract negotiations, responses to regulator audit questions; debriefings; bid protests and bid protest appeals; and handling emergency procurements.
Additional responsibilities include drafting and/or reviewing data use agreements; affiliation and partnership agreements; interagency Memoranda of Understanding ("MOU"), outside counsel contracts and related regulatory approvals; researching legal issues, statutory and regulatory interpretation; answering legal inquiries from SUNY System and campus clients; as well as handling University-wide matters, and other duties as assigned.
Requirements:Required Qualifications:- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited ABA law school, or foreign equivalent.
- Admission to the New York State Bar, or eligibility for admission within six months.
- The applicant must have a minimum of 2-3 years of legal practice or relevant legal experience prior to beginning the position to be considered for the Assistant Counsel title; a minimum of 3-5 years of legal practice or relevant experience to be considered for the Associate Counsel title; and a minimum of 5+ years of legal practice or relevant experience to be considered for the Senior Counsel title.
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience advising clients with complex contracts and real property issues, especially with governmental entities.
- Experience in complex case management.
- Superior written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical and legal research skills.
- Legal experience working in higher education and/or government law.
Additional Information: - Salary is dependent on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, training, and certifications.
- The range for an Assistant Counsel position is $92,000 - $112,000.
- The range for an Associate Counsel position is $115,000 - $135,000.
- The range for a Senior Counsel position is $122,000 - $150,000.
- Excellent Benefit Package which includes: NYS health insurance, free dental and vision coverage, competitive retirement options, tuition assistance, parental leave at full pay, and generous vacation, sick, and holiday time. 13 days of paid holidays per year; 21 days of vacation and 21 days of sick time accrued each year. Please see our Management/Confidential benefits summary for additional information.
- Management/Confidential appointments work under the leadership and discretion of the appointing authority and are not represented by a union.
- This position will be located in Albany or Buffalo, NY Limited telecommuting may be available. Some travel may be required depending on the needs of clients.
- Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and verification of degree(s) and credentials.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants with a valid driver's license are preferred.
SUNY System Administration BenefitsSUNY System Administration provides an outstanding and comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family through the many life changes you may experience while you work for SUNY. Our nationally recognized benefits include:
- Retirement: The choice between a fully funded pension plan and a self-driven defined contribution plan, along with two supplemental plans to increase your ability to save for retirement.
- Health Insurance: Several health insurance options at an affordable cost that provide full coverage without mandatory deductibles.
- Time Off: Paid time off with separate vacation and sick leave accruals up to 21 days a year for each category.
- Additional paid leave policy options for childbirth, adoption, elder care, and other family care situations.
Explore our full benefits offerings here: www.suny.edu/benefits
Application Instructions:Interested candidates are invited to apply online. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references when applying. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Bargaining Unit:
MC
*Faculty and/or Professional:
Professional
PRODIG+ Indicator:
Executive Position Indicator:
