Description:

Mission: A Government Entity will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

Core Values:

We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in the pursuit of our main purpose, to improve outcomes for students.
We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain the most committed talent, representing the diversity of Texas, each contributing to our common vision for students.
We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on success and failure, and try new approaches in the pursuit of excellence for our students.
We are Servant Leaders: Above all else, we are public servants working to improve opportunities for students and provide support to those who serve them.

Position Overview: The Contracts and Procurement Attorney serves the agency on a team within the Office of General Counsel, providing legal counsel to the Texas Education Agency and supporting the agency's commitment to strong and efficient compliance with contracting and procurement processes, to provide best value to Texas taxpayers and to conform to best practices for state contracts. The Contracts and Procurement Attorney works closely with the Senior Counsel of Contracts and Procurement to provide legal support to the agency's Contracts and Purchasing Division and other agency divisions, by reviewing, drafting, revising and negotiating contractual provisions and researching applicable statutes, rules and regulations. The Contracts and Procurement Attorney also interprets executed contracts, advises TEA on contractual provisions and drafts amendments, as necessary. Additional roles and responsibilities may arise relating to vendor transactions, research, interpretation of intellectual property rights, legislative analysis and unique legal questions involving the Texas Education Agency.

Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Please note that a resume, tailored cover letter, and short answer responses are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Essential Functions:
Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

1. Performs legal work on agency solicitations and contracts and some legislative matters, interprets contractual rights, procurement policies and procedures, conflicts of interest, internal and external audit issues, contractor disputes and federal and state compliance matters.
2. Provides legal counsel to agency's Contracts and Purchasing Division and other agency divisions regarding the solicitation, evaluation, negotiation, and formation of contracts involving many types of goods and services.
3. Interprets executed contracts and advises TEA staff on TEA's rights and obligations.
4. Represents the agency during contract negotiations.
5. Performs legal work involving the agency's trademark and copyright matters.

Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and graduation from an accredited law school with a JD or LLB degree. Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. The selected candidate will be required to request a certificate of good standing from the State Bar of Texas and submit it to the agency.
Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of experience as an attorney; preferably including some involvement with contract formation and interpretation. Experience providing legal support to a Texas state agency on contracts and procurement issues is a plus.

Other Qualifications:

Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military.
Individuals in this role are required to take the Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) training within the first six (6) months of employment. Completing the tests and acquiring the corresponding certifications are optional.
Experience in intellectual property matters; experience with Creative Commons is a plus.
Provide sound legal counsel and recommendations to agency clients that help them make business decisions in the best interest of the agency and the State of Texas.
Effectively interpret and advise on policies, procedures, statutes, rules, and regulations.
Use negotiating strategies to seek outcomes that effectively represent the interests of the agency and are consistent with the best practices of the State of Texas.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels including agency management, direct supervisors, coworkers, internal clients, and external agency contacts.
Clearly and effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
Exercise courtesy, tact, professionalism, and diplomacy in all communications including the ability to use discretion when handling confidential information.
Work independently and as part of a team to contribute to a cohesive team environment.
Work under pressure to timely complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines.
Maintain strong attention to detail.
Ability to self-reflect and continuously improve and learn; adapt to unexpected tasks.