Description:

Posting Number 347

Essential Function:
Assist the General Counsel in providing legal advice and representation to the State Regents and the Chancellor; and provide legal advice and representation, under the direct supervision of the General Counsel, to all divisions of the agency.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Provide legal advice and representation as stated in the Essential Function section of this document.
Advise agency staff having responsibility for financial assistance programs, including, but not limited to, Oklahoma's Promise, Inspired to Teach, the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Program, the Oklahoma Rising Scholars Award Program, and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program.
Serve as alternate Rules Liaison and Attestation Officer to the Oklahoma Office of Administrative Rules, review and assist agency staff in drafting administrative rules and, as needed, coordinate agency rulemaking and participate in ok.gov electronic filing of agency rules.
Review and assist agency staff in drafting agency policies and procedures.
Advise agency staff having responsibility for the Oklahoma College Assistance Program (OCAP).
Review and ensure that all agency contracts, including contracts for OneNet and OCAP, meet legal requirements. Confer with staff concerning contract language, drafting, negotiation of terms and conditions, and purchasing policy.
Serve as designated Privacy Officer for all OSRHE divisions, including OCAP and OneNet, to meet security requirements of the U.S. Department of Education including remaining current on relevant privacy laws and attending training, as needed or as required, by the U.S. Department of Education through its office of Federal Student Aid (FSA).
Cooperate and coordinate with the Purchasing Department to complete the purchasing process including consulting with the Purchasing Department on account compromises, contracting disputes, bid protests, interpreting relevant statutes and regulations and reviewing RFP's, ITB's and contract renewals as required.
Collaborate with OSRHE grant writers, federal entities and state entities to research and advise on grant related contracts, legal issues and compliance. Participate in the grant review and routing process.
Assist outside counsel in those matters in which outside counsel is representing the agency, as needed.
Provide counsel to and assist the Oklahoma Community Anchor Network (OCAN) and OneNet staff in complying with grant requirements, reviewing agreements necessary in the development and management of the network assets including, but not limited to, indefeasible right to use agreements, connectivity service agreements, contracts, and interagency agreements. Provide assistance with sustainability planning to ensure a consistent cash flow to fund network maintenance and future expansion for state economic development and institutional broadband needs.
Provide counsel to management and staff across all OSRHE divisions, including OneNet and OCAP, in its agreements and contracts with other State agencies, private contractors, institutions of higher education, internet service providers, equipment provisioning and purchasing and software purchases, drafting and negotiating statewide purchasing contracts for the benefit of state educational institutions, and others in the expansion and management of the network assets. Provide legal review of uniform license agreements, service agreements and terms of use for hardware and software purchases.
Provide counsel, in conjunction with the General Counsel, to the State Higher Education Chief Information Officer.
Provide assistance and counsel to the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee to the OSRHE, including performing institutional policy and training reviews, drafting reports and recommendations, and other Committee-related duties as assigned by the General Counsel.
Serve as designated Title VI coordinator for the state system of higher education.
Other similar duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Attorney licensed to practice in Oklahoma, with minimum of five (5) years of experience. Must be a detail-oriented person with a strong academic record and good research, advisory, judgment, writing and oral presentation skills. An ability to effectively communicate and professionally interact with agency staff, higher education institutions, and state and federal agencies, is essential. An ability to approach situations analytically, to spot creative solutions and to provide legal options. Some travel is required.

Preferred Qualifications:
General knowledge of information technology and experience working with IT related vendors. Expertise and experience regarding contracts, administrative rulemaking, privacy, and free speech issues preferred. Experience working in or with a government agency, committee or task force is also preferred. Some leadership experience is desirable. Knowledge of higher education law and student financial assistance programs; telecommunications regulation, including FCC and Universal Service Fund requirements; FERPA, HIPAA, data governance, and data-sharing agreements; the Oklahoma Open Records Act, Open Meeting Act, and records retention requirements; state ethics laws; and federal and state grant compliance is also desirable.

Supervision:

The employee performs work under the supervision of the General Counsel.
Work Hours Agency offices are open to the public from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Friday. These are the normal office hours for Agency employees.

Physical Demands:
Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time. Ability to operate a computer, keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator and other office equipment. Ability to use a computer screen and printed material, to communicate clearly, physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds, and to perform tasks that may require bending, stooping, and reaching. Must use the proper method to manually handle equipment, including but not limited to dollies, carts, and lift team members. Duties are normally performed in an office environment with a moderate noise level.

Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer.