The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Assistant General Counsel- Contract Services to join our team. Performs administrative, fiscal and supervisory duties for Contracts Department. Directs the contracts function for The Harris Center and responsible for all contracts needed by the Agency including: tangible goods, professional/provider services, IT software & equipment, construction, and real estate. Coordinates all aspects of Agency real estate transactions including acquisitions, property sales, & leases. Leads team projects that promote cross-functional participation regarding contract issues, proposal & process improvement objectives. Provides advice & counsel regarding contractual issues & the impact on Agency programs & policies. Directs the development, coordination, negotiation & administration of The Harris Center's contracts. Develops & implements processes that drive best value and streamline administrative contract compliance. Develops negotiation positions on terms, conditions & pricing. Performs risk analysis for suitable contract type & provisions. Presents contract summaries to the Board of Trustees for approval. Reviews new laws passed by Federal, State & local governments, & advises Management of their impact to the Agency. Assists in other legal matters at discretion of the General Counsel.

What you will do:

• Directs and monitors all contract activities; manages & supervises staff of the Contracts Department; responsible for development & monitoring of the Department's budget; coordinates & monitors the annual process of evaluating and reviewing contracts for application toward budget development.
• Coordinates the preparation of contract reports for Board of Trustees, Executive Staff & Department Directors; presents these reports to the Board of Trustees.
• Develops & negotiates contract terms and conditions for revenue & expense contracts; drafts complex contracts, and establishes boilerplates for standard contract actions.
• Provides support to Division end users regarding contract issues that impact their operations; meets weekly with General Counsel to discuss contract & other legal issues.
• Provides periodic reports to Management & Board of Trustees that identify contract performance, finance & administrative status.
• Performs research on requests & proactively ensures the Agency is kept current with new laws passed by Federal, State & local governments.
• Lead team projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned which are within the area of knowledge & skills required by this job description; exhibits flexibility to meet changing Agency needs

What qualifications you will need:

Education:

• Jurisprudence degree (J.D.) or equivalent
• Licensed by State of Texas

Experience:

• 7 years' experience in contract law
• Experience in negotiations
• 4 years of Management experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of contract terms & conditions, and ability to draft complex contracts.
• Knowledge of real estate law, transactions and process.
• Knowledge of Federal & State regulations/laws.
• Knowledge of contracts both drafting & principles.
• Proven ability to communicate ideas & knowledge to others, to initiate discussion & identify problem areas and participate in the problem-solving process.
• Application of reasoning skills & judgment that offer solutions with greatest impact at lowest risk.
• Track record of successfully facilitating cross-business, cross-functional teams.
• Ability to effectively lead & perform in a team environment.
• Willing and available to work irregular hours.
• Ability to work in stressful situations & handle multiple tasks

What we have to offer:

The HARRIS CENTER offers competitive salary, excellent benefits package, retirement plans with company matching, prior service credit towards generous PTO accrual, outstanding wellness programs and professional development.

Employees can also take advantage of business casual dress code, corporate discounts, and gym memberships. New hire referral bonus, discounts are also available on an optional basis. These include mobile phone service, fitness centers and other wellness amenities.

What else you should know:

• This posting is associated with position #1084

About us:

The HARRIS CENTER is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The HARRIS CENTER provided care to over 79,000 people in fiscal year 2019 and has an annual budget of over $275 million.

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The HARRIS CENTER provides a full continuum of services at 86 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 42 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the most diverse and multi-cultural communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,300 employees, The HARRIS CENTER is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.