Job Overview

The Office of the General Counsel supports the dynamic educational environment of the University of Cincinnati by providing legal advice to all areas of operation, instruction, research, and administration at the University.

Reporting to the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel or her designee, this position assists Office of General Counsel attorneys and other staff with providing, managing and coordinating high‐quality legal services to the University on multiple unrelated matters rapidly, accurately, and effectively in a high‐volume, fast paced environment consistent with the expectations of the General Counsel or her designee, University stakeholders, and the Ohio Attorney General.
 

Among other duties necessary to assist the Office of General Counsel attorneys and staff, the position will have responsibility for the following: general contract review process, to include acting as a point of contact for issues related to the University’s contract management system or contracting questions, providing in-depth legal review of contracts, tracking Office and University metrics for contract processing times, and coordinating with other University departments who have contacted the Office of General Counsel to inquire about submitted contracts; assisting multiple attorneys with review and coordination of clinical research contracts and associated documents in support of the Office of Research and the College of Medicine’s Clinical Research Office; and assisting with responding to document requests and/or public records requests.

The position requires the utmost professionalism and discretion, including effectively communicating, working cooperatively and interacting comfortably with a diverse community and with multiple constituencies including administrators, staff, faculty, students, trustees, external professionals and vendors. The successful candidate will have strong oral and written communications skills, excellent organizational skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to execute directives from the General Counsel or Office of General Counsel attorneys promptly, accurately, with clarity, and with a positive attitude.

Essential Functions

• Receive contracts for compliance with university policies, procedure and practices; analyze, review and negotiate proposed contract language where appropriate and secure necessary approvals of proposed changes; prepare for attorney review and final signature by appropriate, authorized person; route for signature. 
• Review and coordinate clinical research contracts and associated documents in support of the Office of Research. 
• Assist with responding to document requests and/or public records requests. 
• Subject matter expert in Office of General Counsel’s use and support of the University’s contract management system; Office point of contact for University department and third-party contracting system and contract-processing questions.
• Maintain accurate computerized filing and logging systems documenting all contract activity and generate reports as needed.
• Assist the attorneys in the fulfillment of their duties. Must consistently display positive attitudes and behaviors, which demonstrate an awareness of and willingness to respond to needs of others in the Office and the University in a professional and helpful way.
• Provide in-person general office support as needed in the Office, including but not limited to being responsible for opening and closing the Office, answering Office telephone, opening mail and directing to appropriate personnel, working with UC facilities to ensure the Office is maintained, and providing administrative support to Office and University personnel with a customer service -oriented approach.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the University’s policies, procedures, and practices, as relevant to their assigned areas of responsibility.
• Communicate, cooperate, and interact comfortably with a diverse community and multiple constituencies, including senior administrators, staff, faculty, students, trustees, external professionals and vendors in a manner that demonstrates regard for and commitment to principals of diversity, equity and inclusion. 
• Work effectively and efficiently as a team‐player in a high‐pressure environment and respond quickly and appropriately to emergency situations.
• Exercise excellent judgment and attention to detail, act with the highest degree of honesty and integrity, and demonstrate the utmost discretion at all times.
• Assist with special projects within the Office of General Counsel; including, but not limited to litigation.
• Perform other duties as assigned and perform other related duties based on departmental need.

Required Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Twelve (12) years of relevant work experience and/or specialized training can be used in lieu of the education requirement.

Required Experience

• Six (6) years of experience with a law firm, corporation, government entity, or university as a paralegal, contract administrator, or other legal professional.
• Highly organized with a strong attention to detail.
• Applicant must have excellent judgment and professionalism. Applicant must be able to handle sensitive information with discretion and utmost confidentiality.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Applicant must be able to communicate with individuals at various levels.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel.
• Ability to handle high‐volume work load.
• Strong work ethic with a collaborative, team‐like approach, and sense of humor.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Experience reviewing contracts and using a contract management system.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment