SENIOR COUNSEL, DATA PROTECTION AND PROCUREMENT

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Position Base: Oakland

Location: UCOP - Franklin Building

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer Prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Legal - Office of General Counsel (OGC) delivers ethical, timely, efficient and high quality legal services to the University of California's ten campuses, five medical centers, and National Laboratories, as well as to the Board of Regents, the President, the Chancellors and other officers of the University. OGC's services include prosecuting and defending litigation, drafting and negotiating agreements, providing advice, counsel and interpretation of laws, regulations and policies, and assisting with development of effective compliance and risk mitigation strategies to facilitate the University's complex operations. The University is one of the leading academic research organizations in the world and is a leader among universities receiving research awards from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and other agencies. See http://research.universityofcalifornia.edu/impact/ for details. The University's academic medical centers form an $11.4 billion healthcare organization, operating premier quaternary medical centers throughout the State; its health sciences education system is the country's largest, with more than 14,000 students enrolled in 18 health professional schools and programs; and it is among the largest recipients of NIH research support in the United States. See http://health.universityofcalifornia.edu/ for details.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Managing Counsel, Health Affairs, Privacy, and Data Protection, the Senior Counsel advises UC Health, Office of the President, Faculty Senate, and campuses and Office of the President stakeholders on a broad range of cybersecurity, technology, procurement, privacy, and data protection matters. Provides legal support on UC Health procurement matters, as well as procurement matters pertaining to data privacy and data protection throughout the UC system. Provides legal support on cybersecurity/privacy incidents throughout the UC system and provides advice as needed to campus- and health-system based researchers, attorneys, compliance officers, research administrators, and other stakeholders on cybersecurity and technology matters; and provides legal support to UC CIOs and CISOs working on systemwide technology initiatives. By practicing UC Legal's established Values for Principles of Community, all team members are expected to promote and maintain a workplace that is collaborative, supportive, respectful of differences, and committed to fairness in all interactions, both within and outside the team.

Key Responsibilities

90% Client Service

• Advises on a broad range of contracts relating to procurement, including health procurement; cybersecurity; technology; privacy; and data protection.

• Advises on data security and privacy incidents.

• Advises on deployment and use of innovative technology throughout the University and by vendors.

• Advises University leaders with respect to the legal implications of establishing or changing policy.

• Understands the diverse needs and interests of various stakeholder groups; creates and fosters an environment to ensure collegiality and information sharing.

• Serves as a trusted strategic partner with University business units, providing practical advice.

• Interprets complex facts and the law in areas of high ambiguity. Contributes towards the success of initiatives by providing practical legal services and deliverables in a timely manner.

• Works with colleagues at the Office of the President or campus / medical center locations to develop and modify practices and procedures to conform with changing legal requirements. Keeps informed of changing legislation and case law developments affecting overall operations of the University as they relate to the area of responsibility.

• Directly negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents. May act as a liaison with outside counsel.

10% Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Independently and with minimal or no supervision advises clients across UC campuses, UC Health and the medical centers on critical issues including, but not limited to, procurement for UC Health, cybersecurity and privacy incident response and prevention.
• Works effectively to contain expenditures on legal services delivered by or through outside counsel.
• Anticipates and proactively addresses challenges arising from the diverse roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders.
• Handles all work flexibly, able to effectively juggle competing priorities and demands in an extremely busy practice.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a law firm, academic healthcare setting, or in-house for an academic institution, corporation, or other entity required.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• Understanding of applicable privacy, security and other laws, industry practices, and enforcement trends and strategies to manage the related risks.
• Experience in contract negotiation, particularly with respect to terms relating to cybersecurity, privacy, artificial intelligence, and/or procurement.
• Proven abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
• Trusted partner with senior management and a diverse spectrum of clients.
• Thorough understanding of complex legal issues within areas of the role and ability to foresee implications in a University setting, even when ambiguous or hidden.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, including proven ability to actively listen, negotiate, persuade, and educate and ability to discuss legal concepts with IT professionals and technical concepts with those without an IT background.
• Skills to gain trust and build credibility with a broad group of colleagues and clients, to include senior leaders.
• Strong written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular legal audience.
• In-depth research skills to draft accurate and complete legal documents.
• Proven decision-making ability, even when unpopular, earning credibility and support from colleagues.
• Relied on to represent institutional concerns persuasively to internal and external parties.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues.

• Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in advising on competitive bidding.
• Experience dealing with significant data breaches including investigation, remediation and notification.
• Experience with cybersecurity risk assessments and preparedness exercises.
• Ability to research legislation and readily identify critical changes.
• Skills in project management and facilitating policy review and changes.

Education
Advanced degree in related area required

Licenses and Certifications

• Must be in good standing in the California State Bar or admitted within one year of employment. CURRENT ADMISSION IS STRONGLY PREFERRED. California's Registered In-House Counsel program is NOT available to University of California attorneys.

Travel Requirements
Occasional travel from Oakland possible, if needed.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person hired will be required to reside within California and report to work on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA on a regular basis. Current policy requires that a new employee work on-site at least three days per week on Tuesday and Wednesdays ("anchor days"), plus one additional day. In exceptional circumstances, approved by the General Counsel, candidates residing in or willing to relocate to California may be considered for a fully remote work arrangement.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title: Counsel 3
Job Code: 000202
Salary Grade: Grade 27

Payscale: $185,000 - $210,000 annual, commensurate with experience

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is January 5, 2026. If needed, add: The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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