GENERAL SUMMARY
Chapin Hall is an independent policy research center at the University of Chicago that provides public and private decision-makers with rigorous research and achievable solutions to support them in improving the lives of children, families, and communities. Chapin Hall partners with policymakers, practitioners, and philanthropists at the forefront of research and policy development by applying a unique blend of scientific research, real-world experience, and policy expertise to construct actionable information, practical tools, and, ultimately, positive change for children, youth, and families. Chapin Hall’s unwavering partnership mindset is also demonstrated in its commitment to employees by fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment, at all times, that is committed to reflecting diversity and inclusion in its culture, projects, and workforce. Established in 1985, Chapin Hall's areas of research include child welfare systems, community capacity to support children and families, and youth homelessness. For more information about Chapin Hall, visit www.chapinhall.org or @Chapin_Hall. Also, take a moment and view this video clip from various staff regarding why they enjoy working at Chapin Hall.
Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago is seeking a Counsel – Contracts & Compliance. This highly motivated individual will direct and manage organizational policies and extensive legal activities ranging from contracts for research and policy initiatives taking place across the country to its corporate governance and compliance programs. Also, this role will be responsible for providing legal support to the organization, including extensive work with the organization’s research and operational contracts, including drafting and negotiating agreements. This position will track all contractual obligations, risks and commitments, and work with applicable personnel to ensure full performance and execution.
In addition, the Counsel – Contracts & Compliance is responsible for leading routine corporate governance and compliance, ensuring Chapin Hall’s operations are aligned with all applicable federal and state laws, and other program requirements that affect the activities of the organization and its Board. This role will work closely with leadership across the organization, including the directors of Development, Financial Operations, Human Resources, Research, and Research Technology, as well as the Executive Director, Chief of Staff, and Principal Investigators.
The position will report to the Chief of Staff, Elizabeth Dierksheide, and be located at 1313 East 60th St., Chicago, IL.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The primary responsibilities of the position are as follows:
• Works cooperatively and strategically with leadership and Principal Investigators to negotiate and draft a wide range of contracts including, but not limited to, service agreements
(subcontracts, sub-awards, consultants), confidentiality agreements, and data sharing agreements with clients, vendors, and suppliers that underpin the organization’s research and policy activities, as well as other business activities;
• Serves as the primary contact for questions related to contract terms and conditions; corresponds regularly with project sponsors, partners and stakeholders; addresses legal issues in a variety of contract areas as they arise;
• Works strategically with the Directors of Research Technology and the Office of Research regarding the organization’s data holdings, including drafting, managing data sharing agreements and providing guidance regarding data privacy and security matters;
• Participates as a member of and works cooperatively with the Data Governance Committee (DGC) and the Office of the Director of Research to ensure that data sharing agreements, contracts, and other legal documents are aligned with organizational policies and procedures and ethical standards, and vice versa; the tracking of contracts; and timely renewal of contracts;
• Leads internal Policies Committee and its associated subcommittees which review, develop and maintain key organizational policies. Works cooperatively and strategically with Executive Office and Administrative Leaders to regularly review a wide variety of organizational policies and procedures, and specifically with the Human Resources Department regarding policies and procedures relating to personnel matters;
• Provides counsel and support related to corporate governance and compliance matters, including conflicts of interest (in consultation with the Board of Directors), as well as compliance with non-profit regulations across various areas;
• Conducts research related to state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations as well as regulatory compliance requirements impacting the organization; makes recommendations and communicates relevant implications to leadership and applicable departments/staff;
• Leads procurement processes and policy for the organization which includes ensuring policy is up to date with Federal Regulations, reviewing procurement requests, terms and conditions, and purchase orders, as well as requesting quotes and proposals;
• Leads the annual renewal and procurement of organizational insurance policies, including procurement of insurance certificates for events and project activities;
• Oversees the implementation and maintenance of the Contracts Management software that offers complete contract lifecycle management in a central repository;
• Ensures that the company’s licenses and state registrations are in good standing;
• Manages and supervises the Compliance Administrator role ensuring timely guidance, coaching, and adherence to annual talent management processes;
• Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
A Juris Doctor from an accredited institution with a record of strong academic achievement and an active license to practice law in the State of Illinois required
Experience and Other Qualifications
• Minimum of five (5) years of general business law and an understanding of not-for-profit structure required
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills, including experience in contract drafting and negotiation; experience negotiating ownership and intellectual property clauses
• Experience working with data security and an understanding of HIPAA and FERPA data privacy protections; knowledge of Conflict of Interest policies and procedures preferred
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and work independently; strong customer service and problem-solving orientation as well as a willingness to take initiative to solve new/existing issues
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong experience in communicating and interacting effectively with clients, partnership, outside counsel, and all levels of staff
• Excellent organizational, planning, and follow-through skills; ability to work necessary hours in a high workflow deadline driven environment; and attention to detail
• Experience working with local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing public procurement and contract administration processes, such as Uniform Administrative Guidelines and Federal Acquisition Regulations, risk assessment, and internal monitoring preferred.
• Experience working in a research and policy center, institute of higher education, or non-profit corporation preferred
• Supervisory experience preferred
MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Chapin Hall is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our staff. We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and follow the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During this time all travel is suspended.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to operate a computer extensively for four (4) or more hours per day.
• Must be able to travel locally and nationally, when safe and appropriate
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Pre-employment background checks are required for all Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago positions.
To express interest in this opening, please visit https://csschcc.sentrichr.com.
Formal expressions of interest are accepted online only.
A cover letter, resume, writing
sample, and reference contact information are required to be considered for this position.
Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations to complete the application process should contact Human Resources by calling (773) 256-5157, or by sending an email to .
Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that values and actively seeks diversity in its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, status as an individual with disability, ancestry, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
