GENERAL COUNSEL, UNIVERSITIES RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
Notice of Vacancy 10/11/2022
Washington, D.C.
Job Description
Universities Research Association, Inc. (URA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation consisting of over 90 premier research-oriented universities. The corporation acts under the authority of its governing body, the Council of Presidents, and the business of the corporation is overseen by a Board of Trustees. URA shares the responsibility with the University of Chicago through the Fermi Research Alliance, LLC (FRA) as management and operating (M&O) contractor to the Department of Energy (DOE) for the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL). URA also is an integrated subcontractor of National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia (NTESS), the Honeywell-led team serving as the M&O contractor to DOE/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) for Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). URA corporate headquarters, located in downtown Washington DC, provides a small office environment and the opportunity to work as a member of a high-level team.
The General Counsel represents corporate management in its dealings with Government agencies, outside counsel as required, and URA subcontractors/suppliers. He/she provides advice and counsel to URA corporate management and staff to ensure that URA business activities are properly conducted. The position requires a strong background in Federal contracting and procurement law, with a minimum of 15 years of experience in the actual practice of law and at least 10 years of experience in federal law dealing with procurement/acquisition.
Incumbent will be a critical contributor to URA’s efforts to expand its business base, work with the executive team to evaluate new opportunities and in preparation of proposals in response to Government solicitations involving scientific research and development, the administration of prime contracts and subcontracts, drafting of legal instruments, and oversight of litigation and claims.
Candidates must be experienced in contract management and negotiation; have knowledge of and experience with the Federal Acquisition Regulation; be comfortable dealing with the interpretation of federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to URA and its activities; and have an understanding of government directives (e.g., DOE Orders), court and board decisions, and corporate leases and insurance policies.
Legal experience with DOE, including its acquisition regulations (DEAR) is highly desirable, as is experience with management and operating contracts, cooperative agreements, and procurement practices, policies, and regulations. Similar experience with other Federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation and NASA would also be useful.
The successful candidate must have a J.D. or L.L.B. degree from an ABA accredited law school and be a member in good standing of a bar of a State, a Territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
This position could be filled on a full-time or part-time basis depending on the candidate’s interest and corporate workload.
URA offers a fully competitive package of benefits. Salary is commensurate with background and experience. URA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Applications and nominations, including a resume and one-page cover letter should be submitted to recruiting@ura-hq.org