Legal Affairs & Compliance Officer

Description

Columbia Basin College (CBC) is committed to our vision to be the educational home that transforms students' lives through economic and social mobility. We are one of eight Hispanic-Serving Institutions in Washington state with Hispanic students representing just under half of our student population. As such, CBC is committed to discovering and enacting innovative ways to intentionally serve Hispanic students while serving all. We center equity in all that we do and seek to attract and retain engaged individuals committed to helping all students be successful in accomplishing their goals.

The Legal Affairs & Compliance Officer is responsible for assisting in a wide variety of College legal affairs, including contract management, policy review and development, and public records oversight. The Legal Affairs & Compliance Officer will work in continual support of maintaining compliance with all federal and state law and requirements, as well as College policies and procedures.

This position reports to the Vice President for Human Resources & Legal Affairs.

This position is open until filled, priority consideration will be given to complete applications received by July 11 , 2024 at 11:59 PM PST . The College will conduct initial interviews with selected candidates via Zoom and will conduct on-campus interviews with finalists.

If you have questions or need assistance during the application or search process, please contact the recruiter for this position, Ashley Jordan at ajordan@columbiabasin.edu or (509) 542-4567.

Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with all College departments to assist in the coordination, negotiation, review, and execution of contracts and grants, ensuring compliance with legal and institutional standards before final approval;
• Provide guidance on procurement rules and regulations to Administrative Services employees; draft, review, and advise on agreements and contracts with other entities, including other colleges, agencies, and municipalities;
• Assist in overseeing contract performance to ensure compliance with key terms; support team members in identifying and addressing areas of non-compliance;
• Draft and review College policies to align with the College’s Mission, Vision, and Values, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations; provide policy guidance to employees;
• Conduct or support internal audits of College policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance with applicable legal standards; identify potential risks and recommend improvements;
• Support data governance and public records policies and procedures, ensuring institutional information used ethically and maintained in compliance with the Public Records Act; coordinate responses to public record requests;
• Remain informed on changes in applicable laws and regulations, and recommend updates to College policies, procedures, and practices as appropriate;
• Partner with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office to obtain legal advice and to provide litigation support; and
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university in Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, or another related field;
• Three (3) years of professional experience in a role focused on legal affairs, contract management, compliance, or other relevant area; and
• Experience with:
  • Negotiating, drafting, and managing contracts and grants;
  • Interpreting, applying, and explaining complex federal and state laws and regulations; and
  • Developing and formulating policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within an institution of higher education;
• Experience working within a public entity;
• Experience interpreting and applying Washington State Ethics in Public Service (RCW 42.52); and
• Experience interpreting and applying the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56).

Competencies

Analytical Skills : Synthesize complex or diverse information; collect and research data; identify data relationships and dependencies; design workflows and procedures;

Project Management : Manage projects by focusing attention on key priorities; evaluate approaches, determine feasibility, and adjust plan as needed; develop plans, coordinate projects and teams; communicate changes and progress; complete projects on time and on budget; perform well without direct supervision; do complex work independently; follow tasks through to completion;

Leadership : Lead through influence, rather than authority, and take ownership and accountability for the area of responsibility and decisions made; demonstrate confidence within area of expertise; promote a cooperative work environment; demonstrate ability to appropriately apply leadership techniques to motivate, develop, and guide employees;

Quality Management : Set clear quality requirements; measure key outcomes; improve processes, products, and services;

Oral & Written Communication : Speak clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations; listen and get clarification; respond well to questions; demonstrate group presentation skills; participate in meetings; structure and convey information clearly and effectively through both formal and informal documents; review and edit written work constructively; ability to tailor to audience in mind;

Change Management : Initiate and/or manage the change process and energize it on an ongoing basis, taking steps to remove barriers or accelerate its pace; and

Support for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion : Reflecting CBC’s mission, vision, and values, support initiatives that expand the human qualities that differentiate our workplace and educational setting; demonstrate and advocate an understanding of differences, open mindedness, compassion, sensitivity, and interest in differing viewpoints given the diverse population; and show a deep commitment to the involvement of colleagues, students, and community members to student experience and success, honoring freedom of expression as fundamental to personal, professional, and organizational growth.

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time, overtime exempt staff position. The typical work hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however, work hours may vary due to work demands and some evening and weekend work may be required.

CBC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the letter and spirit of all federal and state laws. CBC encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legal protected characteristics. Candidates who need any accommodation in the application process or in employment should contact the Office of Human Resources.

CBC offers excellent medical/dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave, retirement plans, and a variety of benefit options. Please view the “Benefits” tab for comprehensive benefits information.

Successful candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Provide proof of lawful permanent residency or other appropriate work authorization as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• Disclose any substantiated findings or any ongoing investigations related to sexual misconduct as required by RCW28B.112.080.
• Pass a criminal background check. Note: information learned during the criminal background check will not necessarily preclude employment but may be a factor in eligibility for the position.
• Verify education at time of hire.
• Maintain an alcohol-free and drug-free workplace during employment.

OTHER JOB ELEMENTS
The working conditions listed below represent those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility including having the ability to move materials on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc. and travel between buildings on campus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.

Work environment includes office and other settings as appropriate. It is a fast paced and sometimes stressful service environment. The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises. This position has an occasional need for travel.