Job Description
The Operational Services Division (OSD), an agency within the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (A&F), establishes and enforces procurement policies and practices for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts executive branch agencies, excluding construction. Through the use of strategic sourcing principles, the Division develops Statewide Contracts for goods and services which are available for use by all branches of state government, other public entities and Massachusetts cities and towns. OSD also establishes and enforces procurement policies and regulations applicable to Executive Branch Departments. In addition to OSD's procurement responsibilities, the Division administers a broad range of activities including the oversight and auditing of health and human services contracting; pricing of special education services; management and oversight of executive branch use of vehicles; provision of training services to government employees and the business community; and provision of printing services to government agencies.
The General Counsel is a key member of the OSD Leadership Team and reports to the Assistant Secretary and is responsible for managing all legal matters and overseeing the compliance activities for a variety of programs overseen by OSD. Areas of responsibility include managing all agency litigation, acting as liaison with investigatory bodies, responding to legislative and/or public inquiries, overseeing appeals of purchase of service procurements, managing the content of agency regulations and policies, and providing strategic and other legal advice to the various business units. The General Counsel also oversees OSD's Compliance and Special Education Pricing Unit.
The General Counsel oversees a staff of 9 FTEs focused on these goals.
Duties and Responsibilities Include:
• Provide legal advice and approval/denials to requests from executive and non-executive branch departments and other public entities and OSD staff regarding the following operational functions overseen by OSD; procurement, contracting, fleet operations, surplus property, purchase of service audit, eprocurement, central printing and OSD's policy, training, outreach and marketing for these operational areas.
• Draft statewide policies and procedures related to OSD oversight authority.
• Negotiate agency and statewide contracts (required to be used by all executive departments), contract amendments, leases, licensing agreements, RFRs, POS Procurement Appeal Decisions, and OSD policies and procedures.
• Review and approve OSD statewide training materials for compliance with laws, regulations, and policies.
• Assist with negotiation/resolution of audit and special education pricing settlement agreements/findings.
• Negotiate settlement agreements with statewide contract vendors and agency vendors.
• Provide legal counsel to OSD's human resources and administration operations and provide legal support in responding to and negotiating: resolution of employee discipline and termination matters, MCAD proceedings as well as litigation support to the Office of the Attorney General; respond to inquiries/investigations/subpoenas and public records requests related to agency matters; and participate in collective bargaining negotiations.
• Oversee OSD Compliance and Special Education Pricing Unit. Ensure Executive Agencies compliance with procurement policies and regulations through conducting a comprehensive audit of agencies' use of e-procurement platform. Review and approve audit reports. Review and approve special education pricing methodology and policies.
OSD is looking for an experienced attorney that brings OSD's mission-critical competencies to their work including being action oriented, an effective communicator, valuing differences, managing ambiguity, cultivating innovation, instilling trust, and driving results, drives the OSD vision and purpose, and is comfortable navigating through highly sensitive issues with finesse and decorum among other qualities. We also support self-development among all our staff.
The Operational Services Division values staff diversity and contributions to an inclusive working and learning environment. Join our team to learn more about the exciting DEI efforts at OSD. Read our DEI Value Statement below:
DEI Value Statement
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are integral to the Operational Services Division's (OSD's) mandate to oversee transparent and equitable practices through a variety of public services and programs within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OSD commits to cultivating and nurturing a diverse workforce, which is reflective of the communities we serve and recognized as our greatest strength. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are our core principles, guiding us in who we aspire to be in our business operations and partnerships.
The anticipated salary range is $130,000 - $155,000.
Qualifications
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) seven (7) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in a particular specialty (i.e. scientific, professional, or technical) and must possess current license and/or registration requirements established for the performance of the position, of which (B) at least three (3) years must have been in a managerial capacity.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.