Position Overview

The Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) is seeking a motivated and collaborative Procurement Attorney to join our legal team. CEI is dedicated to promoting diversity in the State hiring process and encouraging the continuing economic development of minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned and people with disabilities-owned and operated businesses to participate in the State procurement process through the administration of the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females and Persons with Disabilities Act (BEP Program) and the Veterans Business Program (VSB Program). This position provides advice and legal determinations on matters relating to agency procurement, which often have a crucial impact on the agency, the BEP Program and BEP certified vendors. This position works closely with the General Counsel and the Deputy Director of the BEP and VBP programs to address day-to-day procurement issues and provides counsel in the area of strategic sourcing. This position also works with outside counsel, negotiating contracts, amendments, and memorandums. The ideal candidate is seeking a fast-paced transactional position, with the occasional ability to travel. We invite all dynamic attorneys interested in meaningful legal work to apply.

Essential Function

Under the direction of the Deputy General Counsel, serves as Procurement Counsel (Assistant General Counsel) for the Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI), directing and participating in the review and legal analyses of the State’s Business Enterprise Program (BEP) procurement process.

Interprets and advises on Procurement policies including proposing and issuing new or revised interpretations.

Provides guidance and advice for BEP and VBP staff regarding vendor complaints.

Serves as the Commission’s Freedom of Information Officer and Open Meetings Act Officer.

Provides advice and analyzation regarding various statutes and legislation pertaining to Procurement programs, policies, and procedures.

Assists the Deputy General Counsel in the preparation of legislation.

Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a law degree from a recognized law school and a current and valid license to practice law in the State of Illinois.

Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college.

Requires three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization, with at least one of those years within the legal field.

Preferred Qualifications

Prefers on (1) years of professional public procurement experience.

Prefers on (1) years of professional experience working with judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and rules of evidence.

Prefers on (1) years of professional experience in legal research.

Prefers on (1) years of professional experience in legal writing.

Prefers on (1) years of professional experience working with anti-discrimination law.

Prefers on (1) years of professional experience with administrative rules.

Prefers on (1) years of professional experience working with common law and provisions of State and Federal laws relating to administrative and regulatory functions.

Prefers on (1) years of professional experience drafting legislation.

Prefers on (1) years of professional experience in document review.

Prefers on (1) years of professional management experience.

Prefers on (1) years of professional experience in contract negotiations.

Prefers on (1) years of professional experience in drafting contracts.

Conditions of Employment

This position requires the applicant to pass a background check.

Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last‐minute overtime.

Requires ability to travel with overnight stays.