Senior Digital Technology Contract Counsel

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department Institutional Privacy Office-602500 Career Area Information Technology Posting Open Date 08/26/2026 Application Deadline 10/01/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) Working Title Senior Digital Technology Contract Counsel Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Position Number 20019263 Vacancy ID NF0009984 Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent FTE 1 Hours per week 40 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range $150,000 - $200,000 Proposed Start Date 10/19/2026

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Institutional Privacy Office engages in a challenging, wide-ranging data and privacy practice that requires knowledge of digital risk and data governance issues. The department consolidates digital risk management and privacy laws to develop, implement, and maintain privacy-focused policies, procedures and guidelines, keeping the University in compliance with Federal, State and International regulations. The department coordinates senior leaders across the academic medical center, including clinical research, clinical care, and information security platforms, as well as knowledge of international privacy laws to assist the institution's global programs. The Institutional Privacy Office partners with information technology professionals who have knowledge of information security and data governance principles to assist in improving the institution's approach to managing digital risk across dispersed units, committees, and systems while also advising institutional leaders on data and privacy issues.

Position Summary

This position is a 100% remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Senior Digital Technology Contracts Counsel provides legal advice and transactional support related to data privacy, information security, and technology procurement. The position is responsible for drafting, reviewing, updating, and negotiating data privacy and information security provisions contained in the University's standard terms and conditions and a wide range of technology-related agreements.

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor, Chief Privacy Officer, and Special Counsel, this position supports the University's digital risk, data privacy, information security, data governance, and technology acquisition activities by providing specialized legal advice related to technology licensing, data privacy, and information security provisions contained in University technology agreements. The Senior Digital Technology Contracts Counsel partners closely with the Office of University Counsel, Finance & Operations, Purchasing Services, the Information Security Office, research administration, and other administrative units to ensure appropriate contractual protections for institutional data and information systems.

Responsibilities of the Senior Digital Technology Contracts Counsel include:

• Draft, review, and negotiate high-value and high-risk data privacy and information security provisions in technology-related agreements, including Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), software licensing agreements, cloud service agreements, software development agreements, non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, data processing agreements, cybersecurity services, managed services agreements and other complex technology provisions contained in University contracts.
• Partner with Information Technology Services (ITS), Institutional Privacy Office (IPO), Information Security Office (ISO), the Office of University Counsel, Finance and Operations, Research Administration, and other administrative units to support compliant technology procurement.
• Assist in developing and maintaining contract templates, negotiation playbooks, and institutional guidance for technology and data-related agreements.
• Provide training and guidance to University units regarding contracting practices involving data privacy, information security, and technology procurement.
• Assist with resolution of contractual issues or disputes involving technology vendors.
• Lead contract and legal review of high-value and high-risk data technology procurement negotiations and escalations to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and University policies.
• Mentor Junior Digital Technology Contracts Counsel position
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-baccalaureate degree: relevant undergraduate degree with 7-10 years of related professional experience may be substituted for the advanced degree.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. Ability to obtain admission to the North Carolina State Bar within a reasonable time if not already admitted.
• Experience negotiating technology transactions, commercial contracting, or related practice areas.
• Experience drafting and negotiating technology-related agreements, including Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) agreements and cloud services agreements.
• Experience drafting and negotiating non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality provisions.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, FERPA, the GDPR, NIST, and other data privacy and information security concepts as applied to contract negotiations.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of legal experience in technology transactions, privacy, cybersecurity, or related areas.
• Experience advising public universities, higher education institutions, or other public sector organizations.
• Experience supporting procurement operations or vendor risk management programs.
• Working knowledge of cloud computing services, cybersecurity standards, and data processing agreements.
• Experience developing contract templates, negotiation playbooks, or institutional guidance materials.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/324403

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Parker Whitley, ITS HR Specialist Department Contact Telephone or Email Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• Certification/licenses
• List of References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Please select the education/experience that matches your background.
• Relevant post-baccalaureate degree
• Relevant undergraduate degree with 7-10 years of related professional experience
• None of the above