Chief Counsel of IT and Procurement

Job Description

The
Office of General Counsel
is seeking a highly responsible individual to fill the role of
Chief Counsel of IT and Procurement
to work with Department of Social Services’ (DSS) newly established Information Technology Services Division (DSS-ITSD) and with its Division of Finance and Administrative Services (DFAS).
Job Posting Number:
4001 8969020
Semi-monthly salary:
The current rate for this position is
$
5,077.48.
Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g. shift, or time-of-service pay).
Annual Salary:
$121,859.50
Work Hours:
The work hours for this position are 8:00 to 5:00, Monday through Friday, and as needed.
Job Location:
This
position will
be
located
at
3418 Knipp Drive
,
Jefferson
City,
MO.
Why you’ll love this position:
The
Department of Social Services
partners with families and communities to protect children, rehabilitate youth, and move families to self-sufficiency so that Missourians can lead safe, healthy and productive lives.

What you’ll do:
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Chief Counsel of IT and Procurement. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, this position serves as the primary legal counsel assigned to advise the Department of Social Services’ Information Technology Services Division (DSS-ITSD) and the Division of Finance and Administrative Services (DFAS), including a focus on IT procurement and IT contracts.
In this role, you will provide legal oversight on public procurement for IT goods and services, technology contracting, administrative appeals and legal appeals concerning those procurements and contracts and provide ongoing review of regulatory compliance to ensure that agency operations comply with state and federal laws.
Key Responsibilities:
IT Procurement & IT Contracts
Draft, review, and negotiate state procurement contracts, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) agreements, vendor contracts, and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for legal sufficiency and compliance with state purchasing laws and with federal requirements for enhanced federal funding.
Review contract solicitation documents, amendments, and vendor selection criteria to ensure adherence to Missouri procurement statutes and departmental regulations, and with federal requirements to receive enhanced federal funding.
Draft, review, and maintain standardized contract templates, terms and conditions, and legal review protocols for purchases and agency procurements.
Bid Protests & Administrative Litigation
Evaluate formal vendor bid protests, perform legal research, and draft formal written responses and determination letters on behalf of the agency.
Represent the department in administrative hearings, vendor dispute proceedings, and contract performance appeals.
Collaborate with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office on litigation or court proceedings arising from agency procurement disputes or contract enforcement.
Regulatory Compliance & Data Governance
Advise agency leadership, privacy teams, and technical teams on legal compliance concerning data security, data-sharing agreements, and cloud technology regulations.
Advise on and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements regarding confidential IT architecture, proprietary vendor data, and public procurement records.
Research and interpret complex federal grant regulations, state statutes, and administrative rules governing state financial allocations and enhanced federal funding requirements.
Assist with legal responses to state and federal audit findings, IRS inquiries, and formal requests for information.
Counseling & Agency Support
Provide written legal opinions, statutory interpretations, and legal risk analyses to the General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Information Officer (CIO), and division leaders.
Advise agency personnel on administrative rule making, statutory compliance, and contract enforcement options.
This position will be expected to perform any other duties as assigned by General Counsel.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Licensure: Active membership and good standing with the Missouri Bar.
Experience: Five (5) or more years of post-bar experience practicing as a licensed attorney.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated familiarity with IT/software licensing agreements, state purchasing statutes (e.g., RSMo Chapter 34), and federal funding compliance.
Extensive background in public procurement law, state government contracting, or complex commercial contract drafting and negotiation.
Hands-on experience in administrative law, vendor bid protest defense, or administrative litigation.
Lack of post‐secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found
here
.

If you have questions about this position, please contact:
Human Resources
HRC@dss.mo.gov
.
If
you
experience
accessibility issues
while
applying,
please
contact Courtney Hall at
Courtney.A.Hall@dss.mo.gov
or call 573-751-4244.
Recruitment Area
: All qualified applicants.
Application Deadline
: September 3, 2026