Legal and Strategic Advisor; WMS​/DLS

Legal and Strategic Advisor (WMS2/DLS)

Legal and Strategic Advisor position supports meaningful public programs and manages real‑world risk. The role will primarily support the WA Cares program, advise the Health Care Authority (HCA) on complex contracts and procurements, draft new templates, assess legal and business risk associated with agency IT and data projects, and support the Office of Tribal Affairs. Close coordination with the Attorney General’s Office ensures contracting and procurement compliance with applicable State and Federal laws.

The Division of Legal Services (DLS) provides people, processes, and expertise to reduce risk while meeting the agency’s strategic goals. The Office of Contracts and Procurement (OCP) is managed by the agency’s Contracts Administrator. This position reports to the Contracts Administrator and is the principal legal and strategic advisor assigned to manage the legal tasks, risks, and services related to information technology for WA Cares and other complex contracts and procurements as needed.

The objective is to minimize risk and maximize outcomes for the state and the agency in its relations with contractors, providers, staff and stakeholders involved in acquiring and implementing technology assets.

• WA Cares Program: supports contracting and procurement needs of the Long‑Term Services and Supports Trust Program (WA Cares).
• Tribal Affairs: advises on Federal and state legislative mandates associated with Tribal healthcare and data sharing ecosystem.
• IT Contracts and Data: provides planning, expert consultation and advice to assure effective negotiation and contract administration for major IT procurements and data projects.

This position requires independent expert judgment and decision making to counsel executives and management. Eligible for telework; onsite work required only for training and official business.

• Provides planning, legal consultation, and advice to support critical agency risk areas, including WA Cares Program, Tribal Affairs, and IT Contracts and Data.
• Negotiates agreements, manages legal services provided by other agencies, and advises agency staff on legal issues in intellectual property, software licensing, data ownership, hardware and software procurement, Tribal Affairs, health care law and Medicaid regulations.
• Independently initiates, manages and completes complex contracts and procurements, coordinating with WA Cares, Tribal Affairs, and IT/Data teams.
• Drafts new templates for IT and Data contracts; provides technical advice for Scope of Work and procurement documents for WA Cares and IT/Data programs.
• Negotiates complex purchasing, licensing and data share agreements verbally and in writing with vendors, internal staff and state agency staff.
• Communicates timely with stakeholders and internal program staff per relevant statutes and manages protest debriefings with non‑successful bidders.
• Develops work plans for competitive contract solicitations related to WA Cares and critical agency IT and data projects.
• Researches laws, rules, policies and procedures related to WA Cares, Tribal Affairs, IT Contracts and Data, and advises staff in coordination with Assistant Attorney General.
• Times records, creates reports, and performs bill analysis for HCA during legislative sessions for contracting impacts.

Required education and experience:

Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school, at least two years as a licensed attorney. Must be in good standing and licensed with the Washington State Bar Association.

Required competencies:

• Advanced writing and verbal communication skills demonstrated to diverse audiences including executives.
• Experience advising on intellectual property, computer or Internet law, and data governance teams (e.g., HIPAA, MHMDA, WaTech).
• Advanced knowledge of contracts law and negotiations; drafting complex business and contractual documents.
• Experience in strategic and tactical planning for acquisitions, contract administration, monitoring and dispute resolution.
• Adept at gathering information to counsel executives and mid‑level managers on alternatives and recommended…