Provides substantial expertise within the University in a given legal specialty. Independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects, to include the most complex and that of substantial importance and impact. Interprets complex facts and the law in areas of high ambiguity. Provides functional advice, training and / or guidance to less-experienced attorneys. May act as a liaison with outside counsel, and / or represent the University in complex litigation.
Currently reporting to the Chief Counsel, UCSF Health, the Principal Health Operations Counsel provides primary legal support to UCSF Health’s Network Affiliates business unit and its Community Division on complex and high impact healthcare regulatory analysis. Work may include advising and counseling on health care regulatory and policy issues including health care reimbursement, operations, privacy, hospital licensing or accreditation, medical staff, peer review, tax exemption, federally qualified health centers, clinical laboratories, pharmacies, controlled substances, Medicare/Medicaid enrollment, sexual harassment/sexual violence in academic medical centers, graduate medical education, religious liberty/establishment issues, managed care, and Veteran’s Affairs facility affiliations. The position also advises the Office of Legal Affairs and campus stakeholders on healthcare legal issues.
The Principal Health Operations Counsel should be a strategic thinker, an approachable adviser, and a strong relationship builder who thrives in a challenging environment and is clearly aligned with the UCSF Health’s mission, values, and vision.
All team members are expected to actively participate in initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and/or inclusion, whether at UC or in the community.
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
The salary range for this position is $157,700 - $382,900 (Annual Rate).
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
- Relevant practice experience in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation or other entity.
- In depth abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
- Trusted partner with senior management and a diverse spectrum of clients.
- In-depth understanding of highly complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications in specialty area, even when ambiguous or hidden.
- Advanced interpersonal communication skills, including proven ability to actively listen, negotiate, persuade and educate.
- Skills to gain trust and build credibility with a broad group of colleagues and clients, to include senior leaders.
- Advanced written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and / or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.
- Advanced research skills; ability to readily identify critical legislative changes in area of specialty.
- In depth decision making ability, even when unpopular, earning credibility and support from colleagues.
- Advanced skills in project management, and facilitating policy review and changes.
- Relied on to represent institutional concerns persuasively to internal and external parties.
- Developing ability to mentor and coach all levels of staff; provide for succession planning in area of specialty.
- Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.
- At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience advising clients on high-level and complex health care regulatory matters.
- Demonstrated specialized and in-depth experience in at least one of the following health care regulatory areas: reimbursement or hospital operations.
- Experience gained in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation or other entity.
- Significant experience advising executives and leaders on sophisticated and often highly complex health care regulatory matters with minimal preparation time.
- Requires health law expertise including a sufficient understanding of applicable laws, industry practices, and enforcement trends to identify, assess, mitigate and resolve legal risks associated with UCSF Health activities, or a willingness to develop such expertise.
- In depth abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
- Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues.
- Advanced skills in project management, and facilitating policy review and changes.
- Must be in good standing in the California State Bar or admitted within one year of employment. CURRENT ADMISSION IS STRONGLY PREFERRED. California's Registered In-House Counsel program is NOT available to University of California attorneys.
- Expertise in complex and high impact health care regulatory matters for hospital and health system clients. Expertise in such matters for managed care clients, physician group clients or device or drug manufacturer clients is also a positive consideration.
- Prior experience at government agencies responsible for regulating hospitals and/or other providers.
Must be in good standing in the California State Bar or admitted within one year of employment. CURRENT ADMISSION IS STRONGLY PREFERRED. California's Registered In-House Counsel program is NOT available to University of California attorneys.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
UCSF’s Office of Legal Affairs provides legal services to UCSF, including representation, advice, research and training. We also provide legal opinions to various governing bodies, administration, faculty, staff and others acting on the university's behalf. The health law team particularly focuses on support of UCSF Health’s operations throughout the Bay Area, handling complex regulatory and transactional work affecting UCSF Health’s academic and community health facilities and clinics, its faculty practice organization, and various corporate and shared services functions directly and with support from UC Legal’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and from outside counsel. The team reports jointly through the Office of Legal Affairs and through OGC.
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
- $157,700 - $382,900/year