University Counsel

Job Summary:

As the chief legal officer, oversees and manages the provision of all legal services to the institution to ensure maximum protection of its legal rights and to maintain its operations within the limits prescribed by law and in compliance with IHL Board Policies and Bylaws. Provides strategic guidance, consultation and support to senior University administrators and other members of upper management on a comprehensive range of legal and associated issues involved in carrying out the mission of the institution. The University Counsel is a member of the President’s Cabinet; oversees the Office of Human Resources and Title IX Compliance; and may serve as Legislative Liaison.

Job Duties:

• Provides legal counsel and guidance to university administrators on all legal matters, as well as compliance with university policy; polices of the Board of Trustees; and federal and state statutes and regulations affecting public institutions of higher learning.
• Brings legal issues and concerns to the attention of university administrators in order to develop legal strategies and solutions, often in situations of significant political, public relations, or financial risk, and with limited time for assessing alternatives.
• Assists in the development, revision, and interpretation of university policies and procedures.
• Prepares, reviews and makes recommendations regarding the approval of contracts involving construction, leases, licenses, purchases, sales, insurance, employment, research and related matters to insure compliance with university policy, Board of Trustees policy, state and federal law, regulations and rules.
• Represents or oversees the representation of the institution and university administrators in judicial and administrative proceedings, and in negotiations with other state agencies.
• Confers with university administrators, faculty, employees, and student organizations on matters involving legal interpretation and decisions related to university activities, policy questions, and operating problems.
• Advises on academic issues and policies such as intellectual property, domain ownership and licensing, and academic and disciplinary matters.
• Serves as the official point of contact for all public records requests for university departments.
• Provides legal advice on all issues relating to employment law, discrimination, diversity, and equal employment opportunity.
• Provides legal advice on all issues relating to student affairs, student conduct and discipline.
• Conducts investigations.
• Advises University Relations, Athletics and other relevant offices on issues related to licensing and trademark use of university marker.
• Responsible for registration of university official marks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office.
• Directs development and management of Human Resources.
• Directs development and management of Title IX compliance and other relevant legislation to include monitoring and implementation of actions for compliance, education and prevention programs for students, faculty and staff.
• Assumes additional responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association accredited law school
• Member of the State Bar or member of other state bar (membership required within 12 months of date of hire)
• Requires more than 5 years of experience

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of higher education law and all applicable regulations which impact on all facets of university policy and operations
• Experience in the representation of governmental, corporate, or other complex organizations, with representation of higher education organizations preferred
• Excellent judgment, analytical, oral, and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage and organize multiple priorities simultaneously and work under pressure
• Ability to work with all constituencies
• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of legal research, legal documentation procedures and requirements
• Negotiating skills
• Knowledge of contract law
• Ability to develop and implement legal strategies and solutions.
• Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and similar software application
• Requires travel and/or off-hours work

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk, hear and sit. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Close vision is the vision ability required by this job

Required Documents:

Resume

Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Unofficial Transcript

3-5 References

Apply:

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://muw.peopleadmin.com/postings/6231.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About The W:

The W was founded on the idea that higher education is for everyone. Today, the mission is the same. The university is nationally recognized for low student debt and social mobility by U.S News & World Report. Washington Monthly names The W as one of America’s Best Bang for the Buck Colleges. National rankings, small class sizes, and unique programs- like culinary arts, nursing, music therapy, and speech pathology- create a university that empowers you to BE BOLD. Maybe that’s why our students’ say, “It feels like home.”

Founded in 1884 as the first public college for women in the United States, The W is a tradition-rich university that has been home to such noted personalities as Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eudora Welty, among others. Forty years ago, The W opened its doors to men.

Today we offer men and women a distinctive education that features:

• class-sizes designed to make education personal - almost 68% of our classes have fewer than 20 students;
• professors who are committed to mentoring students,
• a curriculum that stretches intellect and instills leadership,
• and a community that is as energetic as it is welcoming.

Our university features more than 70 outstanding majors and concentrations. Outside of class, more than 60 campus organizations make campus life dynamic, interesting, and fun.

We know, like our students, faculty, and staff, you'll find it’s a place where you can BE BOLD.