Deputy General Counsel, Office of General Counsel

Deputy General Counsel, Office of General Counsel (1634)
Pocatello - Main
Part-time hybrid remote work (1 day per week)

Institution Information

Idaho State University, established in 1901, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, with a culture built on trust, compassion, stability, and hope. ISU serves over 12,000 students in Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Students and faculty at ISU are leading the way in cutting-edge research and innovative solutions. We are proud to offer exceptional academics nestled in the grand, natural beauty of the West. We invite you to apply to be a part of our University community!

Job Description

The Deputy General Counsel is a key leader in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and provides high-level legal counsel and strategic guidance on matters impacting the entire university. This position reports directly to the General Counsel.

The OGC provides proactive, customer-service oriented legal support and guidance to clients across the campus community. We strive to be solution-oriented and emphasize our core values of collaboration, ownership, responsiveness, and excellence. The Deputy General Counsel must be a self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. The Deputy General Counsel must also have the ability to effectively evaluate legal considerations and university objectives to develop practical solutions; demonstrate high ethical standards; exhibit a strong commitment to the university's mission; effectively train and educate the campus community; and employ excellent interpersonal skills. Specific areas of responsibility will be determined based on University and office needs and the successful candidate's interests and substantive background.

This position is in-person on the Pocatello campus, though the Deputy General Counsel and may work a hybrid schedule in accordance with office needs and as approved by the General Counsel.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide proactive legal and compliance guidance to university administrators on a wide-variety of topics in areas such as, but not limited to, contracts and grants, privacy, employment law, risk management, litigation management, public records, investigations, discrimination, athletics, and other areas as assigned by the General Counsel.
• Assist the General Counsel in providing legal counsel and strategic support to University administrators on all legal and compliance matters by presenting clear and constructive recommendations and ensuring compliance with state, federal, and international laws and regulations;
• Assist the General Counsel with day-to-day management of the OGC in a manner that supports the OGC’s strategic mission and goals while also sustaining motivation and unity of the OGC team;
• Represent the OGC when the General Counsel is unavailable;
• Manage and oversee the Associate Athletic Director of Athletics Compliance;
• Manage legal projects and research as assigned and ensure timely completion and adherence to legal standards;
• Develop and conduct legal and compliance education sessions for university faculty and staff;
• Assist the OGC in administering institutional legal affairs by performing other related duties as required and/or assigned by the General Counsel.

The General Counsel retains the right to add or change Deputy General Counsel job duties at any time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school;
• Member of the Idaho State Bar or eligible for admission within one year of hire;
• At least eight years directly-related legal experience;
• Demonstrated  ability to be a self-starter and have an entrepreneurial mindset; 
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a customer-service focused environment;
• Demonstrated ability to be sensitive to and understand the nature of working in an academic institution, where the need for a collaborative working style, flexibility, adaptability, and patience are critical to success; and
• Superior communication skills at a level appropriate for a leadership role in the OGC.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience advising institutions of higher education (experience in-house at a university strongly preferred);
• Experience conducting or overseeing workplace investigations; and
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: contract drafting/review, litigation, employment law, intellectual property law, and/or student affairs.

You must submit your CV/resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references, including current contact information. This position will remain open until it is filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received on or before January 23, 2025. Salary will be between $144,000 - $155,000 per year commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision; life insurance; disability plan; employee assistance program (EAP); excellent retirement options and company contribution; and generous paid time off/sick leave accrual. All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background investigation, provided by HireRight.