Assistant/Associate General Counsel at Saginaw Valley State University in Main Campus

Job description

Job Title: Assistant/Associate General Counsel Full or Part Time: Full time Hours: 40 Exempt: Yes Supervisory Org: Legal Affairs (PM) Job Description: JOB SUMMARY: The Assistant/Association General Counsel reports to the Vice President for Legal Affairs and supports the work of the Office of the General Counsel in contracts administration, policy drafting, legal research and analysis, compliance and investigations oversight and advice, litigation support, and related legal functions. The Assistant/Associate General Counsel provides a full range of legal support functions on varied and complex duties, tasks, and projects supporting Saginaw Valley State University, and serves as a key resource to University leadership, departments, and the Board of Control. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The Assistant/Associate General Counsel function includes the following broad responsibilities: Review, draft, and negotiate contracts and affiliation agreements on behalf of the University. Advise departments on contractual rights, obligations, and risk. Research and interpret laws and regulations applicable to University programs, policies and procedures. Advise leaders on compliance investigations and provide assistance with legal issues. Monitor legislative and regulatory activity to stay appraised of changes and modifications in laws that affect University programs, and work to incorporate changes in policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure continued compliance by the University. Assist the General Counsel in managing litigation and administrative agency proceedings. Support preparation of legal strategy, coordinate case-related activities, and assist with responses to legal claims and administrative complaints. Prepare correspondence, memoranda, notes, reports, pleadings, subpoenas, affidavits, legal briefs, and other documents necessary to respond to court and administrative agency requirements. Ensure appropriate and timely responses to Michigan Freedom of Information Act requests and support record retention policies and procedures. Monitor emerging legal developments and trends in higher education law and advise University officials regarding how changes in law may affect current and emerging University business, operations, and policy decisions. Provide legal advice to the Board of Control in the absence of the General Counsel. Attend Board of Control meetings as needed and assist in preparing legal materials and analysis for Board consideration. Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive issues and information and exercise discretion in dealing with sensitive or potentially sensitive topics consistent with applicable professional and ethical obligations. Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: General supervision is received from Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school. Licensed to practice law in Michigan or admissible in Michigan within six months of hire. Minimum of five (5) years of broad general legal practice in a private, public, or non-profit setting; or a minimum of three (3) years of legal practice with demonstrated, specific experience in a compliance-focused role or in a higher education institution. Experience reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts. Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information into easily digestible formats. Proven ability to effectively communicate legal language and analysis to non-lawyers, including when conveying unpleasant or unwelcome information. Demonstrated legal and ethical stature, maturity, competence, and confidence to operate with credibility at the executive level, as well as a professional history of maintaining objectivity while achieving appropriate outcomes. Proven ability to work independently, manage numerous projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to use sound independent judgment and p