Description:

Join our team!
About This Role:
Reporting to the President as chief legal officer, oversees and manages the provisions of legal affairs affecting the College to ensure maximum protection of its legal rights and to maintain its operations within limits prescribed by law. Responsible for managing a wide variety of legal issues pertaining to labor and employment matters, administrative law, collective bargaining, contract negotiations, student policies and procedures, ethics matters, and federal, state, and other laws and regulations pertaining to higher education.

What a day of a General Counsel looks like:
  • Provides legal and policy advice on college-related issues to the District Board of Trustees, the president, and college staff. Renders legal representation, advice, and interpretation in all substantive areas of law affecting the College.
  • Directs the preparation of Board of Trustees meetings, development of background materials, and agendas and resolutions for Board and committee meetings.
  • Identifies and brings forth legal issues and concerns to the administration and assists with appropriate responses. Monitors and resolves matters which may lead to litigation.
  • Acts as legal counsel for the college in all administrative and court proceedings unless such representation is obtained through outside counsel. Represents the College in all administrative hearings and arbitrations.
  • Under the supervision of the president, appoints, supervises, and manages the activities of staff and outside legal counsel for the college in the conduct of legal matters and litigation involving the college.
  • Consults on employee relations and collective bargaining matters and serves as a member of the collective bargaining team.
  • Reviews contracts, including preparations and negotiations, for all areas of the College.
  • Provides advice and represents the College in real estate transactions, litigations, settlements, and real property and land use issues.
  • Monitors changes in state and federal laws and rules that affect the operation of the College.
  • Reviews and interprets college policies and procedures. Drafts revisions and new policies or procedures as required.
  • Oversees an ensures compliance with public record requests and subpoenas.
  • Reviews and assesses legislation and legislative initiatives and provides guidance and appropriate responses concerning these initiatives.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

We'd like to hear from you if you have the following:
Education and Experience:
  • Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited institution
  • Eight years of practicing legal experience

Knowledge of:
  • Microsoft Office Professional or similar application
  • Contract process, documents, and preparation
  • Contract, property, labor, compliance, and constitutional law

Skilled in:
  • Resolving conflicts between individual needs and requirements of the organization
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills including policy writing, group presentation, and individual coaching and counseling skills
  • Motivating employees to apply the effort necessary to attain organizational and departmental goals

Ability to:
  • Collect, organize, analyze, and present legal and general information in a meaningful manner
  • Interact in a positive manner with diverse populations and varying education levels of students, faculty, staff, and the public
  • Express and present complex concepts and information in a manner easily understood by others
  • Think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organization

Licenses, Registration, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
  • Admitted to and in good standing with the Florida Bar
  • Regular physical attendance required

Preferred but, not required:
Education and Experience:
  • Experience in higher education
  • Constitutional and employment law

Work Environment and Physical Demand:
  • Reach and grasp objects
  • Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl
  • Stand for extended periods of time
  • Use of video display terminal
  • Use of manual dexterity and fine motor skills
  • Communicate information orally and in writing
  • Receive and understand information through oral and written communication
  • Proofread and check documents for accuracy
  • Work a fluctuating work schedule