Description:

Job Summary:
The General Counsel is responsible for all legal matters affecting Illinois State University and provides legal counsel to the President and administrative officers. The General Counsel will ensure the efficient and prompt delivery of legal services to Illinois State University; make periodic reports to the President on outstanding litigation matters; provide strategic and tactical guidance and direction in all aspects of the management of the Office of the General Counsel, including personnel and budget; establish general guidelines for legal services; coordinate legal interpretations and opinions as to policies, procedures, rules and regulations affecting operating procedures, personnel and students; maintain current knowledge of the latest national, state and local developments affecting Illinois State University; provide assistance to the President as requested; serves on the President's Cabinet; and other duties as assigned by the President.

Additional Information:
General Counsel - Leadership Profile (https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/downloads/Position%20Profile.Illinois%20State%20General%20Counsel.FINAL.pdf)

Salary Rate / Pay Rate
$250,000–$265,000 Annual Salary

Required Qualifications:

J.D. or LL.B. degree from an ABA accredited law school
Ten years as a practicing attorney in a complex higher education, government, non-profit, corporate or other organization with comparable complexity; five years of that experience in higher education law
Admission to the Illinois bar by the time of appointment, or an active license to practice law in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and eligibility for a limited license under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 716
Excellent independent judgment and decision-making skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong management and interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate
Experience supervising/managing other attorneys, department staff, outside consultants, and budgets

Preferred Qualifications:

General Counsel experience or Associate General Counsel experience in public higher education in Illinois
Admission to Federal Courts in Illinois

Work Hours:
Varies

Functional Expectations
Must be able to complete the following with or without reasonable accommodation:

Remain at a workstation for extended periods
Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work
Effectively communicate on a daily basis

Proposed Starting Date
December 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Letter of Interest
Current Resume

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants
Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting Illinois State University in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Inquiries and nominations should be directed to Kyle Pybus-Jerome and/or Jim Johnsen from Greenwood Asher & Associates. Application materials should include the following:

A letter of interest describing professional experiences related to the opportunities and requirements of the position and a vision for providing strategic legal counsel to a complex public university during times of rapid change and transformation
A current resume

Candidates should also provide the names and contact information for three references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval from candidates.
We strongly encourage submitting application materials in PDF format. The search will be conducted with a commitment to confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. For best consideration, applications and nominations should be provided by August 28, 2026.