Closing Date: 15th January, 2026

Description:

Make a difference at one of Florida's premier institutions for education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Polytechnic University, ranked the No. 1 public college in the region by U.S. News and World Report, offers a unique working environment that encourages faculty and staff to be part of a culture that prizes collaboration, innovation, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our students and University succeed. Florida Poly offers a small campus academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences.

The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly's deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn recognitions (https://floridapoly.edu/about/rankings.php) such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation.

Job Title:
University Counsel
Job Description Summary:

The University Counsel serves as the University's in-house counsel providing legal advice to support the institution's operation, mission, values, and strategic priorities. The University Counsel ensures the University's adherence to legal and ethical requirements and best practices while facilitating institutional goals by offering strategic, proactive legal guidance. The University Counsel engages and supervises legal services from outside counsel as necessary.

The University, acting through its authorized officers and bodies, is the client; the University Counsel advises university officials and employees only in their official capacities and does not represent officers, employees, or students in personal matters. At all times, the University Counsel must maintain appropriate confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

The University Counsel is housed within the Office of the President and reports directly to the President. The University Counsel also has direct access to and advises the Board Chair for matters within the board's purview. The President evaluates the University Counsel annually.

Reports To: President
Provides Advice to: President and University; Board of Trustees in its official capacity; Direct Support Organizations on institutional matters

Job Description:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Legal Counsel and Advisory Functions

Provide legal advice and representation to the University, including advising the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership on a wide range of legal, regulatory, and policy matters.
Keep the President and other necessary officials informed of significant legal developments, inquiries, and risks affecting the University.
Advise on matters related to student affairs, business and finance, contracts, academic affairs, athletics, research and sponsored programs, information technology, intellectual property, employment law (including collective bargaining), tax matters, governance, and public policy.
Advise on adherence to all applicable laws and policies, including federal and state laws, Board of Governors regulations, and University policies.
Review, draft, and negotiate contracts and agreements, and support effective contract management with vendors, affiliated organizations, and industry partners.
Advise on responses to subpoenas, public records requests, open meetings issues, grievances, and claims.
Manage privilege and legal hold requirements as appropriate.
Supervise and coordinate with outside counsel as needed and manage legal services to ensure cost-effective and high-quality representation.
Monitor and coordinate litigation, claims, and significant disputes; implement litigation holds and coordinate e-discovery and relevant offices.
Provide practical, solutions-oriented guidance that aligns legal compliance with institutional objectives.

Governance and Policy

Support sound governance practices; develop and maintain Board bylaws, policies, and delegations of authority consistent with applicable statutes, regulations, and accreditation standards.
Advise on conflicts of interest, ethics, and fiduciary duties for trustees and senior leadership.
Advise the Board of Trustees on issues of governance and legal policy within its purview.
Attend Board and committee meetings to provide guidance regarding applicable legal authorities and advise on legal and governance issues as they arise.
Provide legal support in the Board's executive sessions as permitted by law.

Compliance and Risk Management

Partner with campus leaders to promote a culture of compliance and risk awareness and mitigation; identify issues early and recommend practical controls.
Provide training and guidance on key laws and regulations (including, as applicable, Title IX, Clery Act, ADA Title II, Section 504, FERPA, FLSA, FMLA, workplace safety and environmental health requirements, Florida public records and open meetings, and other higher education requirements).
Monitor and coordinate litigation, claims, and significant disputes; implement litigation holds and coordinate e-discovery with relevant offices.
Serve as liaison to state and system-level legal or compliance offices, as appropriate.

Administrative and Operational Leadership

Plan and oversee the University's legal services function in a resource-conscious environment.
Manage legal spend and implement a matter-tracking system to ensure efficient, effective provision of legal services.
Regularly evaluate the services of outside counsel and carefully analyze outside counsel billing statements.
Develop practical policies, procedures, and training materials to support effective operations.
Perform special projects for the President and the Board chair and support cross-functional initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a law school with accreditation recognized by the Supreme Court of Florida.
Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible legal experience, with prior management experience preferred.
Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Florida or eligible and available to sit for the next available Florida Bar examination after hire (not to exceed nine months from hire), with admission obtained by the first sitting for the exam and continued employment contingent upon timely admission.
Experience in public legal affairs and/or higher education/governmental environments preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of the legal framework governing the State University System of Florida, including open government (public records and open meetings), ethics, procurement, employment, student affairs, and state and federal higher education laws, regulations, and norms.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Exceptional legal research, writing, and analytical skills; ability to translate legal requirements into workable institutional practices.
Strong judgment, discretion, and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate effectively and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders.
Skilled in problem-solving and teamwork, consistently demonstrating respect, professionalism, and appropriate demeanor.
Proficiency with standard office and legal tools; ability to implement lightweight systems for contract management, matter tracking, and training.

Compliance and Professional Requirements

Participation in the State University System of Florida General Counsel's Council.
Conduct regular meetings with the President for briefings and strategic discussions.
Provide presentations to University leadership (e.g., Strategy Circle) and the Board of Trustees regarding legal developments and compliance updates.
Comply with annual reporting obligations pursuant to Chapter 112, Florida Statutes (as applicable).
Provide mandatory reporting of suspected or observed abuse as required by law.
Ongoing participation in professional development to maintain licensure and legal competency.

Position Scope:

This position coordinates all legal services for the University and serves as the primary in-house counsel. It provides both strategic and operational legal guidance to advance the University's mission and ensure compliance, integrity, and sound governance. This position is designated as critical to the resumption of mission-essential functions and may require flexible work hours during time-sensitive or emergency matters.