University General Counsel & Chief Compliance O...

Description:

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:
Reporting to the University President and serving as a member of the University Administrative Council, the position of General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer leads all legal and compliance functions for the University and manages the Office of the General Counsel. The position provides counsel and representation to the President and university administrators, faculty, and staff with respect to all legal and compliance matters affecting the University and remains current on best practices and emerging trends in higher education. This role participates in institutional planning, decision-making, and the implementation of University-wide legal and compliance strategies. The General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer is charged with maintaining a student-centric, customer service–based operation that advances the mission and vision of Idaho State University.

This position is not eligible for new visa sponsorship at this time. Candidates who already hold valid U.S. work authorization may be considered.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides professional and authoritative legal and policy advice relating to all university matters, representing the university's best interests at all times.
• Interprets the constitutional, statutory, and regulatory framework in which the University operates, oversees the institutional response and strategy for litigation and agency complaints, oversees outside counsel when appropriate, and provides legal and policy advice in a variety of areas within the University, including but not limited to, employment law, investigations, academic and student affairs, intellectual property, real estate, contracts, organizational governance, sponsored research, accommodations, civil rights, discrimination, Title IX, fundraising and other areas related to an academic legal environment.
• Serves as a member of the senior executive administration and is a member of the President's administrative council (cabinet).
• Serves as the University's chief compliance officer, overseeing institutional compliance, HIPAA compliance, and athletics compliance.
• Works with the office of the State Board of Education on behalf of the president on legal and certain policy matters that require board attention.
• Oversees the legal review of all university contracts.
• All legal services for the University are provided through or coordinated by the Office of General Counsel.
• Manages the Office of the General Counsel, which includes associate attorneys, a director of operations, compliance personnel, and athletics compliance.
• Proactively considers the needs of the campus community and helps to design systems for efficient and ongoing review of all transactions and legal considerations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree and at least seven years of progressively increasing responsibility in managing/overseeing legal or compliance affairs and related services for a complex organization.
• Successful candidate must have an active license to practice law in the State of Idaho, or current eligibility to apply for admission to the Idaho Bar and successfully be admitted within 12 months of employment.
• A record of strong ethical values and professional skills in the analysis and interpretation of the law.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and communicate and work effectively with colleagues, students, faculty, and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, identify potential compliance and legal problems, and develop policy initiatives.
• Experience managing legal and compliance issues and challenges comparable to those found at Idaho State University.
• Proven track record of managing teams and varied perspectives.
• Experience providing counsel and guidance for civil rights investigation processes for a large and complex organization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience at an institution of higher education or in a similarly complex organization with multiple constituencies.
• Knowledge of the statutory and constitutional framework in which a university operates, including federal and state regulations applicable to institutions of higher education.
• Knowledge of shared governance processes in academic settings.
• Experience in collaborative problem-solving.
• Experience representing entities with public governing boards.
• Knowledge of intellectual property and university research programs.
• Knowledge of student and employment immigration issues.

Additional Information:
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 March 1, 2026. Salary will be 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.

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