Closing Date: 24th May, 2024

Description:

Job Summary:
Reporting to the President, this position serves as legal counsel and Title IX administrator, manages Open Records and institutional contract management processes and assists with the University's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) functions. The incumbent confers with university administrators, employees and student organizations on matters involving legal interpretation and decisions related to university activities, policy questions and operating problems. Additionally, the incumbent oversees investigations and the University's response to reports and complaints related to various workplace issues such as sexual harassment and discrimination. This position is responsible for overseeing policies, processes, procedures, and related training. The incumbent implements grievance procedures, including notification, investigation and disposition of complaints. The incumbent exercises management responsibility over university legal affairs and advises the president and the university administration on the legality of contemplated actions. The position oversees and manages all legal services for the University to ensure maximum protection of its legal rights and to maintain its operations within the limits prescribed by law. The incumbent must maintain confidentiality and utilize sound judgement in decision making. The incumbent may be required to perform job related duties other than those specifically delineated in this description.

Responsibilities:

Provide strategic guidance, consultation, and support to the President, Cabinet and Executive Leadership as well as members of upper management on a comprehensive range of legal and associated issues involved in carrying out the mission of the institution.
Receive and investigate inquiries and complaints from university administrators, employees and student organizations including but not limited to matters related to employee grievances, labor law, insurance risk management, intellectual property, delinquent fees, contracts and established University System of Georgia (USG) and institutional policies.
Maintain strong and collaborative relationships with the USG's Legal Affairs Team and other campus offices to coordinate and execute in a timely manner the University's response and investigation of complaints.
Works closely with Human Resources, Student Affairs and Campus Police leadership to guide campus practices and make decisions to protect the legal and reputational interests of the university.
Provide legal guidance to campus police on major investigations and policy revision.
Coordinate activities and actions with outside counsel assigned, appointed or retained to represent A Public Historically Black University.
Coordinate, through relevant management personnel, the establishment of major schedules, task assignment and the allocation of staff and equipment related to university litigation, hearings and legal matters.
In collaboration with the Dean of Students, implement and manage the Student Title IX Policy and oversee Title IX complaints to ensure a timely, efficient and effective response.
As Title IX Administrator, identify and address any patterns or systemic problems relating to complaints, prepare individual and annual reports for the President and Cabinet and recommends needed operational changes to remain in compliance with regulations.
Supervise Title IX investigator(s); assist with investigation plans for each Title IX complaint; develop and implement case management plans for reported Title IX incidents.
Recommend operational changes necessitated by legislative mandates and develop alternative policies and procedures to enable the University to accomplish its objectives.
Provide advice and updates to senior administrators; work with campus legal issues as needed; serve as liaison to state and federal government compliance or investigation officers.
Maintain knowledge of current state and federal law and regulations and trends in the field of EEO, to include Title IX and Title VI through training and research; provide on-going consultation regarding Title IX requirements.
Review reports of investigations with findings of facts and recommendations.
Develop and disseminate educational materials and in-service training tailored to faculty, staff and students.
In collaboration with Human Resources, create and implement procedures to maintain compliance with federal and state regulations related to employment law and other related areas.
Organize and maintain grievance files, disposition reports, and other compiled records including annual descriptive reports of number and nature of filed complaints and disposition of complaints.
Serves as a member of the USG/SSU Ethics Line triage and on campus committees as directed by the President.

Required Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
Minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional work experience as an attorney specifically with regulatory and policy compliance.
Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia or be able to obtain membership within 1 year of hire.
Experience with and training in conducting investigatory processes and responding to complaints.
Experience designing and providing training to employees, students, and other relevant groups.
Experience conducting individual and/or group facilitation to foster effective communication and healthy workplace relationships among employees and management.

Preferred Qualifications:
Prior work experience in higher education

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Knowledge of the institution's mission and goals
Knowledge of principles, laws and regulations related to higher education, Title IX, EEO/AA, ADA, VAWA, SaVE Act, Clery Act, FERPA and contract administration
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant technologies
Skilled in analysis and critical thinking to apply logical reasoning to solve higher education legal issues
Skilled in legal research and writing
Skilled in communication (written, oral, and interpersonal) and organizing
Ability and demonstrated effectiveness working with all populations (students, administrators, faculty and staff)
Ability to understand and provide guidance concerning USG and institutional polices
Ability to develop and maintain effective, collaborative professional relationships with students, administrators, faculty, staff and other constituents
Ability to remain professional with a positive orientation toward customer service
Ability to establish priorities, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, follow through, and meet deadlines