General Counsel - Roosevelt University

As the Chief Legal Officer for the University, the General Counsel oversees and manages the provision of legal services to the institution to ensure the maximum protection of its legal rights and to maintain its operations within the limits prescribed by the law.

This is an exempt executive position that reports directly to the President of the University.

Title IX Contact Information: Federal Title IX policy requires that all colleges and universities make known the contact information for the person responsible for coordinating its efforts to comply with Title IX regulations. At Roosevelt University, the Title IX Coordinator is Natasha Robinson. Her office is located in the Auditorium Building of the Chicago campus, 430 S. Michigan Avenue, AUD 476B. She can be reached at 312-281-3245 or TitleIX@roosevelt.edu.

Do not contact this email address for inquiries about your job application; if you have questions, you may email hrquestions@roosevelt.edu.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• Knowledge and understanding of Title IX compliance. Assist with training, investigations, responses and resolutions to complaints.
• At least five (5) years of experience providing legal representation to clients, ideally including representation of universities, associations and/or other not-for-profit organizations.
• Ability to provide competent legal advice and counsel to senior university officials on a wide range of legal and policy issues.
• Knowledge of the range of applicable laws and regulations which impact all facets of university policy and operations.
• Ability to analyze and interpret issues and to prepare legal opinions.
• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of legal research, contract law, legal documentation procedures and requirements, judicial system and procedures, and community legal resources.
• Demonstrated negotiating skills specifically in a collective bargaining environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of institutional policies and procedures and the regulatory environment within which they operate.
• Ability to develop and implement legal strategies and solutions.
• Strong commitment to attention to detail, collaboration, a respectful work environment, teamwork, and customer relations.
• Excellent organizational, communication (written and verbal), interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion in establishing and maintaining good working relationships.
• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to service excellence by embodying Roosevelt’s core values, mission, and vision in every aspect of the role working with students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• A positive and professional demeanor is a must.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Years of Experience Required

5

Required Education

Doctoral Degree

Certification/Licensure Required

Active license in good disciplinary standing to practice law in the State of Illinois.

Minimum Qualifications

Please see “Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required” above.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference given to attorneys with experience in higher education and/or State of Illinois law.

Equipment Operated

Office equipment (desktop computer, office copier and phone).

Working Conditions

Normal climate-controlled office environment is provided. Job is largely sedentary, but there is a need to move about the office and buildings frequently. Occasional bending, stooping, lifting, pushing and/or pulling is required (typically less than 10 pounds of weight or pressure). Regular use of desktop computer is required, calling for frequent hand/wrist movement and repetition. Moderate level of stress. Occasional travel within the local or regional setting may be required.

Essential Job Functions

Duty and Responsibility

Advice and Counsel:
Provide legal guidance and counsel in executive and policy decision-making, including but not limited to: student issues (including application of affirmative action and other diversity initiatives), campus security, contract review and negotiation, employee and faculty issues (including compensation and benefits, recruiting, hiring, performance management, Title IX, leaves of absence, discipline, and separation).

Assist department directors and managers in interpreting, implementing, and complying with applicable federal, state, and local laws in their functional areas.

Formulate, develop, interpret, and/or review University policies, procedures, and forms; identify the need for policy development or changes to protect and serve the University’s legal interests. Confer with University administrators, faculty, employees, and student organizations on matters involving legal interpretation and decisions related to activities, policy questions, and operating issues.

Undertake proactive action to protect the institution from exposure to litigation.

Provides training to the campus community on various legal issues through seminars and meetings in partnership with departmental leaders as appropriate.

Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest developments in college and university law and in other related areas. Serve as a member of the President’s senior leadership team (i.e., Executive Council); attend meetings of the Board of Trustees, University Senate and other constituent groups as requested.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the President of the University.

Percentage Of Time

60

Duty and Responsibility

External Legal Representation:
Act as lead management negotiator for all collective bargaining agreements and related documents. Act as legal counsel in all union grievances and arbitrations proceedings.

Represent the University during administrative proceedings and investigations.

Respond to complaints and charges filed against the University before administrative agencies.

Oversee and respond to subpoenas and other records requests.

Percentage Of Time

20

Duty and Responsibility

Supervising Outside Counsel:
Engage and manage outside counsel to represent the University as necessary regarding complaints filed in state and federal courts and on any other matters that the General Counsel concludes exceed her capacity and/or subject matter expertise.

Percentage Of Time

20

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Do you have a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an American Bar Association accredited law school?
  • Yes
  • No
• What is your desired salary range for this position?

  (Open Ended Question)

• Please share your experience(s) that demonstrate your understanding and knowledge regarding Title IX

  (Open Ended Question)