What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Counsel position at West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission?
General Job Summary
The General Counsel is the chief legal officer for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Council for Community and Technical College Education. The Commission and Council are the coordinating agencies of multi-institutional statewide systems for higher education. The general counsel provides legal services, advocates, advises, and represents the interests of the Commission, the Council, chancellors, senior staff and others on legal matters affecting both higher education systems. This is a senior, cabinet-level position for the state higher education central office.
Classification: Full-Time, Non-Classified, Exempt, Benefits-Eligible
Duties and Responsibilities
Lead the Legal Division of the Commission and Council and its three-person team of assistant attorneys general, as well as outside counsel, that may be retained to represent the Commission, Council or affiliated institutions. Manage the budget of the Legal Division and may issue contracts for legal services and retain outside counsel on behalf of the Commission, Council or affiliated institutions.
Serve as attorney to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Council for Community and Technical College Education in legal matters and communicates legal issues and concerns to the attention of the Commissioners, Chancellors, and senior leadership. Serve as parliamentarian and ethics advisor to the Commission, Council, institutional boards, and staff. Review Commission and Council resolutions and policies for form and legality. Manage the Commission’s and Council’s legal representation in litigation and administrative proceedings. Provide legal advice to attorneys employed by system institutions.
Collaborate with the West Virginia Office of the Attorney General and Secretary of State to promulgate Commission and Council approved rules, including regularly testifying in front of legislative committees in support of rule promulgation and legislation. Work with counsel from other state agencies, in addition to those representing colleges, universities and their boards of governors. Provide presentations and training to a variety of stakeholder groups about statutory, legal and rulemaking procedures.
Review proposed policies and policy updates for legal compliance for all colleges and universities under coordination by the Commission and Council. Review institutional presidential employment contracts brought before the Commission and Council for approval.
Provide counsel concerning compliance with federal and state statutes and regulations affecting institutions of higher education. Offer legal advice, including preventative legal services and legal representation in monitoring and resolving disputes that may lead to litigation.
Subject to direction of the Commission, Council, and Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration or the Chancellor, resolve legal claims, initiating and appealing lawsuits and administrative proceedings.
Maintain an appropriate framework for internal control to evaluate and protect the Commission’s and Council’s legal interests and reduce their legal risks.
Serve as a legislative and intergovernmental liaison for the Commission and the Council. Track state and federal legislation that may affect the agencies or institutions. Review and recommend changes in statute applicable to West Virginia higher education. Work with senior staff to draft proposed legislation, rules and policies.
Reviews Commission and Council contracts relating to employment, purchasing, real estate, patents and technology marketing, sponsored research, external sales and other activities.
Serves as a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet and performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Broad knowledge of higher education principles, practices, issues and structures.
- Advanced oral and written communication and comprehension skills.
- Intimate knowledge of the workings of the legislative and executive branch of state government and a working knowledge of the principles and practices of higher education administration.
- High ethical standards with a strong commitment to legal ethics exhibited in knowledge and practice, and professional responsibility.
- Ability to carry out assignments requiring the organization of material, analysis of data, and preparation of pertinent recommendations.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to exercise group leadership skills, which emphasize collaboration, consensus building, conflict resolution, and problem solving.
- Exhibit sound judgment and professional integrity and credibility.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills and must be able to render legal advice with confidence in high-pressure and time-sensitive situations.
- Strong supervision and management skills.
- Superb legal research, analytical, advocacy and problem-solving skills.
- Keen ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate with others.
- Understanding of parliamentary procedures of the West Virginia Legislature and the bill drafting process.
- Proven litigation and appellate advocacy experience.
Minimum Requirements
Required Education: A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and admission to the West Virginia State Bar with license to practice law in the state of West Virginia are required.
Required Work Experience: Significant and substantial relevant work experience required.
Examples of the types of acceptable experience include:
- Substantial experience as a practicing attorney in a sophisticated environment such as representing large entities, government agencies, multi-campus universities, large non-profits or business corporations.
- Experience in drafting and editing successful legislation.
- Significant experience as in-house representative for a complex organization dealing with compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Significant leadership experience managing the work of other attorneys and other professionals and/or in the representation of large, complex and highly decentralized organizational clients with multiple stakeholder groups.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience directly managing or supporting leadership in managing public policy, including controversial and other high-profile issues.
- Experience in public higher education and the public sector.
- Experience working with lawmakers and high-level policymakers to develop legislation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with the higher education system in West Virginia.
- Understanding and appreciation of the historic role of public colleges and universities.
- Familiarity with legislative policy and procedures and effective bill tracking and reporting.
Supplemental Information
Closing Date: Open Until Filled.
Application Process: In addition to filling out the online application, qualified candidates must submit a letter of interest and contact information for three professional references.
Final candidates are subject to employment and credential verification, as well as reference and background checks.
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