GENERAL COUNSEL

Posting Opens February 19, 2025 Closes February 23, 2025

The Akron Board of Education announces an opening for General Counsel, Job Code 119, TS 522 (260 Days), Salary Range: $154,166.04 - $186,543.38. Collective Bargaining Unit – Exempt, Administration. This is a STRS position. The General Counsel reports to the Superintendent.

Application must be made electronically through http://www.applitrack.com/akron/onlineapp/. In addition to completing the online application, please upload a letter of interest, resume, and a current copy of any licenses held. The Superintendent reserves the right to keep the position open until suitable applicants are found or to cancel and re-post the position with changes as may be deemed appropriate. For further information, please contact Angela Carter, Chief of Staff, in the Human Capital Department at 330-761-2949.

Position Summary:

The General Counsel over sees legal compliance, manages internal and external legal matters, and coordinates the effective use of outside counsel to address the varied needs of Akron Public Schools. The General Counsel reports directly to the Superintendent. This position provides strategic legal guidance to the Superintendent and at times the Board of Education, Treasurer, and other district leaders. As a member of the executive team, the General Counsel helps shape district policies and strategies while ensuring adherence to applicable laws and regulations.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) with 10-15 years of legal experience, preferably in public, government, or school law, negotiations, and contract management.

• Active membership in the Ohio Bar in good standing.

• Strong negotiation, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

• High ethical standards and sound judgment under presence.

• Knowledge of public-school operations and applicable education law; employee/student civil rights laws; federal, state, and local non-discrimination statutes employment law; FERPA; Ohio Public Records and Open Meetings Act laws; data privacy; student discipline; tort liability, and insurance coverage.
  
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state special education laws and regulations, of Individualized Education Program (IEP) procedures, of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
  
• Ability to strategically plan, recommend, and execute policies and programs.
  
• Ability to explain and interpret laws, regulations, policies, and rules to individuals and groups to gain compliance, cooperation, and understanding.

• Proficiency in the use of technology and data compilation for research, analysis, and reporting.

• Ability to supervise and evaluate the work of others.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Oversight

• Serve as the primary legal advisor on district legal matters, including labor and employment, contracts, policies, risk management, and compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

• Represent or coordinate representation in administrative hearings, civil litigation, and other legal proceedings, utilizing outside counsel as necessary.

• Provide legal guidance on policy development and board agenda items.

Use of Outside Counsel

• Collaborates and/or consults with, as needed outside counsel.

• Evaluate the need for outside counsel, hire and manage their work, and ensure cost-effective and strategic legal support for specialized issues.

• Coordinate and oversee outside counsel in litigation, investigations, and high-complexity matters.

Risk Management and Contracts

• Review district contractual matters, district contracts, including vendor agreements, ensuring compliance with applicable legal standards.
  
• Leads the internal contract review committee.
  
• Develop and implement policies to mitigate legal risk and liability exposure.
  
• Manage district insurance claims and work with insurers to develop risk reduction strategies.

Labor Relations and Negotiations

• Lead labor relations functions, including collective bargaining, grievance resolution, and arbitration.
  
• Provide legal oversight of all labor agreements and ensure their alignment with the district's financial and operational goals.

Legislative and Policy Leadership

• Monitor and analyze legislation affecting the district and advise on its implications.
  
• Draft, review, and revise board policies in collaboration with district leadership and/or outside counsel.
  
• Collaborate with legislators and external stakeholders on education related legal matters.

• Work closely with the Superintendent and, at times, may consult with Board of Education leadership, and executive leadership members to address legal issues.
  
• Serve as a liasion to external agencies, legislators, and community stakeholders on legal matters affecting the district.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversee clerical staff and district legal functions.
  
• Directly manage relationships with outside counsel and supervise staff related to labor relations and other Suprintendent-directed departments.
  
• The General Couonsel will support a variety of district functions and departmental initiatives as directed by the Superintendent.
  
• May oversee and/or collaborate with the Executive Director of Human Capital.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-bond, with occasional travel to district sites, legal proceedings, and/or job related professional development/conference.

If you require any special services (such as interpreter, braille or large print, or wheelchair accessible accommodations) covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Public Law 101-336, Section 102, please call the Department of Human Capital at 330-761-2952. If you are using a TTY/TTD, please call the Ohio Relay Service, 1-800-750-0750.

Akron Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry or genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes").