Associate Vice President and Internal Counsel

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:
St. Thomas University (STU) seeks an accomplished, creative, values-driven leader with a demonstrated record of success and visionary leadership to serve as the next Assistant Vice President and Internal Counsel. The Internal Counsel serves as a thoughtful strategic leader across the university and is a member of the President's cabinet reporting directly to the President. The Internal Counsel serves as a confidential advisor to the President and the administration on a wide range of legal and policy matters and is responsible for ensuring the highest quality of legal services including managing compliance. This is an on-site position.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In coordination with Archdiocese counsel where necessary, is responsible for managing litigation and other disputes to which STU is a party, including  government investigations and enforcement actions, employment disputes, contract and business disputes, and intellectual property disputes.
• Works to prevent litigation and to resolve disputes before legal proceedings commence, whether through informal means or through formal forms of alternative dispute resolutions, such as mediation and arbitration. Responds to and facilitates the production of documents or witnesses in response to subpoenas, legal demands, third-party requests, and other legal processes.
• Advises STU on a broad range of issues relating to student conduct, Title IX compliance, privacy, policy development, residential life, disability services, academic affairs, student financial services, admissions, and student activities. Works closely with the provost, academic deans, student affairs staff, Title IX coordinators, Human Resources (HR), and other administrators to solve problems, prevent and resolve disputes and ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and policies. Serves on committees and task forces as needed.
• Engages and collaborates with outside counsel to represent STU in connection with administrative proceedings before various government agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Education.
• Coordinates with the Archdiocese of Miami to ensure compliance in all matters.
• Coordinates inspections, interviews and files claims as necessary with the University’s insurance carriers.
• Oversees a comprehensive Title IX policy and program that meets all federal requirements including intake meetings, providing supportive measures, training investigators and hearing officers, and updating the campus community on Title IX requirements.
• Develops and oversees university-wide compliance related training initiatives for privacy laws such as FERPA, HIPAA, Cleary as well as STU’s policies and procedures for all employees and students, which includes developing content and/or identifying external resources (e.g., software) that may be used for training purposes. Additionally, develops communication to promote compliance within the University and provides training to implement such policies and procedures.
• Anticipates issues and risks and coordinates risk management activities. Communicates pertinent information to appropriate parties.
• Prepares corporate filings, as necessary.
• Reviews and helps manage administration of significant contracts and agreements including construction contracts.
• Assists with managing all university emergency/disaster responses, including related policy development, training, and communications. Develops and distributes mass communications to the university community about compliance matters, emergency/disaster response, and timely notifications as called upon to do so.
• Provides annual compliance reports and updates to the President, Cabinet, Finance Committee and Board of Trustees as required.
• Performs all other activities or duties consistent with these responsibilities, as deemed necessary by the President.
   

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS:

• A commitment to higher education and an understanding of the legal issues faced by universities.
• Deep knowledge and experience in employment and higher education laws, policies, and governance matters.
• Good understanding of shared governance, risk management, and compliance.
• Experience in providing counsel on student affairs and academic affairs issues.
• Substantial experience as a practicing attorney in a sophisticated environment such as a large law firm, government agency, university, or non-profit or business corporation.
• Proven success in providing legal guidance in the context of complex organizations and a deeply held commitment to, and belief in, the value of collaborative decision-making.
• Experience in managing controversial and/or high-profile issues confidentially.
• Ability to work collaboratively, and to communicate effectively, with multiple and diverse constituencies, such as the governance board, administration, faculty,      staff, students, corporate partners, community leaders, the public, and alumni.
• Demonstrates diplomacy, patience, and the ability to navigate complex situations professionally and tactfully.
• Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, trustworthiness; high ethical standards with a strong commitment to legal ethics exhibited in knowledge, practice, and professional responsibility.
• Exceptional analytical, interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, and sound judgment.
• Direct, engaged approach and solution-driven attitude.
• A commitment to the highest standards of excellence.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• License in good standing to practice law.
• A minimum of five (5) years of legal practice with significant leadership experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience in higher education setting or serving as outside counsel to a higher education institution, and professional understanding of legal issues involving student affairs, student services, anti-discrimination law, contract law, employment law and other areas pertinent to institutional operations and compliance.
• Working knowledge of FERPA, HIPAA, and other state and federal laws protecting personal information and electronic records.
• Member of the Florida state bar association in good standing.