What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice Chancellor and General Counsel position at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Posting Information
Department
University Counsel-200400
Career Area
Academic Administration
Posting Open Date
01/21/2025
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled
Yes
Position Type
Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title
Vice Chancellor and General Counsel
Appointment Type
EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number
01000480
Vacancy ID
NF0008847
Full Time/Part Time
Full-Time Permanent
FTE
1
Hours per week
40
Position Location
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
Proposed Start Date
04/01/2025
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
OUC represents the University, which entails providing legal advice and counsel to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, the administration, faculty, and staff on legal matters involving or affecting the institution. OUC advises the University administration on a broad range of initiatives, issues, and policy matters, and serves as a liaison between the University and its related and affiliated entities on legal and policy issues. Areas of practice include employment, litigation, transactions, contracts, research, student life, college athletics, among other matters. OUC also assists with program implementation and provides legal and policy training for internal University audiences and educational programs for legal audiences and general audiences outside the institution on matters affecting the University and higher education in general. OUC engages in crisis and opportunity management and preventative counseling, including the identification of high-risk activities and enterprises conducted by the University and the articulation of methodologies or strategies for coping with the risks. OUC is responsible for selecting and supervising any outside counsel engaged by the institution. In all work performed by the office, OUC is committed to understanding the goals and upholding the values of Carolina’s diverse campus community.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor and General Counsel (GC) serves as the principal lawyer for the University. The GC provides legal advice, strategy and counsel to the Chancellor, the Board of Trustees (BOT), the administration, faculty, and staff on matters involving or affecting the University. The GC analyzes laws, regulations, proposed legislation, and policies to facilitate compliance by the University, which includes keeping the campus community informed about legal risks and their management. The GC serves as liaison on legal issues with the UNC System Office and the Office of the President, the BOT, the Attorney General’s Office, and other entities as needed. The GC also is responsible for hiring, developing, providing guidance and direction for, and supervising the legal and other professional staff of the Office of University Counsel (OUC) and secures and manages outside legal services for the University as appropriate.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
A law degree from an accredited law school and at least 15 years of legal experience required; must have excellent communication skills; an appreciation for and interest in public higher education, and a commitment to a demanding legal practice; The ability to interact, communicate, and collaborate with a variety of internal and external stakeholders in a dynamic setting in a manner that facilitates consensus and alignment is an important skill in this position.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Previous legal experience in a major research university and health care system with strong professional schools, in representing public entities, and in one or more of OUC’s practice areas is not essential but preferred.
In additional to the educational credentials and functional expertise described, the most-qualified candidates will possess background and experience in leading, managing, motivating, and empowering a dynamic team of legal professionals in a complex environment through:
In additional to the educational credentials and functional expertise described, the most-qualified candidates will possess background and experience in leading, managing, motivating, and empowering a dynamic team of legal professionals in a complex environment through:
- Establishing clear team and individual goals and priorities, and firmly and fairly holding team members accountable.
- Providing clear vision, strategy, direction, and instruction for the team, as well as role clarity for the individual members.
- Being metrics driven and results-oriented.
- Demonstrating a willingness to explore novel ideas and approaches to service delivery strategies.
- Leveraging the strengths of the team.
- Being a good communicator that listens to their team.
- Helping employees with career development.
- Helping team members puzzle through problems and empowering them to develop and implement solutions.
- Demonstrating integrity and personal courage in all they do and providing a work environment where others can do the same.
- Providing selfless service for those they work for and for those who work for them.
- Demonstrating interest in individual team member success and well-being.
- Advocating on behalf of the team.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
N/A
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.
