Legal Career Center

PRINCIPAL COUNSEL, EDUCATION AFFAIRS & GOVERNANCE

Location: OaklandFull Time
Job ID: 37598
Job Posting

For UCOP internal applicants, please login to the internal candidate gateway at: Jobs at UCOP

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Legal - Office of General Counsel (UCL - OGC) delivers ethical, timely, efficient and high quality legal services to the University of California ten campuses, six medical centers, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as well as to the Board of Regents, the President, the Chancellors and other officers of the University. Its services include prosecuting and defending litigation, drafting and negotiating agreements, providing advice, counsel and interpretation of laws, regulations and policies, and assisting with development of effective compliance and risk mitigation strategies to facilitate the University's complex operations.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position provides substantial expertise in the Educational Affairs and Governance practice area. Reporting to the Managing Counsel - Education Affairs & Governance, this position independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects in the Education Affairs and Governance practice areas, to include the most complex and that of substantial importance and impact. The Principal Counsel interprets complex facts and the law in areas of high ambiguity. The Principal Counsel also provides functional advice, training and/or guidance to clients and to less-experienced attorneys, and may act as a liaison with outside counsel, and/or represent the University in governmental enforcement and administrative matters.

Responsibilities require substantial knowledge of laws, regulations and policies applicable to a broad range of governance and education affairs issues including, but not limited to, free speech, academic freedom, admissions, financial aid, student conduct, FERPA, Title IX, Clery Act, public records, privacy, conflict of interest, and Regents bylaws and policies. Drafts, reviews and revises a variety of instruments involving the University's interest such as policies and contracts.

All team members are expected to actively participate in initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and/or inclusion, whether at UC or in the community.

Responsibilities

• Provides substantial expertise within the University in the Educational Affairs and Governance specialties and independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects, to include the highest complexity and that of significant importance and impact to the University.
• Interprets complex facts and the law in areas of moderate to high ambiguity.
• Establishes effective relationships with key internal and external constituencies.
• Recognizes strategic needs of organization and proactively builds relationships with appropriate stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.
• Serves as a trusted strategic partner with University business units, providing practical advice and alternative solutions to business issues.
• Advises and renders opinions to clients with respect to the legal implications of establishing or changing policy. Works with colleagues at the Office of the President or campus/medical center locations to develop and modify practices and procedures to conform with changing legal requirements.
• Directly negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents.
• May act as a liaison with outside counsel, and/or represent the University in administrative or court litigation.
• Keeps informed on changing legislation and case law developments affecting overall operations of the University as they relate to the area of specialty.
• Complies with delegations of authority for committing University funds.
• Delegates work effectively to maximize efficiencies. Provides clear expectations and mentors legal support staff to meet expected levels of productivity and accuracy.
• Ensures accurate record keeping in compliance with UC Legal data quality protocols.
• Participates in, and may lead, projects and activities that support and advance UC Legal's commitment to increasing and maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University and within the legal profession.

Required Qualifications

• Typically requires eight (8) or more years of education law or governance experience in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, public agency, corporation or other entity, although exceptional experience with fewer years of practice will be considered.
• Thorough understanding of highly complex legal issues within practice area and ability to foresee implications even when ambiguous or hidden.
• Advanced interpersonal communication skills, including proven ability to actively listen, negotiate, persuade and educate.
• Skills to gain trust and build credibility with a broad group of colleagues and clients, to include senior leaders.
• Advanced written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.
• Effective research skills; ability to readily identify critical material information in area of specialty.
• Proven decision making ability, even when the decision is unpopular, earning credibility and support from colleagues and clients.
• Excellent abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking with UC Legal colleagues, clients and outside vendors and agencies.
• Commitment to the highest ethical standards.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues.
• Advanced skills in project management, and facilitating policy review and changes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant practice experience for public sector or higher education clients is preferred.
• Experience in a university setting.
• Ability to mentor and coach all levels of staff; strong coaching and leadership skills to provide clear expectations, guidance and performance feedback to less experienced attorneys and legal support staff.

Education: Advanced degree in a related field.

License/Certifications: Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar. (Out-of-state hire would be afforded time to pass the Bar within a reasonable period.)

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement and will be required to report to work at least one day per week.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary: $207,000 - $245,000 annual, commensurate with experience

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is August 1, 2022. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

August 2021 Update: The University of California has issued a policy requiring employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID -19 before physically accessing the University location or programs. Upon hire into a UCOP position, you will be provided detailed instructions on how to comply with this policy including access to the COVID vaccination at no cost. New hires to UCOP who work onsite or will come onsite for any activities at a UCOP or other UC location must comply with this policy within 8 weeks after their start date. The policy allows for employees to request approval for an exception or deferral. UC COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. EEO/AA Employer UC Nondiscrimination Policy

The University of California, Office of the President, strives to make this job board accessible to any and all users. If you have comments regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at: Accessibility or email the Human Resource Department at: epost@ucop.edu.



To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucop/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=19&JobOpeningId=37598&PostingSeq=1jeid-2dfd39c45ca1e24ea2f5b7e67eea2d5a







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