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Position Title: Assistant General Counsel

Department: General Counsel


Advertised
Pay:
Competitive

Campus Location: Washburn University


Application Review:
Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled.

Position
Summary:
This position reports directly to the General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Regents and assists with providing
comprehensive legal advice and counsel to senior academic and administrative leaders; contracts review, legal research, analysis, and
writing; and compliance review, assessment, and recommendations. Additional specific areas of responsibility will be determined based on
Washburn needs and in conjunction with professional experience. This position provides proactive, customer-service oriented legal support
and guidance to clients across the campus community.



About Washburn University: Washburn University is a
teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition
for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of just over 7,000 students, a significant and
growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be
successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and
student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on
our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy
work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion,
modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the
nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® program.



Essential Functions:

  • Proactively
    advise a wide range of Washburn leaders on multifaceted matters, including investigations, facility use agreements, real estate, affiliation
    agreements, public records, federal and state regulations, academic and student affairs, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, labor
    and employment, and risk management.
  • Review, draft, negotiate, and manage contracts, affiliation agreements, and other agreements
    on behalf of Washburn.
  • Administer and maintain Washburn’s contract management system, including workflow, development, user
    support, training, and implementation of process improvements designed to increase efficiency and transparency.
  • Manage legal
    projects and research as assigned and ensure timely completion and adherence to legal standards.
  • Prepare correspondence, reports,
    policies, and other legal documents as needed as part of legal projects and as assigned.
  • Research legal and operations issues as
    assigned and provide recommendations to support institutional decision-making, policy development, and risk management efforts.
  • Administer Washburn’s open records management system and coordinate responses to requests under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). Delegate
    any such tasks as appropriate, managing to ensure timeliness and adherence to laws.
  • Assist in directing and supervising legal
    interns, including assigning work, training and mentorship, and reviewing work product.
  • Work with unit leaders to review and
    assess Washburn programs, policies, regulations, and procedures; advise as to the level of compliance and any needed changes.
  • Respond to questions and requests for assistance with compliance and legal issues, advising with consideration of legal and other relevant
    factors to offer practical solutions.
  • Develop and conduct legal and compliance education sessions for faculty and staff as
    needed.
  • Provide legal advice to the Board of Regents in the absence of the General Counsel and attend Board of Regents meetings.
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive issues and information and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive or
    potentially sensitive topics.
  • Support Washburn’s mission.
  • Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as
    appropriate.

Required Qualifications:


  • JD from an ABA-accredited law school.
  • Admission to
    the Kansas State Bar.
  • Experience reviewing, drafting, or negotiating contracts for a legal practice.
  • Demonstrated
    ability to synthesize complex information into easily digestible formats and combine legal considerations with program and policy objectives
    to develop practical solutions that meet client needs.
  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a customer-service focused environment,
    with a collaborative working style.
  • Proven ability to effectively communicate legal language and analysis to non-lawyers,
    including when conveying unpleasant or unwelcome information.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle work duties and client interactions
    in an open, respectful manner that builds confidence and approachability in the General Counsel’s office.
  • Proven ability to work
    independently, manage several projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
  • A proven work history with a commitment to the highest
    ethical standards.
  • Demonstrated ability to use sound independent judgment and professional integrity.
  • Proven record of
    providing prompt and effective research, analytical, and writing skills.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain professional
    collaborative relationships with individuals and groups across an organization, as well as stakeholders and community members.
  • Proven ability to prioritize and respond to issues and requests accurately and effectively.
  • License to practice law in Kansas.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of FERPA, Title IX, and other regulatory frameworks applicable to
    colleges and universities.
  • Experience working in a higher education, governmental, healthcare, or other highly regulated
    environments.
  • Experience conducting compliance risk assessments, compliance reviews, audits, investigations, or corrective action
    planning.

Exempt, Full-time, Mon-Fri, 9am-5:30pm
Background Check Required



EEO
Statement

Washburn is dedicated to providing a student-centered and teaching focused academic environment and a curriculum
that engages the diversity of human experience across the globe. We seek candidates who are committed to Washburn’s efforts to create a
climate that fosters the growth and development of a diverse student body, and we encourage applications from members of groups that have
been historically underrepresented in higher education. Application materials should clearly articulate how the candidate will contribute to
the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through their teaching, research, and/or service.



Washburn University is an
EOE. Washburn University provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color,
religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or
marital or parental status.

Tagged as: Employment

Source
HigherEdJobs - Legal Affairs

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