General Counsel

Under the direction of the General Counsel for the South Dakota Board of Regents and reporting to the University President, the General Counsel for the University of South Dakota provides legal advice and assistance to the President, administrators, faculty and staff of the University. Duties include, in consultation with the General Counsel for the South Dakota Board of Regents, providing guidance on the application of state and federal laws; drafting, editing, and reviewing proposed revisions to University policies; providing legal and policy analysis of issues; reviewing complaints and conducting or advising on investigations on behalf of University leadership when appropriate; drafting, editing, and reviewing contracts and other forms of legal agreements; and determining when to outsource certain legal matters and working with outside counsel on such matters. The General Counsel may represent the University or its officials in various proceedings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:

- Provide the President and Executive Committee with legal advice on and assistance in the development of proposed or pending administrative actions, decisions, or policies;

- Act as a liaison between the University and the Board of Regents staff on legal matters;

- Serve as the principal point of contact between university and off-campus regulatory and law-enforcement agencies when appropriate;
- Help administrators and their staff understand the legal causes and effects of their administrative actions and provide information about legal developments of interest to specific administrators;

- Complete special assignments at the request of the President;

- Conduct and oversee research into a variety of legal issues. Provide analysis of legal and policy issues;

- Write, edit, and finalize reports, opinions, correspondence, articles, and other documents;

- Coordinate multi-department teams to study and/or evaluate a variety of issues and provide services as needed;

- Attend board meetings as needed; and

- Work with the President and Executive Committee during the legislative session. Attend and testify at legislative hearings and assist in drafting bills as necessary.

ABILITIES & SKILLS:
The successful applicant will:
- Efficiently conduct legal research;
- Effectively handle multiple tasks focused on University objectives;
- Work with a sense of urgency and responsiveness when dealing with clients;
- Be a consummate team player who is solutions-oriented and has a demonstrated ability to build relationships with various constituencies;
- Act in accordance with the highest ethical and professional standards;
- Be a strong communicator who can draft, edit, and review legal opinions and other written materials so that they are accurate and clear to both legal and non-legal audiences;
- Confidently and competently engage with high-level administrative and academic officials in a fast-paced setting;
- Read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, reports, and legal documents;
- Respond to common inquiries or complaints from various constituencies, including regulatory agencies and members of the business community; and

- Effectively present information to management, public groups, and employees of organizations and/or administrators.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

- A Juris Doctorate degree;
- Five years of general law practice;
- Eligibility to practice law within South Dakota or eligibility for admission to the South Dakota Bar at the first opportunity (the successful applicant must be admitted within one year of hire);
- Excellent research, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills and superb professional and personal judgment;
- Commitment to professional development, continued learning, and associational standards.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience representing a public institution of higher education or system office;
- Experience working at a public institution of higher education or system office;
- Demonstrated understanding of legal issues faced by public institutions of higher education; and
- Experience working with public entities and Boards;

SALARY:
Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications within the range, which is from $110,000 to $125,000

OFFICE LOCATION:
Office will be located in Vermillion, South Dakota.