General Counsel

Delaware State University (DSU) has a vacancy for Vice President for Legal and Government Affairs/General Counsel.  Under the direct supervision of the President of Delaware State University, the General Counsel is responsible for providing a high-level of professional legal service by representing and advising the Board of Trustees, the Board Committees and Delaware State University on a broad range of education law and other legal matters.  Although this position will concentrate primarily on federal and state employment, education and administrative law matters, the General Counsel is further responsible for coordinating and assisting in the management of all of Delaware State University’s legal affairs, including various contracts, intellectual property issues, non-profit requirements and serving as liaison with DSU’s outside legal counsel on a wide variety of matters.  The General Counsel is responsible for directing and supervising the Director of Enterprise Risk Management and the Director of Government and Community Relations in all facets of their job; and, supervising the administration of the Dreamer.us program.

More information on the qualifications, and duties and responsibilities associated with this position are stated below:

Essential Functions

The following are the functions essential to performing this job:

Monitor and assist in the management of DSU legal affairs with the assistance of outside counsel as necessary.

Monitor progress of work conducted by outside counsel, including review of services, fees, and billing.

Communicate legal issues with internal staff and outside counsel.

Interact regularly with senior-level administration and with state and federal regulatory offices.

Perform legal and factual research as required.

Address academic personnel issues such as immigration, promotion, tenure, peer review, termination, grievance, salary, and benefit issues, as required.

Address matters involving employees (as well as students) as required, including discrimination, civil rights, harassment, worker’s compensation, affirmative action, conflict of interest and FERPA issues;

Drafting and review of all legal documents governing any aspect of DSU functioning, including, but not limited to,arguments, motions, interrogatories and responsive pleadings, briefs, agreements and contracts;

Drafting DSU policies and procedures as required;

Protecting DSU intellectual property interests, including patent, trademark and copyright portfolios;

Negotiate, draft and manage licensee and development agreements and contracts;

Attend administrative hearings as necessary

Monitor deadlines to ensure University regulatory compliance

Investigate all employment claims

Maintain communication and close cooperation with Office of Human Resources

Prepare and respond to correspondence

Other Functions

Individuals in this job may be assigned one or more of the following tasks on a rotating or as-needed basis.

Attendcourt hearings

Attend depositions

Attend Departmental meetings

Attend Board of Trustees meetings

Attend State legislative hearings as necessary

Travel between DSU campuses, for research, hearings, depositions, etc., as required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The individual in this job must possess the following skills and abilities and demonstrate that they can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using a combination of the following skills and abilities.

High ethical standards;

Effective verbal and written communication skills;

Strong legal research abilities;

Strong analytical, advocacy and program solving skills;

Ability to work in a diverse and complex University environment across three campuses;

Ability to work effectively with a diverse public and staff;

Team oriented;

Familiarity with the Federal and Delaware court systems.

Qualification Standards
 

Education:Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school.

Admission to practice before the Delaware Bar.

Not less than seven (7) years of experience and a record of accomplishments with a law firm or other related experience with a concentration in employment law.  

Note:  The University reserves the right to change or reassign job duties as provided in policy and negotiated agreements.

All interested qualified applicants must first complete the online application process for full consideration.  Mail cover letters, prepared resume's and list of references to:

Mrs. Irene Hawkins, Vice President
Office of Human Resources
Re: General Counsel
Delaware State University
1200 North DuPont Highway
Dover, DE  19901