PRINCIPAL COUNSEL, EDUCATION AFFAIRS

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Position Base: Oakland
Location: UCOP - Franklin Building

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 delivers ethical, timely, efficient and high quality legal services to the University of California's ten campuses, five 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

The University is a consensus-based organization, and the Principal Counsel, Education Affairs plays a key role in helping the relevant decision makers to reach consensus regarding decisions related to Education Affairs. This position provides substantial expertise in the Education Affairs 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 practice area, to include the most complex and those of substantial importance and impact. The Principal Counsel analyzes complex factual situations and interprets 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. Among other responsibilities, this position will advise clients both on the campuses and in the Office of the President on handling a wide range of matters related to disability, Title IX and Title VI, including compliance with University policies relating to harassment and discrimination and responses to regulatory investigations. Responsibilities may also include advising clients on a broad range of education affairs issues including, but not limited to free speech, academic freedom, student conduct, FERPA, housing, admissions, financial aid, and the Clery Act. Drafts, reviews and revises a variety of instruments involving the University's interests such as policies, legal memoranda, guidance documents, and submissions to regulatory agencies. By practicing UC Legal's established Values for Principles of Community, these positions contribute to a workplace that is collaborative, supportive, respectful of differences, and committed to fairness and diversity in all interactions, both within and outside the team. They also support UC Legal's commitment to increasing and maintaining diversity in the legal profession.

Key Responsibilities

65% Legal Services

• Provides substantial expertise within the University in the Education Affairs specialty and independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects to include the highest complexity and those 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 internal and external constituencies.
• Advises and renders opinions to clients with respect to the legal implications of establishing or changing policy.
• 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.

10% Client Services

• Establishes effective relationships with key internal and external constituencies.
• Recognizes strategic needs of organization and proactively builds relationships with internal and external constituencies. * Serves as a trusted strategic partner with University business units, providing practical advice, and alternative solutions to business needs.

15% Leadership

• Delegates work effectively to maximize efficiency.
• Provides clear expectations and feedback to help others to meet expected levels of productivity and accuracy.
• Provides functional advice, training, and/or guidance and effectively mentors less experienced colleagues.
• Supports OGC's commitment to diversity efforts - ensure equal opportunity in recruitment process by ensuring diverse representation on search committees and outreach efforts. Promotes equity in advancements and encourages in career advising or mentoring programs.

10% Proactive Advice and Counsel

• 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.
• Keeps informed on changing legislation and case development affecting overall operation of the University as they relate to the area of specialties.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant practice experience in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation or other entity required.

Skills and Abilities

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
• Trusted partner with senior management and a diverse spectrum of clients.
• Thorough understanding of highly complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications in specialty area, even when ambiguous or hidden.
• Strong 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.
• Effective 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 legislative changes in area of specialty.
• Demonstrated ability in consulting, relationship building, and strategic thinking skills.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the organizational environment of higher education and large research universities to understand client priorities, issues, motivations and constraints.

Education

• Advanced degree in a related field required

Licenses and Certifications
Required Qualifications

• 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.)

Travel Requirements
10% Occasional business travel

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person hired will be required to reside within California and report to work on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA on a regular basis. Current policy requires that a new employee work on-site at least two days a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays ("anchor days"). In exceptional circumstances, approved by the General Counsel, candidates residing in or willing to relocate to California may be considered for a fully remote work arrangement.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title: Counsel 4
Job Code: 000201
Salary Grade: Grade 29

Payscale: $225,000 - $260,000, commensurate with experience

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and 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 October 22, 2024. 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

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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

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