Assistant General Counsel

HCC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Community College seeks an Assistant General Counsel I to advance the institution’s tradition of excellence in academics, student life and community service. You will assist the General Counsel in providing legal services to the Governing Board and College System, drafting contracts and reviewing legal documents, and advising on personnel matters.

You will research emerging legal issues, represent HCC in administrative proceedings, and support labor law interpretations, discipline, and

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Member, State Bar of Texas.
• Seven years of related experience including contracts, education, labor & employment, and open records.

Responsibilities

• Advise and counsel the governing board, chancellor, vice-chancellors, presidents and HR Chief on legal matters.
• Draft and review contracts, policies, bylaws and administrative procedures.
• Represent HCC in administrative proceedings and assist in litigation support.
• Provide interpretations of federal/state laws and system regulations.
• Support district-wide compliance and HR dispute resolution.

Skills

Oral and written communications

Interpersonal and leadership

Legal research and writing

Education/government law

Contract drafting/review

Labor/employment law

Travel readiness

Education

J.D. degree

State Bar of Texas

Higher education experience

Job description

We are currently seeking an Assistant General Counsel I who will advance the institution’s proud tradition of excellence in academics, student life and community service.

The Opportunity

Your mission: In this role, you’ll assist General Counsel in providing LGL services support to the Governing Board and College System

Your work: We’ll count on you to research, stay abreast of and provide recommendations concerning emerging LGL issues that impact HCC. You’ll work with regulatory and legislative entities, and represent HCC in administrative and LGL proceedings. Drafting contracts and reviewing LGL documents (e.g., board policies, bylaws and administrative procedures) will also be within your purview. Finally, you’ll provide LGL support and/or interpretations on labor law, discrimination complaints, grievance processes, faculty and student issues.

SUMMARY

The Assistant General Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice and counsel to the Governing Board and College System. Incumbent has a support role in areas of actual and potential legal liability, including but not limited to, reviewing and drafting contracts, advising on personnel matters, providing representation in internal administrative proceedings, interpreting federal and state laws and regulations, interpreting system policies, regulations and rules, developing and drafting policies and procedures, and drafting legislation. Assist in the supervision of district-wide compliance.

Responsible for the design, execution and effectiveness of a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that operations are effectives and efficient, assets are safeguarded, financial information is reliable and compliant with applicable law, regulation, policies and procedures.

Manages Human Resources activities for direct reports in regards to: recruiting and selection; hiring and termination, training, development, mentoring, counseling, and performance evaluations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Incumbent will provide legal services support to the General Counsel with the following duties: Advising and counseling the governing board, chancellor, vice-chancellors, presidents and Chief Human Resources Officer, and other administrators designated by the General Counsel.
   • Advising and counseling the governing board, Chancellor, Vice-Chancellors, Presidents and Chief Human Resources Officer, and other administrators designated by the Chancellor
   • Keeping abreast ofemerging legal issues that may have an impact on the district, programs or curriculum or any of HCC colleges
   • Monitoring fund-raising activities at the college or district level including foundation programs that may have certain legal ramifications for HCC
   • Drafting business contracts and building leasing/acquisition matters, ground leases, construction contracts, other real estate transactions, vendor and third party service agreements and compliance.
   • Maintaining standard contract forms, reviewing and negotiating agreements, providing contracts training and assisting in the resolution of contract disputes.
   • Providing and maintaining college-wide policy and procedure training to ensure compliance.
   • Research legal issues and provide written recommendations and memorandum.
   • Assist General Counsel and the Administration in managing litigation and claims.
   • Assist General Counsel to develop, coordinate and conduct in-service training on legal topics for administrators and support staff and provide support and legal guidance on legislative activities that affect HCC.
   • Assist General Counsel and the administration with the development, review and preparation of board agendas, posting notices, responses to request for public information/open records via the Office of General Counsel or the Office of Public Information in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.
   • Support General Counsel in representing HCC in administrative and legal proceedings.
   • Assist the administration in the development, preparation and implementation of board policies, by-laws, administrative procedures and other guidelines.
   • Review legal documents including board policies, bylaws, administrative procedures and other guidelines as necessary.
   • Work with regulatory and legislative bodies, courts and office of the attorney general.
   • Review, monitor and validate all legal charges submitted to HCC from outside legal firms.
   • Provide legal support on employment matters including interpretation of applicable laws, regulations and managing labor and employment claims.
   • Provide legal support on interpretations on labor law, discrimination complaints, grievance processes, faculty and student issues.
   • Provide internal oversight of audit and compliance hotline.
2. The Assistant General Counsel may be required to assist with the following responsibilities:
   • Assist with Trustee Elections (including application, election deadline schedule, ballot order drawing, placing candidate names on ballot, assist with agreements for costs associated with election, canvassing of votes and public postings)
   • Confer with citizens seeking to speak before the Board of Trustees.
   • Ensure compliance with legal standards applicable to the implementation of affirmative action plans and programs.
   • May supervise staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. The qualifications listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

EDUCATION

J. D. degree required from an accredited law school required.

Member, State Bar of Texas required.

EXPERIENCE

Seven(7) years directly related experience to include contracts, education, labor & employment, open records law required. Five years of experience working at institutions of higher education or Texas community colleges, school districts, or governmental entities preferred.

Education Law, Texas Education Code experience required.

Knowledge of and experience with Texas Election Code, annexation issues, Department of Justice Submissions and appropriate processes in these areas preferred.

Knowledge of and experience in business contracts and lease drafting required.

Extensive working experience with TASB policies and SACS accreditation preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Excellent oral and written communications skills;
2. Strong interpersonal and leadership skills;
3. Ability to comply with deadlines such as legal/legislative;
4. Familiarity with education, corporate and government law;
5. Ability to support HR in dispute resolution related issues;
6. Ability to travel as required to support the Board of Trustees, Chancellor or key college administrators; and
7. Excellent research and writing skills.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

This job description may be revised upon development of other duties and changes in responsibilities.

EEO Statement

Houston Community College does not discriminate on the bases of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or veteran’s status. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Sandra B. Jacobson, J.D., M.Ed., SHRM-SCP,Interim Director of EEO and Compliance & Title IX Coordinator

Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX

PO Box 667517

Houston TX, 77266

713 718.8271 or [e-mail]

HCC values its employees and their contributions, promotes opportunities for their professional growth and development, and provides a positive working and learning environment that encourages involvement, innovation, and creativity.

Individuals with disabilities, who require special accommodations to interview, should contact [phone].