Associate General Counsel

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Rootstown Township (OH); Hybrid; USD 119,064 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare Coverage

Retirement plan with 14% match

Paid time off

Hybrid work environment

Educational benefits

Professional development & Lean Six

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

NEOMED is seeking an Associate General Counsel to draft, review, and negotiate contracts affecting the university’s operations, students, and employees.

You will advise on federal and state laws (FERPA, Clery Act, HIPAA), manage risk related to campus safety, review policies, support governance, and assist with litigation as needed.

The role requires a Juris Doctor, Ohio license, and at least three years of legal experience, with strong research and MS Office skills.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and Ohio attorney license are required.
• Minimum of three years of experience in the legal field with increasing responsibilities.
• Proficiency in digital legal research and in Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Advise university leadership on legal issues related to employment, education, affiliated entities, and governance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts including affiliation and research agreements.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, Title IX, public records laws and education regulations.
• Support Title IX investigations, development of student conduct policies and ADA accommodations.
• Oversee records retention and responses to public records requests and related policies.

Skills

Legal research

Regulatory compliance

Education

Juris Doctor

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Associate General Counsel

Position Type: Admin/Professional

Department: General Counsel

Full or Part Time: Full Time

Pay Grade: MN15

Summary: The Associate General Counsel will draft, review, and negotiate contracts impacting the university’s operations, students, and employees while supporting various institutional initiatives. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with federal and state laws (e.g., FERPA, Clery Act, HIPAA), managing risk related to campus safety, reviewing and revising university policies, and assisting with operational and research policies. The role also involves supporting corporate activities of affiliated entities, providing litigation assistance, handling public records requests and court orders, advising on student conduct matters, and contributing to technology transfer and commercialization efforts. Additionally, the position will provide legal research and guidance on campus initiatives as needed.

Principal Functional Responsibilities

• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Advise university leadership on legal issues related to employment, education research, affiliated entities, and institutional governance. Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, including HIPAA, FERPA, Title IX, public record laws and education regulations. Provide guidance on accreditation standards and regulatory requirements for professional schools and affiliated entities.
• University Policy Management: Draft, review and revise policies affecting the management and operation of the University to assure compliance with current laws and intentions of the Board of Trustees/Leadership Team; review, revise and finalize policies adopted at the departmental/college level for alignment with University principles; interpret/apply University policies related to students/employees as requested.
• Contracts and Business Transactions: Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, including affiliation agreements, research agreements, offer letters, leased employee agreements and procurement vendor contracts.
• Risk Management for Employee and Student Matters: Advise on faculty and staff employment matters, discrimination and harassment claims, student conduct or academic concerns, and workplace policies for faculty and staff. Support Title IX investigations, development of student conduct policies, and the provision of all accommodations under ADA. Assist in developing and revising policies related to academic freedom, faculty governance, human resources and student affairs.
• Committee and Functional Support: Serve as a strategic advisor for various University committees relating to both student and faculty/staff.
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Assist in managing university litigation, coordinating with outside counsel as needed. Represent the university in administrative proceedings and regulatory investigations. Provide risk assessments and strategies for dispute resolution.
• Public Records and Records Management: Oversee and coordinate responses to public records requests in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Advise institutional departments regarding disclosure obligations, exemptions, confidentiality requirements, and legal risk associated with records requests. Develop, implement, and maintain records retention and destruction policies, procedures, and schedules in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor
• Licensed Attorney, State of Ohio
• Minimum of three years of experience in the legal field with increasing responsibilities.
• Proficient in digital legal research, and all Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor, upper quartile
• 3-5 years legal or compliance experience
• Prior experience in health care or in a university environment.
• Prior experience supporting organizational committees on matters of policy and law
• Prior professional experience in the public sector

Physical Requirements

Must be able to utilize a phone, computer and other office equipment.

Starting Salary Range

$119,064 - $140,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits & Perks

• Healthcare Coverage: Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance through Medical Mutual. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). Short- and long-term disability coverage, Long-term care coverage options, and Life insurance.
• Retirement: State retirement plan with 14% employer matching to help you plan for the future.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and sick leave, in addition to 11 paid holidays each year.
• Additional Benefits: Hybrid work environment (up to two remote days per week after six months). Educational benefits with partner universities. Ongoing investment in your professional growth through onsite training and Lean Six Sigma certification. Employee wellness activities and initiatives that support a healthy work-life balance.

EEO Statement

NEOMED is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, status as a parent during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of a child, status as a parent of a young child, status as a foster parent, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable state or federal law. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, NEOMED also affirms its commitment to nondiscrimination in its employment policies and practices. In compliance with Title IX (20 U.S.C Sec. 1681 et seq.), NEOMED prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment.