Chief Legal Counsel

Ohio School Boards Association; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 127,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) seeks a Chief Legal Counsel to lead its Division of Legal Services and serve as the association's chief legal officer. You will guide strategic legal initiatives, oversee staff, manage litigation and risk, advise senior leadership and governance bodies, and ensure timely, practical legal information and services for Ohio's school boards.

Hybrid work arrangements may be available, and extensive travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active admission to the Ohio Bar.
• Significant legal experience with leadership/management responsibilities.
• Strong ability to analyze complex issues and advise senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead OSBA's Division of Legal Services as chief legal officer.
• Oversee litigation, external counsel, and risk management.
• Advise CEO, Deputy CEO, Board, and governance bodies on legal matters.
• Develop and implement division goals aligned with OSBA strategy.

Skills

Legal leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Public speaking

Governance advisory

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Active Ohio Bar admission

Job description

Division: Legal Services

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

FLSA Status: Full-Time | Exempt

Starting Compensation: $126,899 - $149,293

Who We Are

The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) empowers more than 700 school boards and nearly 3,500 elected and appointed members across Ohio through superior service, advocacy, and innovative solutions. Through comprehensive training, policy guidance, advocacy, and consulting services, OSBA supports school boards in navigating complex educational, legal, and governance challenges while advancing student success and serving as a trusted voice for public education.

Overview

The Chief Legal Counsel leads OSBA's Division of Legal Services and serves as the association's chief legal officer. This position provides strategic legal leadership and counsel to OSBA and its affiliated entities while ensuring members receive timely, accurate, and practical legal information, resources, and services on school law matters.

As a member of OSBA leadership, the Chief Legal Counsel directs professional legal staff, advises executive leadership and governance bodies, manages significant legal and organizational risk, and helps shape services and resources responsive to the evolving needs of Ohio school boards. The ideal candidate combines strong legal judgment with proven leadership, clear communication, and a service-oriented approach.

What You Will Do

Legal and Strategic Leadership

• Serve as OSBA's chief legal officer and advise the CEO, Deputy Chief Executive, Board of Trustees, other governance bodies, and staff on legal matters affecting governance, policies, operations, and strategic initiatives.
• Manage litigation, administrative proceedings, and other legal matters involving OSBA, its affiliated entities, or personnel, including engagement and oversight of outside counsel.
• Monitor federal and state laws and regulations and advise staff regarding significant legal developments and their potential implications for OSBA and its members.
• Provide legal review, risk analysis, drafting support, and advice regarding contracts, leases, and other agreements.

Division Leadership

• Develop Legal Services goals and priorities and lead their implementation in alignment with OSBA's strategic plan.
• Lead, develop, and evaluate division personnel and support the hiring and retention of division staff.
• Develop, administer, and monitor the division budget and advise executive leadership regarding significant financial and operational matters.
• Plan, monitor, and evaluate division activities, programs and operations to ensure effectiveness and responsiveness to member needs.

Member Legal Services

• Oversee the development and delivery of timely, accurate, and practical legal services, publications, training, and other resources that respond to member needs and emerging school law issues.
• Serve as liaison to the Legal Assistance Fund, recommend action on requests for assistance, and act as assisting counsel in Legal Assistance Fund cases.
• Develop and maintain relationships with school attorneys, professional organizations and other external partners.
• Operate the statewide member legal information hotline.

What You Bring

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active admission to the Ohio Bar.
• Significant legal experience, including demonstrated leadership, management, or supervisory responsibility.
• Sound legal and organizational judgment, with the ability to analyze complex issues and provide clear, practical advice to senior leadership and governance bodies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Valid driver's license.

What Will Set You Apart?

• Experience in education law, association/nonprofit law, public-sector law, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing professional legal staff.
• Experience advising governing boards and executive leaders on significant legal and organizational matters.
• A collaborative, service-oriented approach to working with colleagues, members, and external partners.
• Experience translating complex or emerging legal issues into practical guidance, training, publications or other resources or services.

Work Environment

• Hybrid work arrangements may be available.
• Statewide travel with occasional out-of-state and overnight travel. Must provide an insured means of transportation.
• Repetitive hand motion and extended computer use.
• Occasional evening and weekend commitments are expected.

About OSBA

OSBA is committed to cultivating an environment that promotes diversity as a core value. We welcome employees with a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives because we believe inclusive collaboration strengthens our mission and impact. OSBA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; flexible scheduling options; professional development opportunities; and a generous employer contribution to a profit-sharing retirement plan.