Chief Legal Counsel — Higher Education Leader

North Carolina Central University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick leave

Health insurance

11-12 Paid holidays

Retirement plan (TSERS)

Job summary

North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC seeks a General Counsel to lead the Office of Legal Affairs and advise the Chancellor and senior leadership on complex legal and regulatory matters.

The role requires a JD, active North Carolina bar admission, and at least ten years of relevant practice. You will manage a small legal team, shape governance, and collaborate across the university to protect institutional interests.

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Bar membership in good standing in North Carolina or eligible.
• At least ten years of legal practice experience.
• Experience as counsel in higher education or related sectors.
• Strong advisory, negotiation and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide broad policy advice to the Executive Vice Chancellor and senior leadership.
• Oversee the Office of Legal Affairs and supervise staff, including a paralegal and fellow.
• Ensure governance, regulatory compliance and risk management across the University.
• Collaborate with OHR on labor and employment matters and related processes.
• Coordinate legal affairs with federal, state and local agencies and officials.

Skills

Legal leadership

Diplomacy

Oral & written communication

Strategic advisory

Team leadership

Collaboration

Diversity & inclusion

Regulatory compliance

Risk management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission (NC or eligible)

Job description

North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC seeks a General Counsel to lead the Office of Legal Affairs and advise the Chancellor and senior leadership on complex legal and regulatory matters.

The role requires a JD, active North Carolina bar admission, and at least ten years of relevant practice. You will manage a small legal team, shape governance, and collaborate across the university to protect institutional interests.