General Counsel

Job Profile Summary

This senior management position serves in an executive capacity and reports to the Broward College District Board of Trustees. The General Counsel is responsible for overseeing and managing the College's internal and external legal affairs, overseeing the formulation, reviewing, and approving policies and procedures, managing comprehensive risk for the College, and leading contract negotiations to protect the College's legal and financial interests, all while maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

  

Minimum Education:

• Law degree from a regionally accredited law school.

• Admitted to and in good standing with the Florida Bar.

Minimum Experience/Training:

• 10 or more years of legal experience.

• Proven ability to provide legal counsel to executives and lead high-level legal strategy.

• Demonstrated commitment to integrity.

Minimum Certification/Licenses:

• Admitted to and in good standing with the Florida Bar.

Essential Functions:

• Assumes responsibility for coordinating all the College's internal and external legal affairs.

• Strong contract negotiation and management expertise, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex agreements to protect the College's legal and financial interests.

• Provides and manages the provision of legal and policy advice on College-related issues to the District Board of Trustees, the President, and other members of the College staff.

• Acts as legal counsel for the College in all administrative and court proceedings unless such representation is handled through outside counsel.

• Appoints and manages the activities of staff and outside legal counsel in the conduct of legal matters and litigation involving the College. Acts as liaison between the College and attorneys adverse to or representing the College.

• Oversees legal matters involving faculty, staff, and students.

• Provides leadership and innovation to identify, evaluate, and develop operational risk management procedures, in cooperation with appropriate college administrators, to mitigate the College's operational and strategic risk at the enterprise level.

• Reviews and assesses legal implications of the College’s risk management policies and procedures. Works with insurance providers to ensure adequate coverage for the College.

• Coordinates activities of college staff in student and employee disciplinary proceedings.

• Monitors "best practices" and assists in implementing policy enhancements.

• Monitors changes in state and federal laws affecting the College and drafts policy revisions as necessary.

• Prepares legal memoranda and reports as needed.

• Serves on College and external task forces and committees as approved by the Broward College District Board of Trustees.

• Develop and implement preventative legal strategies to minimize risk and prevent legal issues.

• Acts as a liaison to various state and national entities.

• Develop budgets for the legal department.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Superior oral and written communication skills, including the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and present legal and general information in a meaningful manner.

• Ability to exercise independent judgment and professional managerial knowledge in planning and overseeing the department's procurement and risk management operations.

• Strong knowledge of higher education laws and regulations, including Title IX, FERPA, and employment law.

• Ability to interact and work effectively within an academic community.

• Strong problem-solving skills with creativity and professional discretion in handling sensitive matters.

• Proficiency in utilizing various software applications and technology tools to enhance productivity, legal research, document management, and communication.

• Ability to effectively work with a wide range of individuals and meet the needs of students from various backgrounds.

• Demonstrates diplomacy, patience, and the ability to navigate complex situations professionally and tactfully.

• Experience in planning, managing, and overseeing a large area, including organizational structure, staffing, hiring, termination and discipline, setting performance standards, and evaluating staff.

• Ability to develop and maintain active liaisons with national, regional, and state peer groups.

• Ability to influence others