General Counsel

Pittsburg State University is accepting applications for a General Counsel in the Division of the President’s Office that is responsible for serving as the chief legal officer of the university, providing senior leadership with advice on a wide range of legal, regulatory, and compliance issues. This position plays a critical role in supporting the mission of the University. The General Counsel ensures that the university’s policies and practices reflect the highest ethical and legal standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Documents and Policy – 25%

• Draft contracts, agreements, letters and other legal documents and policies for compliance with state and federal law, as well as University policies and regulations

Research and Investigation – 20%

• Conduct research of state and federal legislation and administrative and court decisions
• Investigate legal problems and make recommendations, including receiving and investigating inquiries and complaints from the University administrators

Legal Guidance – 20%

• Confer with University employees on matter involving legal interpretation and decisions related to University activities, policy questions and operating problems

Representation – 10%

• Represent the University as necessary for legal and administrative matters

External Collaboration – 10%

• Communicate with outside counsel retained by the University to represent the University

Continuing Legal Education and Membership – 10%

• Participate in continuing legal education through membership in the State and local Bar Associations and National Association of College and University Attorneys, and ongoing reading of legal periodical and attendance at seminars

Other Duties – 5%

• Perform other duties as assigned related to the position

 

Education and Experience

Required Education and Experience - Time of Hire

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
• 3+ years of experience actively practicing law
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Kansas (or ability to obtain license prior to start date)

Preferred Education and Experience

• Five years of higher ed general counsel or associate counsel experience

 

Screening Services (Background Checks): Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background and check.

 

Salary Range: $120,000 - $130,000 annually

Job Type: Unclassified

Appointment Duration: 12 Months

Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

 

Application Documents Required*:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Names and Contact Details for three (3) Professional References
• Transcripts

*Consolidate into two documents to upload.

 

Open Until Filled with a first consideration date of April 11, 2025

Search Committee Chair: Emily McElwain, emcelwain@pittstate.edu

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.

 

Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

About Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State University was founded in 1903, in vibrant and progressive southeast Kansas. Home to nearly 6,500 students, PSU provides all the benefits of a major college but with small class sizes and personalized experiences. The university offers more than 200 academic programs and emphasis areas across four colleges, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, EdS degrees, and a doctoral degree in Nursing. Our students enjoy an average class size of just 18 students and benefit from world-class faculty and a vibrant campus life. More than 65,000 alumni proudly declare, "Once a Gorilla, Always a Gorilla."

 Pittsburg State University offers a rich college experience with a broad selection of academic and social amenities.

• A beautiful 223-acre campus is home to state-of-the-art buildings that bring the real world to students, and include The Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, the Kansas Technology Center, the Tyler Research Center, the Robert W. Plaster Center, and much more

• The surrounding Pittsburg community fully embraces the university and its students with a welcoming, family-like small city atmosphere