Assistant General Counsel

Assistant General Counsel

Office of Legal Affairs

Stateside, Regular, Exempt, Grade 3.4

Location: Hybrid (2-3 days a Week in Office, Adelphi, MD)

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is seeking an Assistant General Counsel. The Assistant General Counsel will provide legal advice to UMGC stakeholders (students, faculty, and staff), with a focus on collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, as supervised by both the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel. In this position, the Assistant General Counsel will practice across the full range of higher education, and legal issues with the opportunity to build on existing relevant expertise and develop additional practice areas. Success in this position will require the attorney to embrace and master new areas of law and professional challenges.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Negotiate, draft, and provide advice about a broad range of contracts related to a variety of areas/issues, including, but not limited to, technology agreements, strategic partnerships and alliances, leases, employment, faculty, grants, data privacy and security, intellectual property, and privacy laws.

• Review and approve legal sufficiency of a broad range of activities to ensure compliance with statutes, case law, government regulations, policy, and other applicable guidelines and procedures, including, but not limited to, employment issues, student matters, external administrative complaints, and contract review.

• Research, analyze, and advise stakeholders with other matters involving areas of law such as accreditation, state authorization, professional licensure, FERPA, Title IV, Title IX, TCPA, accessibility and accommodations, legislative matters, and marketing as needed to ensure University compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

• Assist with handling responses and other activities regarding legal and administrative proceedings and investigations including disciplinary matters and complaints, grievances, and hearings.

• Respond to subpoenas, discovery, and MD Public Information Act requests.

• Develop processes, documents, and forms in collaboration with stakeholders to standardize business approaches.

• Provide interpretation of applicable laws, rules, regulations, and case law and develop policy and procedures to assure compliance with the same.

• Perform continuous monitoring of legal developments related to a broad variety of university activities issues and assist with research, drafting, and/or delivery of university trainings to stakeholders in these areas.

• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES INCLUDE:

• Legal Analytical Skills: Proposes alternative legal solutions based on expertise and understanding of the business unit’s legal objectives. Thinks laterally, approaching issues from different angles to propose different measures, options, and solutions. Assesses the likely legal consequences, risks, and value-add of business unit’s proposals and proposes alternative legal solutions.

• Level of Independence: Exercises independent judgment and has direct stakeholder contact. Handles moderately complex legal questions and projects. Provides legal advice and recommendations in consultation with a supervisor as appropriate.

• Effective Communication and Problem Solving: Communicates complex or difficult messages effectively. Simplifies complex issues or information in a manner which provides stakeholders with information and understanding needed to make informed decisions. Identifies areas of conflict and proposes creative solutions to enable resolution.

• Effective Advocacy: Communicates effectively the consequences associated with risks and gains relative to one's daily work and specific assignments. Develops and communicates to stakeholders alternative strategies and recommendations to manage identified risks.

• Level of Stakeholder Contact and Service: High level of stakeholder contact on matters within specific business units.  Explains the legal implications of business goals and helps the business develop strategies to mitigate risks.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctorate, admission to the Maryland Bar or immediate eligibility for admission

• Five years of experience performing legal work

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills

• Strong research, analytical, and project management skills

• Ability to work in a fast-pace