University Legal Counsel - Savannah, United States - Savannah State University

Description

About Us

Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah.

The university's students select majors from four colleges - Business Administration, Education, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and Sciences and Technology.

The campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere.

Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life:
relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment.

Job Summary

Reporting to the President, this position serves as legal counsel and Title IX administrator, manages Open Records and institutional contract management processes and assists with the University's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) functions.

The incumbent confers with university administrators, employees and student organizations on matters involving legal interpretation and decisions related to university activities, policy questions and operating problems.

Additionally, the incumbent oversees investigations and the University's response to reports and complaints related to various workplace issues such as sexual harassment and discrimination.

This position is responsible for overseeing policies, processes, procedures, and related training. The incumbent implements grievance procedures, including notification, investigation and disposition of complaints.

The incumbent exercises management responsibility over university legal affairs and advises the president and the university administration on the legality of contemplated actions.

The position oversees and manages all legal services for the University to ensure maximum protection of its legal rights and to maintain its operations within the limits prescribed by law.

The incumbent must maintain confidentiality and utilize sound judgement in decision making. The incumbent may be required to perform job related duties other than those specifically delineated in this description.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance, consultation, and support to the President, Cabinet and Executive Leadership as well as members of upper management on a comprehensive range of legal and associated issues involved in carrying out the mission of the institution.
• Receive and investigate inquiries and complaints from university administrators, employees and student organizations including but not limited to matters related to employee grievances, labor law, insurance risk management, intellectual property, delinquent fees, contracts and established University System of Georgia (USG) and institutional policies.
• Maintain strong and collaborative relationships with the USG's Legal Affairs Team and other campus offices to coordinate and execute in a timely manner the University's response and investigation of complaints.
• Works closely with Human Resources, Student Affairs and Campus Police leadership to guide campus practices and make decisions to protect the legal and reputational interests of the university.
• Provide legal guidance to campus police on major investigations and policy revision.
• Coordinate activities and actions with outside counsel assigned, appointed or retained to represent Savannah State University.
• Coordinate, through relevant management personnel, the establishment of major schedules, task assignment and the allocation of staff and equipment related to university litigation, hearings and legal matters.
• In collaboration with the Dean of Students, implement and manage the Student Title IX Policy and oversee Title IX complaints to ensure a timely, efficient and effective response.
• As Title IX Administrator, identify and address any patterns or systemic problems relating to complaints, prepare individual and annual reports for the President and Cabinet and recommends needed operational changes to remain in compliance with regulations.
• Supervise Title IX investigator(s); assist with investigation plans for each Title IX complaint; develop and implement case management plans for reported Title IX incidents.
• Recommend operational changes necessitated by legislative mandates and develop alternative policies and procedures to enable the University to accomplish its objectives.
• Provide advice and updates to senior administrators; work with campus legal issues as needed; serve as liaison to state and federal government compliance or investigation officers.
• Maintain knowledge of current state and federal law and regulations and trends in the field of EEO, to include Title IX and Title VI through training and research; provide on-going consultation regarding Title IX requirements.
• Review reports of investigations with findings of facts and recommendations.
• Develop and disseminate educational materials and in-service training tailored to faculty, staff and students.
• In collaboration with Human Resources, create and implement procedures to maintain compliance with federal and state regulations related to employment law and other related areas.
• Organize and maintain grievance files, disposition reports, and other compiled records including annual descriptive reports of number and nature of filed complaints and disposition of complaints.
• Serves as a member of the USG/SSU Ethics Line triage and on campus committees as directed by the President.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional work experience as an attorney specifically with regulatory and policy compliance.
• Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia or be able to obtain membership within 1 year of hire.
• Experience with and training in conducting investigatory processes and responding to complaints.
• Experience designing and providing training to employees, students, and other relevant groups.
• Experience conducting individual and/or group facilitation to foster effective communication and healthy workplace relationships among employees and management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior work experience in higher education

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of the institution's mission and goals
• Knowledge of principles, laws and regulations related to higher education, Title IX, EEO/AA, ADA, VAWA, SaVE Act, Clery Act, FERPA and contract administration
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant technologies
• Skilled in analysis and critical thinking to apply logical reasoning to solve higher education legal issues
• Skilled in legal research and writing
• Skilled in communication (written, oral, and interpersonal) and organizing
• Ability and demonstrated effectiveness working with all populations (students, administrators, faculty and staff)
• Ability to understand and provide guidance concerning USG and institutional polices
• Ability to develop and maintain effective, collaborative professional relationships with students, administrators, faculty, staff and other constituents
• Ability to remain professional with a positive orientation toward customer service
• Ability to establish priorities, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, follow through, and meet deadlines

Apply Before Date

For best consideration, apply by May 24, 2024.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Recourses at For technical support, please call OneUSG Connect Support at , or by email at

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well the System Office.

Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect.

These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards.

More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy and can be found on-line at

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at

Institutional Values

Savannah State University's Core Values:
T.I.G.E.R

Teamwork is our distinction.

Through mutual support, cooperation, encouragement, and shared goals, we at SSU believe that by working together, our university family of student, faculty, staff, alums and community supporters are serving and advancing our institution.

Integrity as we will act honestly, fairly, impartially, unbiased and ethically, creating a trust that is evident in all University activities and decision-making.

Greatness in our transformation and wisdom as we maximize the potential in each student through a nurturing environment in which our resources are safeguarded, and we are good stewards of the human, intellectual, physical, and fiscal resources given to our care.

Excellence is our campus standard.

Through the performance of campus duties, a commitment to the greatness of teaching and learning, scholarship, student engagement, stewardship and tradition, SSU will continue to be the catalyst for innovation and discovery.

Respect through recognizing the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We will do our utmost to fulfill our resulting responsibility to treat each person with fairness, compassion and decency.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Savannah State University, as determined by Savannah State University, its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check.

Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Savannah State University is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity and affirmative action institution. It is the policy our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, AREA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc Savannah State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at

Special Applicant Instructions

• Applicants must provide a list containing the name, e-mail address and telephone number of three (3) professional references (e.g supervisor, colleague, mentor, etc).
• Transcript must be uploaded with application. Unofficial is acceptable. Official transcript will be required if hired.