Job Details

University of St. Thomas

General Counsel

The University of St. Thomas, a Catholic liberal arts institution in Houston, Texas (UST), invites applications for the position of General Counsel.

The maximum salary for this position (full-time) will range between $185k - $250k, depending on qualifications and experience.

SUMMARY

The General Counsel will serve as the primary contact and coordinator for the University on legal and compliance matters, consulting with internal subject matter experts such as Security, HR, and the Vice President of Academic Affairs, as well as outside counsel. The incumbent will also oversee compliance, policy administration, and policy management. This position reports directly to the President of the University.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Advisory Support to University Departments

People Matters

• Serve as a legal advisor to various departments on matters related to student conduct and governance
• Support Payroll on compensation matters
• Support Human Resources on employee relations matters, including Title VII and Title IX matters
• Support Academic Affairs in Faculty Contracts and Immigration Matters.

Contracts and Commercial Matters

Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, and coordinate legal support for real and intellectual property matters as they arise (examples: trust & estates, trademarks).

Policy Administration and Oversight

Responsible for all aspects of policy administration, including drafting, circulating drafts for reviews, identifying and consulting stakeholders, tracking revisions, finalizing drafts, publishing final drafts, and tracking renewal dates. Provide guidance and counsel in responding to questions and policy interpretation on an ad hoc basis.

Compliance Matters

• Work with departments throughout the University as needed on compliance-related training
• Provide guidance and support on Title IX, Clery Act, and other compliance matters, reporting, and government agency engagement (may serve as a Title IX coordinator, Investigator, or Decision Maker)
• Provide updates and guidance on government legislation.

Legal Operations

• Manage legal documents and record retention
• Manage legal services vendors (example: outside counsel) and budget
• Assist with the development and administration of policies and related business processes and procedures (examples: procurement and contracting processes)

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS

• A Juris Doctorate + a minimum of 5+ years of legal experience required
• Previous experience in higher education strongly preferred; previous experience representing a Catholic institution of higher education is a plus
• Ability to independently advise on Title IX matters
• Ability to leverage professional associations, professional network, technology, and similar resources to efficiently and cost-effectively stay updated on relevant legal developments and advise the university accordingly
• General familiarity with non-profit and higher education law, employment law, Title IX, and Clery Act compliance
• A strong understanding of religious freedom matters, especially as they relate to faith-based higher education.
• Must be a member of the State Bar of Texas in good standing
• MS Office proficiency required

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of St. Thomas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.