00001041 - General Counsel

The Office of the General Counsel supports GRCC’s mission by providing, managing, and coordinating all legal services for the College in order to proactively minimize the institution’s legal risks and liability.  General Counsel also coordinates and acts as lead representative for all labor negotiations and serves on various teams and committees in order to develop and implement college-wide goals and objectives.

Requisition ID:
Position Number: 00001041
Employee Group:  Professional, Management and Administration
Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks
Compensation:
Benefits: Full-time Part-time Limited Benefits
Reports to:
Posting Opens:
Posting Closes: 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Interacts with and provides legal counsel to the College through its Board of Trustees, President, and all levels of the administration in numerous areas, including governance, business, employment, contracts, student affairs, intellectual property, grants, and collaborations with external entities

• Provides legal advice, counsel, and training to College administrators

• Advises regarding sensitive employment matters

• Reviews contracts and other legal documents

• Secures and coordinates the services of outside legal counsel when necessary for litigation and matters requiring legal specialization

• Assists in resolving disputes, claims, and litigation

• Assumes responsibility for day-to-day management of institutional legal issues

• Informs the President and Vice President for Finance & Administration of matters regarded as highly visible, sensitive, or which expose the College to legal risk or liability

• Prepares regular updates for and attends regular meetings with the President and Vice President for Finance & Administration regarding open or emerging issues

• Performs sophisticated research, investigation, and analysis

• Oversees the institution's FOIA process

• Serves as Counsel for the College in negotiations and coordinates all labor negotiations and related labor work including grievance management

• Negotiates and drafts complex and sensitive contracts, agreements, and settlements

• Interprets and advises on legal developments within fields of higher education law in order to provide information of interest to all constituencies of the College

• Manages the College’s administrative policy development and review process, including coordinating the Administrative Policy Committee, and providing advice regarding new policies and amendments to existing policies to ensure compliance with law and sound practices

• Acts as an advisor to the College regarding a broad range of initiatives and issues which may not be primarily legal in nature but which have potential legal implications for the institution

• Serves as the College’s Ethics Officer.  Refers investigations to the appropriate departments and provides legal counsel regarding highly sensitive ethics violations and/or complex changes of alleged discrimination or harassment filed within the College or when filed with the federal, state, and local government.  Recommends appropriate resolution.  When necessary, negotiate conciliation agreements

• Manages formal dispute resolution proceedings either internally or through selected use of outside counsel with subject matter expertise.  Dispute resolution forums may include:  arbitrations, mediations, administrative hearings, litigation and other adversarial proceedings

• Serves as an advisor to panel for student expulsion and Title IX hearings

• Implements College policy regarding non-immigrant applicants and employees.  Manage H-1B and PERM processes

• Provides guidance and support in interpreting and administering college collective bargaining agreements

• Manages General Counsel team including EO Compliance Officer and Labor Relations Generalist

• Maintains the highest level of confidentiality in carrying out all duties

• Provides oversight and direction for ADA implementation and compliance

• Remains current on new and emerging legal issues impacting higher education through a variety of methods including memberships, subscriptions to trade publications, attendance to conferences, and other activities as applicable 

• This role is a Campus Security Authority (CSA). CSAs will be trained and responsible for reporting Clery Reportable Crimes to Campus Police as required by the Clery Act.

• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position

• Performs other related duties as assigned

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Educational Credentials

• Juris Doctorate (JD) from American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school

• Member of Michigan Bar Association, required

Work Experience

• Minimum five years of experience as General Counsel or similar role in a higher education and/or public sector entity or equivalent experience in a law firm with a practice focused on higher education and/or public sector clients

• Experience in a union environment required

Skills

• Strong knowledge of higher education law, including Title IX, FERPA, and other relevant regulations

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Ability to work collaboratively with various college stakeholders

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Knowledge of risk management and compliance practices

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion

• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills required

• Demonstrated strong mathematical skills required

• Excellent research and client counseling skills required

• Ability to manage multiple demanding projects and shifting priorities

Physical Demands

• Must be capable of sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time

Mental Demands

• Displays patience, diplomacy ,and excellent public relations skills

• Demonstrates strong ability to problem solve

• Able to serve staff and students with diverse backgrounds and educational levels

• Efficient, with good attention to detail, excellent listening skills, strong organizational skills, sound and  effective decision making ability and complaint resolution skills

• Able to plan and work independently, as well as work as a part of a team

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website

• Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment

• Travel to offsite locations may be required