Manager of Legal and Compliance - Oakton College

At Oakton College, we know education changes lives - and that starts with the people who make it happen. For more than 50 years, we've built a welcoming and inclusive community where students from all backgrounds and experiences thrive.

We're looking for passionate educators, professionals and leaders to join our team. Whether in the classroom, student support, or behind the scenes, your talents and expertise will make a difference and shape the future.

We provide dynamic learning environments that empower students and employees alike with campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie and a Health Careers Education Center in Evanston.

As a proud institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Oakton is more than a college - it's a place where innovation, equity and lifelong learning drive everything we do. We value diverse perspectives and embrace new ideas and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and student-centered culture.

Basic Function and Responsibility:

The Manager of Legal and Compliance plays a critical role in ensuring the institution's adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, particularly in areas related to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, general legal compliance, initial contract review, and risk management. This position provides essential guidance and support to administrative and student-facing departments, fostering a culture of compliance and minimizing institutional risk.

Characteristic

Duties and Responsibilities:

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Management:

• Serve as the institution's primary point of contact for FOIA requests, ensuring timely and accurate responses in compliance with state and federal laws.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for efficient FOIA processing.
• Maintain accurate records of all FOIA requests and responses.
• Coordinate with outside legal counsel as needed on complex FOIA matters.

Legal Compliance:

• Monitor and interpret relevant laws, regulations, and policies affecting administrative operations in higher education.
• Develop and implement compliance programs and procedures to ensure institutional adherence to applicable laws and regulations.
• Conduct internal audits and risk assessments to identify potential compliance issues.
• Stay abreast of changes in higher education law and regulations.

Initial Contract Review:

• Support and participate in contract review in coordination with college leadership and legal counsel.
• Identify potential legal and financial risks associated with contracts.
• Ensure contracts comply with institutional policies and applicable laws.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive risk management program for administrative affairs.
• Collaborate with other departments to address institutional risks.
• Serve as College liaison to the Illinois Community College Risk Management Consortium (ICCRMC)

Policy Development and Implementation:

• Develop, revise, and implement institutional policies related to administrative affairs.
• Ensure policies are consistent with legal requirements and best practices.
• Communicate policy changes to relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain an updated policy manual.

Training and

Education:

• Develop and deliver training programs on legal compliance related to higher ed (e.g., FERPA, FOIA, etc.), contract management, and risk management.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to staff on these matters.
• Create and maintain training materials and resources.

Other Duties:

• Own and assist with special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Vice President for Administrative Affairs and in conjunction with IT and HR.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received:

Administrative and functional supervision is received from the Vice President for Administrative Affairs.

Supervision Exercised:May provide functional supervision and lead project teams as assigned.

Qualifications and

Working Conditions:

• Bachelor's degree in legal studies, public administration, business or a related field;
  Juris Doctor (JD) preferred, but not required.
• Minimum of 4-7 years of experience in legal compliance and governance, risk management, or contract administration, preferably in a higher education setting;
  Certification in compliance or risk management preferred.
• Knowledge of higher education contract management software preferred.
• Strong knowledge of FOIA, FERPA, Title IX, ADA, Clery Act, and other relevant higher education laws and regulations.
• Excellent understanding of legal and regulatory requirements affecting higher education.
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret complex legal documents.
• Strong contract review and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with people of different levels of education, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite,…