Office Ombudsman - General Counsel II

Position: Office of the Ombudsman - General Counsel II
General Description

Performs highly advanced, senior‑level legal work for the Office of the Ombudsman. This position is responsible for interpreting and rendering legal advice and counsel on agency rules, laws and regulations, policy development, and procedures related to the Office of the Ombudsman. This position works under administrative direction of the Director of Institutional Policy & Oversight (Ombudsman).

Work Location

This role will be based in the Austin or Houston area and will require occasional travel between both locations.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees, reviews and advises on laws, rules, and regulations affecting higher education, agency operations, and administration, and provide counsel to the Ombudsman.

• Prepares legal opinions requested by agency administration and the Ombudsman, and render opinions interpreting the provisions of laws, rules, and regulations affecting higher education.

• Prepares, drafts, and review pleadings, motions, briefs, abstracts, petitions, summary judgments, and other legal documents.

• Prepares and reviews the drafting of legislation, bill analyses, and Board rules and regulations.

• Oversees, reviews and advises on the SB 17 and SB 37 complaint process, including the design and administration of the process.

• Manages agency requirements related to the Public Information Act, the rule making under the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Open Meetings Act.

• Maintains a close working relationship with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), and work with the OAG to provide representation of the agency in civil actions brought by or against the Office of the Ombudsman.

• Maintains a close working relationship with Institutions of higher education, the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Texas Ethics Commission.

• Works effectively across a wide range of state and federal entities, including the Texas Legislature and United States Congress.

• Responds to requests from institutions of higher education and the general public for legal information.

• Works in close consultation with agency leadership to recommend, develop, and effectively communicate policy positions and proposals within the agency, to institutions of higher education, the Texas Legislature, and other related stakeholders.

• Manages the development of high-quality and well-organized reports, briefs, and presentation materials on key higher education legal issues.

• Proactively builds and maintains strong, mutually respectful relationships both internal and external to the agency to facilitate effective, collaborative partnership and communication.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities

• Knowledge of higher education structure in Texas, including roles of legislature, agency, and institutions.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations affecting higher education, agency operations, and administration.

• Skill identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Ability to analyze and solve legal problems and interpret laws and regulations affecting higher education and the agency.

• Ability to prepare legal documents, conduct research, and summarize findings.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with the ability deliver compelling presentations to diverse groups of stakeholders.

• Ability to think, plan, and manage strategically and execute with focus and excellence.

• Interpersonal skills that drive unified strategies, projects, and impact.

• Ability to motivate, lead through influence, and collaborate with diverse individuals and groups.

• Ability to effectively gather, analyze, and communicate information, while managing a diverse workload.

• Ability to coordinate and drive large, highly complex initiatives with multiple stakeholders.

Military Crosswalk

Required

Minimum Education and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

• Requires 10 years of legal and state agency or legislature experience.

Preferred

• Legal…