University Counsel

* Provide legal advice and representation to the University, including advising the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership on a wide range of legal, regulatory, and policy matters.
* Keep the President and other necessary officials informed of significant legal developments, inquiries, and risks affecting the University.
* Advise on matters related to student affairs, business and finance, contracts, academic affairs, athletics, research and sponsored programs, information technology, intellectual property, employment law (including collective bargaining), tax matters, governance, and public policy.
* Advise on adherence to all applicable laws and policies, including federal and state laws, Board of Governors regulations, and University policies.
* Review, draft, and negotiate contracts and agreements, and support effective contract management with vendors, affiliated organizations, and industry partners.
* Advise on responses to subpoenas, public records requests, open meetings issues, grievances, and claims.
* Manage privilege and legal hold requirements as appropriate.
* Supervise and coordinate with outside counsel as needed and manage legal services to ensure cost-effective and high-quality representation.
* Monitor and coordinate litigation, claims, and significant disputes; implement litigation holds and coordinate e-discovery and relevant offices.
* Provide practical, solutions-oriented guidance that aligns legal compliance with institutional objectives.
* Support sound governance practices; develop and maintain Board bylaws, policies, and delegations of authority consistent with applicable statutes, regulations, and accreditation standards.
* Advise on conflicts of interest, ethics, and fiduciary duties for trustees and senior leadership.
* Advise the Board of Trustees on issues of governance and legal policy within its purview.
* Attend Board and committee meetings to provide guidance regarding applicable legal authorities and advise on legal and governance issues as they arise.
* Provide legal support in the Board’s executive sessions as permitted by law.
* Partner with campus leaders to promote a culture of compliance and risk awareness and mitigation; identify issues early and recommend practical controls.
* Provide training and guidance on key laws and regulations (including, as applicable, Title IX, Clery Act, ADA Title II, Section 504, FERPA, FLSA, FMLA, workplace safety and environmental health requirements, Florida public records and open meetings, and other higher education requirements).
* Monitor and coordinate litigation, claims, and significant disputes; implement litigation holds and coordinate e-discovery with relevant offices.
* Serve as liaison to state and system-level legal or compliance offices, as appropriate.
* Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a law school with accreditation recognized by the Supreme Court of Florida.
* Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible legal experience, with prior management experience preferred.
* Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Florida or eligible and available to sit for the next available Florida Bar examination after hire (not to exceed nine months from hire), with admission obtained by the first sitting for the exam and continued employment contingent upon timely admission.
* Experience in public legal affairs and/or higher education/governmental environments preferred.
* Thorough knowledge of the legal framework governing the State University System of Florida, including open government (public records and open meetings), ethics, procurement, employment, student affairs, and state and federal higher education laws, regulations, and norms.
* Strong oral and written communication skills.
* Exceptional legal research, writing, and analytical skills; ability to translate legal requirements into workable institutional practices.
* Strong judgment, discretion, and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate effectively and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders.
* Skilled in problem-solving and teamwork, consistently demonstrating respect, professionalism, and appropriate demeanor.
* Proficiency with standard office and legal tools; ability to implement lightweight systems for contract management, matter tracking, and training.
* Share why you are particularly interested in this position at Florida Poly and how your experiences have prepared you for this opportunity.
* Provide a couple of paragraphs about yourself, including any information you wish to share about your career. If you have ties to the Lakeland/Polk County area, you may wish to include this information as well.
* Tell us about your current salary and compensation package, and what expectations you have for this position.
* If you are not presently employed and/or have recently left your position, please explain.
* Please describe the reasons for your change of employment for your past three positions.
* Include any other information you deem appropriate for the…