Description

As an executive officer of the university, provides overall leadership and strategic direction for an assigned division or unit and serves a member of the president’s cabinet and senior leadership team. Represents the university and advises the president and board of trustees on matters within the assigned area, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy and priorities. Serves as the chief legal advisor to Youngstown State University, its president, board of trustees, and university officers and administrators; responsible to the president for the direction, management, and supervision of all legal matters of the university, including the provision of legal counsel, advice, and services in all matters pertaining to the practice of law on behalf of Youngstown State University and such other matters as from time to time may be assigned by the president.

Serves the board of trustees as its client and works with and through management employees at the university. The general counsel is appointed as an assistant attorney general working closely with the chief of the education section of the attorney general’s office. The general counsel is chosen jointly by the attorney general and the YSU Board of Trustees and serves at the pleasure of both. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the attorney general of Ohio and Youngstown State University regarding the provision of legal services to the university provides additional guidance on the structure of the provision of legal services by the general counsel working through both the attorney general and the YSU Board of Trustees.

Position Information

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Plans, assigns, directs, and reviews the work of the Office of the General Counsel; supervises staff.  Develops staffing plans; establishes timeframes for the completion of assigned tasks; trains and orients new employees; approves/disapproves requests for paid leave; interviews candidates for employment and makes recommendations for hire; evaluates employee work performance; receives and responds to grievances.

Manages litigation docket and all litigation files on behalf of the university. Works with Outside Counsel and is responsible for managing the attorneys’ time and decisions made in the course of litigation.

Prepares, reviews, advises, and/or assists with legal documents, contracts, policies, procedures, practices, actions, or any matter having legal significance to the management and operation of the university. Reviews judicial decisions, legislative or governmental regulatory developments; recommends compliance procedures or strategies.

Prepares, reviews, advises, and/or assists with property acquisitions, leases, contracts, labor relations, personnel matters, insurance matters, patent, trademark, and copyright matters, including technology licensing and agreements.

Advises and assists with compliance reviews by governmental agencies, higher education regulatory agencies, and internal audits.

Assists the president and other executive/administrative officers in identifying and implementing programs and strategies to provide comprehensive and preventative legal guidance to university personnel.

Works with internal committees concerned with formulation and enforcement of university rules and policies, including various student disciplinary forums.

Manages and monitors the cost of legal services to the university and takes appropriate action to remain within budgeted amounts.

Recommends to the president, in consultation with other executive officers as appropriate, final settlement of any lawsuit to be brought by the university and any settlement of a lawsuit involving the university.

Manages the central deposit and safekeeping of all deeds, leases, mortgages, contracts, and papers or instruments of legal importance.

Builds and maintains relationships with partners, stakeholders, and the community.

Serves as the chief liaison regarding legal matters with university affiliated organizations, such as YSU Foundation. Maintains contact with counsel at other Ohio public universities, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and other state government offices as appropriate regarding legal questions and issues of mutual interest.

Maintains the professional qualifications for appointment as assistant attorney general of the State of Ohio; provides general legal counsel and advice as set forth by law and in accord with the professional standards established by the Ohio attorney general, and in accord with the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct.

Manages the provision of legal counsel, advice, and services for the university with the Ohio attorney general, and special counsel appointed by the Ohio attorney general; provides appropriate liaison with the bench, bar, and law enforcement authorities.

Develops and implements the assigned area’s long-term strategic goals and objectives. Leads the unit in achieving its mission and vision through strategic planning and execution. Oversees the development and implementation of organizational policies and procedures. Leads initiatives to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Identifies and pursues opportunities for organizational growth and expansion. Leads efforts to innovate and improve services and programs. Monitors industry trends and adapt strategies accordingly.

Leads initiatives that span multiple departments, serves as a primary decision-maker for cross-functional projects that impact areas beyond the position’s direct oversight.

Other Functions and Responsibilities: Assists with training new hires.

Performs other duties as assigned and/or required that are within the level of responsibility for this classification at the discretion of the supervisor.

Equipment Operated: Computer and all other standard office equipment.

Work Schedule: Typically, Monday through Friday. 

Primary Location: Youngstown

Supervision Exercised: Supervision is exercised over staff and student employees.

Reports to: President and Board of Trustees as appropriate.

Qualifications and Competencies

Required Certifications, Training, and/or Licensures: License to practice law in the state of Ohio or able to obtain an Ohio license to practice law within six months of the date of hire and have the approval of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

Sponsorship and/or Work Authorization Status: Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Knowledge of: strategic planning process; policy administration; process improvement; supervisory techniques; university policies and procedures*; office practices and procedures; department/division goals and objectives*; department/division policies and procedures*; workplace safety practices and procedures*; English grammar and spelling; records management; office management; project management. 

Skill in: written and oral communication; analytical thought; use of office equipment; use of computer software and other programs applicable to the assigned department/division*. 

Ability to: compile and prepare reports; use proper research methods to gather data; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; maintain records according to established procedures; effectively interact with personnel and public; train or instruct others; move quickly and effectively from one task to another; work independently and in a team environment; develop and maintain effective working relationships.  

(*) Developed after employment.

Minimum Qualifications: Juris Doctor degree; license to practice law in the State of Ohio or be able to obtain an Ohio license to practice law within six months of the date of hire and have the approval of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. At least ten years of legal practice, or other equivalent experience, and approved for appointment as Assistant Attorney General, State of Ohio. At least five years of supervisory experience. Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. 

Preferred Qualifications: Litigation experience as well as knowledge of higher education, non-discrimination regulations, and labor law.

Physical Requirements: In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this position will perform sedentary work.

Sedentary: work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs may be defined as Sedentary when walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other Sedentary criteria aremet.