Assistant Counsel

Assistant Counsel

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Assistant Counsel - 39625 University Staff

Position Summary

University Counsel has a dual report to the Board of Regents and the President of the University and includes several legal functions that provide an array of services to the University of Colorado system. The Office of the University Counsel provides legal advice to the Board of Regents, the president, system administration and the campuses.

The Assistant Counsel is a member of the professional staff of the University of Colorado's (CU) Office of University Counsel. This position is located on the Colorado Springs campus and provides legal services, research, and analysis to the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

The individual in this position: (1) possesses knowledge associated with the professional practice of law; (2) performs duties that are predominantly intellectual and varied in nature, requiring creative, analytical, evaluative, interpretive, leadership, and/or critical thinking and (3) exercises discretion and independent judgment while collaborating with the senior legal counsel.

The Assistant Counsel demonstrates leadership and collaboration across all activities while working closely as part of a team to represent and advise the University. The Office of University Counsel prides itself on timely and excellent advice and assistance. The team works closely together, and the work is fast paced. The successful candidate must be able to recognize issues, propose possible solutions, follow-up, solve problems and work collaboratively in a team environment.

This security-sensitive position requires a criminal background check for initial appointments or at any time determined by the position's supervisory authority to be in the best interests of the University. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is exempt from the state personnel system based upon its professional level duties and reporting relationship to an officer of the administration (principal professional subordinate) (see C.R.S. 24-50-135(1)(a)).

The Assistant Counsel reports to the Managing Associate University Counsel Colorado Springs campus.

Where You Will Work

Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment with University of Colorado System Administration.

This role is expected to be on-site at our UCCS campus in Colorado Springs with potential for 2 days a week of remote work after 6 months.

Please note, leadership may adjust in-office work requirements with a minimum of three months' notice before any change can be implemented.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain research compliance with University policies, state and federal law, and government regulations
• Reviews, drafts, and negotiates contracts, transactions, and other legal agreements
• Reviews, drafts, and provides advice on campus and system-wide policies and procedures
• Provides legal advice related to records requests, subpoenas, and court orders directed to the University and its employees
• Provides legal advice and guidance to the academic and research operations of the Colorado Springs campus
• Attends and participates in various campus committee meetings and provides legal advice and guidance
• Provides legal advice and representation in administrative hearings, including the Colorado State Personnel Board (SPB)
• Prepares the University's response to investigations conducted by law enforcement and regulatory entities including the SPB, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD)
• Provides research, analysis, and advice on legal issues concerning the University including:
  • All aspects of employment law including civil rights laws (Title VI and VII), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Federal and state laws and regulations, particularly those impacting institutions of higher education and/or pertaining to the conduct of research
  • Constitutional law issues affecting institutions of higher education including the First Amendment and free expression, due process, and Equal Protection
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Public law issues, including open records and open meetings issues
  • University policies and procedures
  • Faculty issues
  • Student issues
  • Athletics issues
  • Immigration issues
  • On-line education and international education; MOOCS, etcetera
  • Data Privacy, including FERPA
  • Alcohol on campus
  • Minors on campus
  • Title IX / VAWA / Clery Act

What We Offer

Salary

The anticipated hiring range has been established at $127,700 - $133,000.

CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of the selected candidate's education, training and experience as it relates to the position, as well as the position's scope and complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits

With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.

• No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
• Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
• Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
• Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
• 6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
• A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
• Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
• Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.

Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. (This position is a University Staff position)

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school
• Four (4) years practicing law
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Colorado, or the ability to obtain a Colorado license promptly after an offer of appointment
• Record of ethical behavior

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) years practicing law, which includes:
  • Experience providing legal services in a higher education setting or state government environment
• Professional experience in a dynamic, collegial, team-oriented environment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To be successful in this position a candidate will need the following:

• Knowledge of Colorado state and federal laws and regulations concerning higher education institutions.
• Exceptional client service both internally and externally in a professional manner with discretion and confidentiality.
• Oral, written, and listening communication skills, including the ability to accurately interpret what others are saying and convey messages, information, concepts, and details clearly.
• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to facilitate interaction, communication, and teamwork between others.
• Personable and collaborative, with significant interpersonal skills and integrity necessary to work as part of a collegial, cohesive team in a complex decentralized environment.
• Ability to engage in creative problem solving.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and initiatives, in some cases with short timeframes for response.
• Ability to analyze, organize, and effectively present, both orally and in writing, legal issues, opinions and recommendations to a variety of constituents.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and demonstrate flexibility to accommodate shifting priorities of multiple constituents.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with a variety of internal constituents and external contacts in the provision of comprehensive legal services to the University.