"Associate University Counsel"

Associate University Counsel

Position Number: 900063
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Anticipated Recruitment Range: $93,242 - $147,000
Position Type: Non-Faculty
Job Category: Non-Faculty Professional

Organizational Unit Overview:

The General Counsel and Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs ("General Counsel") is chief legal counsel for East Carolina University. The Office of University Counsel is responsible for addressing the universitys comprehensive legal needs, including contracts, policies and procedures, employment relations (including faculty, EHRA and SHRA employees), litigation coordination, legal advice regarding compliance with applicable regulatory requests, etc. East Carolina University, with an enrollment of approximately 29,000 students, is the only constituent institution in the University of North Carolina system with a School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, and College of Engineering and Technology. The Office of University Counsel provides comprehensive legal advice and counsel regarding legal matters to the Chancellor, the Board of Trustees, and the principal administrators of the University.

Job Duties:

The Associate University Counsel plays a pivotal role in advancing the universitys mission by providing high-level legal counsel and strategic guidance on matters impacting East Carolina University, with a focus on supporting the main campus academic colleges and schools. The Associate University Counsel collaborates with a dedicated team of legal professionals to address a wide array of legal, risk management, and compliance issues, ensuring the university operates within legal and regulatory frameworks while supporting its academic and operational goals. This role is responsible for delivering proactive legal strategies, managing complex legal matters, and building strong relationships with university leadership, faculty, and staff. This position engages with the complex and broad existing needs of the university and forms positive relationships with the leadership and administrators to provide excellent legal support and services.

Legal Advice and Counsel

• Supports the General Counsel in pursuing execution of the Universitys strategic plan with the delivery of relevant, expert legal services.
• Provides direct legal services, as assigned depending on need, in areas such as, but not limited to, compliance, privacy, employment, litigation, and other areas, and as assigned by the Vice Chancellor and General Counsel. This may include high-profile legal matters and larger legal projects as necessary.
• Advise University offices and departments on how to best to meet goals and objectives of ECU while fulfilling University, UNC System, and legal obligations.
• Advises senior executives, department leaders, and staff on legal risks and opportunities, ensuring alignment with university goals and policies.
• Drafts, reviews, and recommends revisions to University policies.
• Advises and occasionally serves on ad hoc and standing committees.
• Maintains and improves legal expertise by following developments and participating in continuing legal education regarding higher education law.
• Provides training and presentations on legal issues and developments for members of the University community.
• Other strategic and administrative duties as assigned.

Legal Representation

• Serves as liaison and representative of OUC with legal staff of the North Carolina Department of Justice/Office of the Attorney General, UNC System Office of Legal Affairs, and other external legal associations as assigned.
• Represents the university in matters including negotiations, mediations, and proceedings, as necessary, including proceedings before various local, state, and federal agencies and courts, in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Justice, UNC System Office, and/or other outside counsel. Communicates, and interfaces with attorneys representing potential litigants and complainants having disputes with the University.
• Represent the University when issues arise with external regulatory and law enforcement agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, United States Department of Justice, Department of Education, State and Federal Bureaus of Investigation, the Office for Civil Rights, and State Ethics Commission. This function may require responding to inquiries, charges, or complaints registered by or with such organizations, usually through providing advice for internal investigations; marshaling evidence; and assisting in the development and articulation of the Universitys response.

Contingent upon availability of funds.

Minimum Education/Experience:

Associate University Counsel must have a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school; Either a current member in good standing of the North Carolina Bar or eligible for admission to the North Carolina Bar within one (1) year of hiring; Minimum of five (5) years legal experience.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation:

None

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:

A demonstrated work history in regulatory compliance, privacy, litigation or other in-house legal support, or experience practicing law in academic medical center.

Special Instructions to Applicant:

East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position. Candidates must also submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references, including contact information, online. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Additional Instructions to Applicant:

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.

Job Close Date: 11/21/2025
Open Until Filled: No
Initial Screening Begins: 11/22/2025

To apply, visit https://ecu.peopleadmin.com/postings/89638

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