"University General Counsel"

University General Counsel

Requisition Number: E00052P
Position Category: Executive
Hours Per Week:
Months Per Year: 12
Alternate Work Schedule:
Pay Grade:
Salary:
FLSA: Exempt

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Position Summary

The University General Counsel serves as the chief legal officer of the University and provides strategic and comprehensive legal support to the Board of Trustees, President, Cabinet, and senior academic and administrative leaders. The General Counsel oversees all legal affairs of the University and ensures institutional compliance with federal and state laws, Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) policies, and University regulations.

This position provides proactive and solutions-oriented legal advice on a broad range of topics, including governance, compliance, employment, student affairs, academic freedom, free speech, contracts, risk management, and civil rights matters. The General Counsel leads the University Legal Counsel Office; manages outside counsel, when necessary; and represents the institution in interactions with external legal entities, agencies, and attorneys.

The individual in this role is expected to exercise a high degree of independent judgment; demonstrate exceptional discretion and ethics; and provide clear, practical, and strategic legal advice that advances the Universitys mission, values, and priorities.

Proposed Job Duties

• Provide legal counsel and strategic guidance to the Board of Trustees, President, Cabinet, and senior leadership on a broad range of legal, regulatory, and governance matters. Oversee the Universitys legal affairs, risk management considerations, compliance responsibilities, and institutional policy development.
• Lead and supervise the University Legal Counsel Office. Set priorities, assign cases and workload, and ensure appropriate legal support for all University divisions. Manage use of outside counsel and legal budget.
• Review, draft, negotiate, and approve major University contracts, agreements, and memoranda of understanding. Oversee legal review of University policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Serve as primary liaison to external legal entities, government agencies, USHE, and peer institution counsel. Represent the University or coordinate representation in legal proceedings as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Seven years of relevant legal experience, with at least three years in higher education, government, or public-sector law, or equivalent experience in a complex organization
• Membership in good standing with the Utah State Bar, or eligibility for admission within six months of hire
• Demonstrated experience in legal issues affecting higher education, including governance, compliance, employment, civil rights, student affairs and enrollment, and policy

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional analytical and critical-thinking skills and the ability to provide clear, concise, and practical legal advice to varied audiences
• Proven ability to work collaboratively, effectively, and with discretion across a variety of constituencies
• Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with strong customer service orientation
• High level of professionalism, integrity, reliability, and ethical judgment
• Prior experience serving as General Counsel or Deputy/Associate General Counsel in a higher education setting
• Experience in government relations, crisis response, and advising governing boards
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop legal teams and manage office operations
• Experience engaging and managing outside legal counsel

Background Check? Yes

Benefits Summary:

WSU offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, retirement, a wellness program with release time and paid incentives, tuition benefits, free tickets to athletic and performing arts events, and paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Job Open Date: 12/17/2025
Review Date: 01/16/2026
Job Close Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes

Notes to Applicant:

If you are passionate about what you could offer and accomplish here at WSU, we would love to hear from you. The position comes with a generous benefits package.

To apply, please complete the online application and attach a cover letter, current resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Application materials should address the required and preferred qualifications of the position.

Screening of applications will begin January 16, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.

Criminal background check required as a condition of employment.

Physical Activity of this position:

Expressing or exchanging ideas. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important instructions to other workers accurately or quickly. , Ability to receive detailed information with or without assistance.

Physical Requirements of this position:

Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or consistently to move objects, including the human body. Sitting most of the time. Walking and standing only occasionally if ever.

Visual Acuity Requirements including color, depth perception and field of vision:

Required to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; using a computer terminal; extensive reading.

The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position:

None. The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work).