Vice President of Legal Affairs

Job ID: 295835
Location: Statesboro, Georgia
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

About Us

Georgia Southern University is the state's largest and most comprehensive center of higher education south of Atlanta. With nearly 150 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, Georgia Southern has been designated a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 "high research" university and serves more than 29,500 students from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico as well as 106 nations.

With three vibrant campuses - the Statesboro Campus, the Armstrong Campus in Savannah and the Liberty Campus in Hinesville - Georgia Southern offers a dynamic environment which encourages learning, discovery and personal growth. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has earned special accreditation from professional and academic associations that set standards in their fields.

Georgia Southern is an influencer and intellectual catalyst in southeast Georgia, a rapidly expanding region that is home to international companies such as Hyundai, Gulfstream and JCB, as well as the Port of Savannah and Georgia Ports Authority. With a focus on hands-on learning, Georgia Southern is supporting the demand for highly skilled workers by providing academic excellence and creative innovation in a supportive student-centered environment that empowers the next generation of leaders to succeed.

Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Named one of the Best U.S. Colleges by The Wall Street Journal, Georgia Southern is nationally ranked for the caliber of its programs and services. Georgia Southern University has been recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best-In-State Employers" for 2025.

Location

Statesboro Campus - Statesboro, GA

Department Information

Office of Legal Affairs

Job Summary

Provide legal counsel and administrative services to a comprehensive University which serves over 30,000 students and employs 6,000 individuals across four campuses and an instructional site in Wexford, Ireland. Responsibilities include providing legal consultation, policy analysis, and education services, as well as assist the Attorney General with the provision of legal representation and oversee outside counsel. Serving as a primary legal advisor to the President and senior administration of the Institution, the Vice President of Legal Affairs will work integrally with all University Divisions and Departments, keeping the University's mission and vision at the forefront when educating and advising University constituents about issues that impact the Institution.

Responsibilities

• Identify and investigate legal issues and conduct research and studies to provide recommendations and proposals
• Advise University regarding transactions, such as real estate purchases, ground lease agreements, management and development agreements, lease agreements, and contracts
• Oversee University's Legal Affairs team comprised of attorneys and support staff whose responsibilities include addressing legal issues that impact the institution
• Serve as: Legal liaison to University System Office and State of Georgia; Secretary of Georgia Southern University Housing Foundation; Custodian of Records in compliance with Georgia Open Records Act
• Liaise with external counsel as needed
• Manage legal issues related to labor & employment, including Title VII, Title IX, ADEA, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, & OSHA
• Provide support and advisement to administrators for compliance with affirmative action statutes for all employment categories
• Oversee Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX to manage issues related to equal opportunity statutes and regulations for academic employment and student matters
• Provide and manage legal oversight, advisement, and review on research contracts and services in alignment with USG/BOR, Federal, and/or grant source requirements
• Handle litigation as needed in cooperation with Office of the Attorney General
• Oversee Athletic Compliance
• Perform other legal affairs special projects/duties as assigned by President

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

• Earned J.D. from an ABA accredited law school

Other Required Qualifications

• Member of or eligible to become (within one year of hire) a member of State Bar of Georgia and in good standing

Required Experience

• Six or more years of legal work experience with increasing responsibility, practicing law as a licensed attorney

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Experience

• Progressive leadership experience
• Experience in higher education law
• Legal experience with sponsored research and technology transfer
• Division I athletics and NCAA compliance
• NAIA compliance
• Experience preparing and administering budgets

Proposed Salary

Commensurate with Experience

This is an exempt position paid on a monthly basis.

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Two (2) Professional References

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

• Consistently exhibit engaging customer service
• Ability to support various constituencies served by the University
• Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position
• Ability to conduct complex legal research, write reports and briefs containing technical information
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and workshops
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and secure information sensitive in nature

KNOWLEDGE

• Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student success
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with: employment law, grants and contracts, real estate, intellectual property, tax, tort, constitutional and other laws, regulations, and federal and state statutes

SKILLS

• Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relations skills
• Maintain presence and promotion of high ethical standards
• Excellent negotiation, analytical and/or interpretive reasoning, and presentation skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and secure information sensitive in nature
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service centered work ethic

Apply Before Date

Open Until Filled

Application review may begin as early as April 1, 2026.