Associate General Counsel OR Assistant General Counsel

Position Title Associate General Counsel OR Assistant General Counsel Position Number 991681 Position Status Full-Time Regular Work Hours

Monday

• Friday, 8:00a- 5:00p

Location Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Description

University Overview

Wichita State University has a long tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship that spurs the economy and serves the needs of the local community. This is the place where anything is possible. Where collaboration and innovative ideas shape the future, and entrepreneurship is in our bones. If you have the creativity, passion and insight to help us build a brighter future for our city, state and world-this is the place where you belong.

Position Specific Responsibilities

Our General Counsel office is the cornerstone of legal expertise, safeguarding the university's interests, and navigating complex legal landscapes. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are seeking an astute professional to enhance our dynamic team. This role offers the unique opportunity to combine the fast-paced environment of a law firm with the enriching benefits of higher education.

Demonstrate the ability to work independently on complex legal matters, while seamlessly integrating within our team dynamics. Engage effectively with partners across the university at all levels, tailoring your approach to meet diverse needs and understanding. Handle a broad spectrum of legal issues affecting the university, providing sound advice, and innovative solutions. Maintain the highest standard of professionalism in all forms of communication, ensuring clarity and precision in legal matters.

Possess strong analytical skills and the ability to think critically to navigate complex legal challenges. Skilled in adjusting communication style to suit different audiences and contexts within the university setting. Bring a robust background in practicing law, ideally with exposure to higher education or a similar complex organizational structure. While you are capable of operating independently, your ability to collaborate and contribute to a team is essential.

This role is more than a position-it's a chance to make a significant impact in a vibrant educational community. At WSU, you'll find the intellectual challenge of a law firm combined with the cultural and developmental opportunities unique to the higher education sector.

We will consider applicants who do not meet the full qualifications for the Associate role for a lower-level position as Assistant General Counsel. Please see "Additional Information" section for further details.

Summary of Responsibilities

Works with the General Counsel to provide in-house legal representation or the University. Principal responsibilities or the position include, but are not limited to, providing advice on federal and state laws as well as policies or the Kansas Board or Regents (KBOR) and the University; drafting and reviewing contracts, policies, procedures and other legal documents, and correspondence; representing the General Counsel office on University and community commissions, committees and councils; and representing the University in proceedings before federal and state courts and administrative agencies.

Essential Functions

Independently, reviews, revises, drafts and negotiates University contracts. Works closely with multiple internal and external parties, including but not limited to, industry partners, collaborating institutions, government agencies, and faculty and researchers. These include contracts for the purchase of goods and services, research agreements, real estate transactions, and affiliated corporation agreements.

Provides legal advice involving matters arising from the operation of the University by studying and keeping abreast of developments in the law. Responsibilities may include advising about federal and state laws and regulations, and policies and procedures of the University and KBOR; serving on University committees; assisting in formulating policies and monitoring University compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements; reviewing internal discrimination complaints; advising on search and hiring practices; providing training on legal topics; representing the University in federal and state litigation and before federal and state administrative agencies and University grievance bodies; working with the Kansas Attorney General's Office and outside legal counsel.

Commitment

Wichita State University is committed to inclusive excellence. WSU is the only urban-serving public university in Kansas and has the most diverse student body of all the Kansas state universities. Wichita State University recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. Wichita State University has a clear goal in this regard: to be the place where our talented faculty and staff reflect and promote the evolving diversity of our society. We pride ourselves on being the most innovative university in Kansas, delivering the best educational experience to our students with the distinction for opening pathways to real-life learning, applied research and career opportunities that make people want to stay in Kansas. Our campus provides an experience that promotes all forms of diversity, equity and inclusion, a place to learn, work, live and play.

Requirements

Minimum Education

Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited institution and admission to the Kansas State Bar within 12 months of hire date

Preferred Education Minimum Experience

Five (5) years of experience practicing as an attorney

Preferred Experience Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Contract, including leasing and construction, and grant review and preparation.

• Ability to conduct complex legal research.

• Ability to create, compose, and edit legal opinions and other written materials.

• Ability to investigate, analyze information and draw conclusions.

• Ability to communicate appropriately and professionally, especially with confidential matters.

• Ability to counsel employees and resolve complaints and disputes with sound reasoning, decision and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to demonstrate strong command of law in primary areas of legal support.

• Ability to monitor and inform on significant legal developments and state and federal compliance requirements.

Licenses, Certificates and Registrations

Licensed to practice law in the state of Kansas and in good standing OR the ability to obtain a license to practice in the State of Kansas within 12 months of hire

Sponsorship User Export Compliance Additional Information

Assistant General Counsel Criteria & Information:

Education:

Juris Doctorate degree | from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited institution and admission to the Kansas State Bar within 12 months of hire date |

Experience:

None

Licenses or Certifications

Licensed to practice law in the state of Kansas and in good standing OR the ability to obtain a license to practice in the State of Kansas within 12 months of hire

Pay Info:

Range beginning at $108,000/yr, adjusted based on qualifications

All other aspects of position duties, tasks, and summary are the same to the Associate General Counsel.

Special Instructions

Department Information

Department 101535-General Counsel

Salary Information

Pay Information Range beginning point $121,800/yr, adjusted based on qualifications Overtime Eligibility No Eligible for Shift Differential? No Benefits Eligible? Yes Benefit Information

Wichita State University and the State of Kansas offer a variety of benefit programs which are designed to enhance employment. Many of these benefits are available immediately and some with a wait period.

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision and supplemental coverage offerings

• Retirement plan with generous employer contributions

• Basic employer-paid life insurance and optional life insurance

• Employee and Dependent Tuition Assistance Program

• Generous time off accruals

• Full time 12-month employees typically accrue 22 vacation days and 12 days of sick leave per year in addition to 9 annual paid holidays designated by the State of Kansas.

• Additional holidays and/or a discretionary day can be granted by the governor each year.

• Part-time employee accruals are on a pro-rated basis.

• Paid Parental Leave

• State Shared Leave Program

• Employee Assistance Program

• Discounts on campus and throughout Wichita through ShockerStart

You can find more information on benefits in the New/Prospective Employee Benefits Guide.

Requisition Details

Requisition Details

Posting Date 05/10/2024 Closing Date Proposed Start Date

Physical Demands

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements

Ability to remain in a stationary position.

• Frequent 60-90%

Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators.

• Frequent 60-90%

Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.

• Frequent 60-90%

Physical Weight Category Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves remaining stationary most of the time.

Additional Physical Demands

Physical Demands Atypical Physical Job Requirements