PRINCIPAL COUNSEL, EDUCATION AFFAIRS

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Position Base: Oakland
Location: UCOP - Franklin Building

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer Prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) delivers ethical, timely, efficient and high quality legal services to the University of California's ten campuses, five medical centers, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as well as to the Board of Regents, the President, the Chancellors and other officers of the University. By practicing OGC's established Values, this position contributes to a workplace that is collaborative, supportive, respectful of differences, and committed to fairness, diversity and inclusion in all interactions, both within and outside the team. It also supports OGC's commitment to increasing and maintaining diversity in the legal profession.

POSITION SUMMARY

The University is a consensus-based organization, and the Principal Counsel, Education Affairs plays a key role in helping the relevant decision makers to reach consensus regarding decisions related to Education Affairs. This position provides substantial expertise in the Education Affairs practice area. Reporting to the Managing Counsel - Education Affairs & Governance, this position independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects in the Education Affairs practice area, to include the most complex and those of substantial importance and impact. The primary responsibility for this role is to advise campus Academic Senate Committees (the Privilege & Tenure Committee) with jurisdiction over faculty discipline cases (faculty member accused of violating the Faculty Code of Conduct) and faculty grievance cases (faculty member claims violation of their rights or privileges). The Principal Counsel will advise these faculty committees on pre-hearing and hearing procedures (particularly on questions of due process), attend pre-hearing conferences and hearings, review and advise on final Committee findings and recommendations to the campus Chancellor; provide orientations to committee members, participate in meetings of the systemwide Privilege & Tenure Committee addressing policy matters; and coordinate the work of other attorneys in the Education Affairs and Governance groups who may also perform these functions from time to time as necessary. This position will follow a strict legal firewall between this function and that portion of the General Counsel's office that prosecutes disciplinary matters for the campus administration. This position requires periodic travel to UC campuses, although the majority of the work will be performed in the Oakland office. In addition to the work advising the campus Academic Senate Committees, this position will also advise clients on general Education Affairs matters, which may include matters relating to free speech, academic freedom, student conduct, FERPA, housing, the Clery Act, Title IX, Title VI, disability, admissions, financial aid, and advising on responses to regulatory investigations. Drafts, reviews and revises a variety of instruments involving the University's interests such as policies, legal memoranda, guidance documents, and submissions to regulatory agencies. The Principal Counsel analyzes complex factual situations and interprets the law in areas of high ambiguity. The Principal Counsel also provides functional advice, training and/or guidance to clients and to less-experienced attorneys, and may act as a liaison with outside counsel, and/or represent the University in governmental enforcement and administrative matters. By practicing UC Legal's established Values for Principles of Community, these positions contribute to a workplace that is collaborative, supportive, respectful of differences, and committed to fairness and diversity in all interactions, both within and outside the team. They also support UC Legal's commitment to increasing and maintaining diversity in the legal profession.

Key Responsibilities

65% LEGAL SERVICES (Advising academic senate committees):

• Provides advice and counsel to academic senate committees with jurisdiction over faculty grievance and faculty disciplinary matters, including participating in pre-hearing and hearing procedures, providing orientations to committees, and coordinating the work of other attorneys who may perform this function from time to time as needed.
• Advises the Academic Senate on other types of hearings such as hearings on grade appeals and medical resident discipline.

25% LEGAL SERVICES (Advising on education affairs matters):

• Advising on laws, regulations and policies applicable to a range of education affairs issues including, but not limited to, free speech, academic freedom, discrimination, etc. student conduct issues.

10% LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Delegates work effectively to maximize efficiencies.
• Provides clear expectations and mentors others to meet expected levels of productivity and accuracy.
• Provides functional advice, training and/or guidance and effectively mentors less-experienced attorneys.
• Independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects, to include the highest complexity and that of significant importance and impact to the University.
• Establishes effective relationships with key internal and external constituencies.
• Recognizes strategic needs of organization and proactively builds relationships with appropriate stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes. Serves as a trusted strategic partner with University units, providing practical advice and alternative solutions.
• Advises and renders opinions to senior leaders with respect to the legal implications of establishing or changing policy. Works with colleagues at the Office of the President or campus/medical center locations to develop and modify practices and procedures to conform with changing legal requirements.
• Functions as a lead and technical resource within the area of practice.
• Directly negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents.
• May act as a liaison with outside counsel.
• Typically manages outside counsel budget for area of specialty.
• This position will follow a strict legal firewall between this function and that portion of the General Counsel's Office that prosecutes matters before the hearing committees.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation or other entity.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive matters.
• Commitment to the highest ethical standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
• In-depth understanding of highly complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications in specialty area, even when ambiguous or hidden.
• Advanced interpersonal communication skills, including proven ability to actively listen, negotiate, persuade and educate.
• Advanced written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.
• Skills to gain trust and build credibility with a broad group of colleagues and clients, to include senior leaders, and with a particular emphasis on building relationships with UC faculty members who sit on academic senate committees.
• Advanced research skills; ability to readily identify critical legislative changes in area of specialty.
• Advanced decision making ability, even when unpopular, earning credibility and support from colleagues.
• Advanced skills in project management, and facilitating policy review and changes.
• Ability to mentor and coach all levels of staff; strong coaching and leadership skills to provide clear expectations, guidance and performance feedback to less experienced attorneys and legal support staff.
• Experience in a university setting.
• Experience advising clients in the context of administrative hearings.

Education

• Advanced degree in a related area required

Licenses and Certifications

• Required to be a member in good standing of the California Bar is preferred (the successful applicant, if not a member of the California Bar, will be required to become one as soon as possible after hire).

Travel Requirements: 25%

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person hired will be required to reside within California and report to work on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA on a regular basis. Current policy requires that a new employee work on-site at least two days a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays ("anchor days").

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title: Counsel 4
Job Code: 000201
Salary Grade: Grade 29

Payscale: $225,000 - $260,000 annual, commensurate with experience

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is January 16, 2025. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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