Assistant General Counsel

Office of Legal Affairs

Stateside, Regular, Exempt, Grade 3.4

Location: Hybrid (2-3 days a Week in Office, Adelphi, MD)

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is seeking an Assistant General Counsel. The Assistant General Counsel will provide legal advice to UMGC stakeholders (students, faculty, and staff), with a focus on collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, as supervised by both the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel. In this position, the Assistant General Counsel will practice across the full range of higher education, and legal issues with the opportunity to build on existing relevant expertise and develop additional practice areas. Success in this position will require the attorney to embrace and master new areas of law and professional challenges.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Negotiate, draft, and provide advice about a broad range of contracts related to a variety of areas/issues, including, but not limited to, technology agreements, strategic partnerships and alliances, leases, employment, faculty, grants, data privacy and security, intellectual property, and privacy laws.

• Review and approve legal sufficiency of a broad range of activities to ensure compliance with statutes, case law, government regulations, policy, and other applicable guidelines and procedures, including, but not limited to, employment issues, student matters, external administrative complaints, and contract review.

• Research, analyze, and advise stakeholders with other matters involving areas of law such as accreditation, state authorization, professional licensure, FERPA, Title IV, Title IX, TCPA, accessibility and accommodations, legislative matters, and marketing as needed to ensure University compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

• Assist with handling responses and other activities regarding legal and administrative proceedings and investigations including disciplinary matters and complaints, grievances, and hearings.

• Respond to subpoenas, discovery, and MD Public Information Act requests.

• Develop processes, documents, and forms in collaboration with stakeholders to standardize business approaches.

• Provide interpretation of applicable laws, rules, regulations, and case law and develop policy and procedures to assure compliance with the same.

• Perform continuous monitoring of legal developments related to a broad variety of university activities issues and assist with research, drafting, and/or delivery of university trainings to stakeholders in these areas.

• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES INCLUDE:

• Legal Analytical Skills: Proposes alternative legal solutions based on expertise and understanding of the business unit's legal objectives. Thinks laterally, approaching issues from different angles to propose different measures, options, and solutions. Assesses the likely legal consequences, risks, and value-add of business unit's proposals and proposes alternative legal solutions.

• Level of Independence: Exercises independent judgment and has direct stakeholder contact. Handles moderately complex legal questions and projects. Provides legal advice and recommendations in consultation with a supervisor as appropriate.

• Effective Communication and Problem Solving: Communicates complex or difficult messages effectively. Simplifies complex issues or information in a manner which provides stakeholders with information and understanding needed to make informed decisions. Identifies areas of conflict and proposes creative solutions to enable resolution.

• Effective Advocacy: Communicates effectively the consequences associated with risks and gains relative to one's daily work and specific assignments. Develops and communicates to stakeholders alternative strategies and recommendations to manage identified risks.

• Level of Stakeholder Contact and Service: High level of stakeholder contact on matters within specific business units.  Explains the legal implications of business goals and helps the business develop strategies to mitigate risks.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctorate, admission to the Maryland Bar or immediate eligibility for admission

• Five years of experience performing legal work

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills

• Strong research, analytical, and project management skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

• Excellent time management skills

• Experience advising stakeholders on a variety of matters

• A willingness to support other attorneys; and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working within a University legal department or in-house within a public/private organization legal department

• Knowledge of higher education law, employment law, military, contract review, and compliance experience a plus

All submissions should include a cover letter and resume.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. UMGC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, ancestry, political affiliation or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Workplace Accommodations:

The University of Maryland Global Campus Global Campus (UMGC) is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive working environment for people of all abilities. UMGC is dedicated to the principle that no qualified individual with a disability shall, based on disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination. For information about UMGC's Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Policy or to request an accommodation, applicants/candidates can contact Employee Accommodations via email at employee-accommodations@umgc.edu. 

Benefits Package Highlights:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 days of paid vacation, 15 days of sick leave, 3 personal days, and 15 paid holidays (16 during general election years). For part-time employees, time off rates will be prorated based on the number of hours worked.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to health care, medical with vision, dental, and prescription plans for both individuals and families, effective from the 1st of the month following your hire date.
• Insurance Options: Term Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance. Part-time employees working less than 0.5 FTE are not eligible for LTD.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Available for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Retirement Plans: Choose between the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) or the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS).
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: include 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and various Roth options. The university does not provide matching funds.
• Tuition Remission: Immediate availability for Regular Exempt Staff. Spouses and dependent children are eligible for undergraduate tuition remission after two years of service. NOTE: For part-time employees (at least 50 percent of the time), tuition remission benefits are prorated.

Hiring Range: