Senior Associate University Counsel
Overview
Position Description
The Senior Associate University Counsel provides legal representation to the University and advises officers and other senior leaders of the University on a variety of legal matters, with a focus on technology issues, intellectual property matters, data breach/privacy issues, and academic/sponsored research.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Advises the senior leaders of the University on a variety of legal matters with a focus on technology issues, intellectual property matters, data breach/privacy issues, and academic/sponsored research.
- Serves as "research counsel" collaborating with the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation (EVPRI) to address legal issues related to research grants/contracts/awards, research integrity and commercialization of intellectual property and supporting the legal needs of the various offices within EVPRI.
- Assists in the oversight of the legal representation of the University, including providing a full range of legal services to the University, assuring the University is in compliance with Federal and State statutes and regulations, and advising in the development of University policy and procedures.
- Negotiates and approves contractual arrangements for outside legal counsel and monitoring related legal expenses to assure efficient application of resources through professional services agreements.
- Interprets regulations affecting the University's Boards and Commissions, reviewing agenda and minutes for appropriate legal presentation, and examining initiatives for distribution to the University's boards and internal governing bodies.
- Advises the University leadership on legal issues related to matters of technology acquisition and licensing.
- Collaborates with the Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management, Audit and Compliance and its associated offices to address legal issues including privacy, information security, data breach, conflict of interest including serving as ex-officio member of the Conflicts Review Board.
- Assists the Delphi Center and Provost office in policy, regulatory and compliance matters of distance education and international academic affiliations.
Minimum Qualifications:
- J.D. from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
- Five or more years' experience as counsel in a higher education institution or equivalent level experience.
- A member in good standing of the KY State Bar, or a member in good standing of the State Bar of another state. If not currently a member of the KY State Bar, must become a member within one year of the date of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience at a public university.
- Experience in legal support of an R1 research university's research and compliance matters.
- Ability to develop successful solutions for a variety of issues and situations.
- Ability to partner with communicate effectively with University leaders at all levels.
- Demonstrated experience in developing, managing and leading staff to achieve complex organizational objectives.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills, as well as proven experience in interacting effectively with large and diverse groups.
- Excellent relationship-building skills and ability to work collaboratively as part of an effective administrative team to negotiate, reach goals, solve problems, and make decisions.
- Knowledge and understanding of institutional policies and procedures and the regulatory environment within which they operate.
- Knowledge and understanding of current and developing legal issues and trends in higher education, contract law, compliance, the judicial system and procedures, and community legal resources.
- Demonstrated oral and written negotiation skills in working with sponsors, licensees, vendors or other parties.