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POSITION DETAILS

Employment based visa sponsorship will NOT be considered for this position.

Position Number:  101410
Classification Title:  General Counsel
Working Title:  General Counsel

Department:  General Counsel
FLSA Status:  Exempt
Salary Range:  Salary is Commensurate with Education and Experience
Pay Basis:  Annually

POSITION OVERVIEW

JOB SUMMARY:

The General Counsel reports directly to the University President. The General Counsel functions as the Chief Legal Officer of the University, providing legal guidance and counsel in executive and policy decision-making and serves as a member of the President's senior leadership group. The General Counsel is responsible for leading the Office of the General Counsel and its team, as well as outside counsel retained to represent the University. This position oversees and manages the provision of all legal services to the University and Board of Trustees and provides legal counsel and guidance on all legal matters relevant to the University, including but not limited to: complex financial, business, and real estate transactions; tax matters, governance; health law; employment law (including collective bargaining); compliance with laws affecting public universities, including state and federal regulatory agency rules and regulations; laws pertaining to students, campus safety and law enforcement; public procurement practices and law; contract law; sponsored research, and intellectual property; liability and insurance matters; compliance with and development of University policies and procedures; and conducting or assisting in litigation and administrative proceedings, perform other duties as requested by the President and the Board of Trustees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Law degree (L.L.B. or J.D.) and four years experience as an attorney. Must be a member of the Florida Bar.

NOTE: If the selected applicant is not already a member of the Florida Bar, then the selected applicant must become a member of the Florida Bar within 12 months of employment. JCS SR. AVP HR 11.3.2025

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

The General Counsel should have a strong client-service, problem-solving, decision-making, client-enabling and negotiating orientation. In addition, the General Counsel should have: 1-Exceptional legal, analytical, inter-personal and oral and written communication skills; 2-Management and administrative skills, including the ability to supervise and coordinate the work of contracted legal professionals, paraprofessionals and consultants; 3-Ability to work constructively with college administrators, faculty and staff; 4-Sensitivity to and ability to deal with the diverse interests of all members of a multi-ethnic and diverse university community; 5-Understanding and appreciation of ethical requirements and concerns and an outstanding record of personal professional integrity; 6-Ability to effectively serve an entrepreneurial client, to work in a collaborative, teamwork-oriented, fast-paced, and accountable (including effectiveness, timeliness and quality) environment; 7-Ability to inspire organizational evolution and to mentor professionals and staff; 8-Ability to effectively use personal computer and a variety of job-related software applications. 9-Ability to understand and deal effectively with budgetary process established by law and University policy and procedure, both with respect to overall University financial concerns and with respect to General Counsel's departmental budget.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Required--At least ten years' experience as a practicing attorney in a sophisticated environment such as a large law firm, government agency, public university, or nonprofit or business corporation.

Exceptional analytical, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills, as well as sound judgment and personal and professional integrity.

Significant leadership experience managing the work of attorneys and other professionals and/or in the representation of large complex and highly decentralized organizational clients with multiple stakeholder groups.

Experience working as an attorney in a General Counsel's Office within in a public or private University in the State of Florida.

Proven success in providing legal guidance in the context of complex organizations and a deeply held commitment to, and belief in, the value of collaborative decision-making.

Experience directly managing or supporting leadership in managing controversial and high profile issues.

Demonstrated success in leading, empowering, and delegating effectively to a successful team.

Ability to work collaboratively, and to communicate effectively, with multiple and diverse constituencies, such as faculty, staff, students, legislators, corporate partners, community leaders, the public, alumni, donors, and union leaders.

Demonstrated commitment and contribution to fostering and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion.

High ethical standards with a strong commitment to legal ethics exhibited in knowledge and practice, and professional responsibility.

Visionary, strategic, and inclusive leader committed to the highest standards of excellence.


Experience in, or understanding of, the public sector and/or higher education environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/JOB DUTIES:

• 50% - This position oversees and manages the provision of all legal services to the University and Board of Trustees. The General Counsel provides legal counsel and guidance to the Board, the President and senior administrators on all legal matters relevant to the University, including but not limited to: governance; employment law (including collective bargaining); compliance with laws affecting public universities, including state and federal regulatory agency rules and regulations; laws pertaining to students, campus safety and law enforcement; business and real estate transactions; public procurement practices and law; contract law; disaster preparedness and management; grants, sponsored research, and intellectual property; tax matters; liability and insurance matters; compliance with and development of University policies and procedures; and conducting or assisting in administrative, regulatory, evidentiary, and enforcement hearings and litigation. The General Counsel anticipates and identifies legal issues and counsels officers of the University in the development of legal and business strategies and solutions - (Essential)
• 50% - General Counsel will represent and oversee the representation of the University and senior managers in judicial and administrative proceedings, and negotiations with other state and federal agencies; work with the University’s Risk Management Council and Campus Safety Council to develop appropriate protocols and procedures to minimize financial and reputational risk to the University and to advance the goal of campus safety; work as a team member of the President’s Cabinet to advance the University’s mission and the Board of Governors approved University Work Plan; represent the University with various audiences that may include officials of local governments affecting the University community, alumni, possible contributors and the business community; and will perform other duties as requested by the President and the Board of Trustees. - (Essential)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Physical Requirements: No unusual physical requirement. Requires no heavy lifting and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Impact of Deadlines: Externally imposed deadlines set or revised on short notice. Frequent shifts in priority. Numerous interruptions requiring immediate attention. Unusual pressure on a daily basis due to accountability for success of major projects.
• Standing: Occasionally
• Walking: Daily
• Sitting: Daily
• Reaching with hands and arms: Daily
• Climbing or balancing: Occasionally
• Stooping: Occasionally
• Use of hands to handle objects: Daily
• Lifting up to 10lbs: Occasionally
• Lifting up to 25lbs: Occasionally
• Lifting over 25lbs: Never
• Talking as express or exchange of ideas verbally: Daily
• Hearing as perceive sound by ear: Daily
• Vision as distinguish colors & depth: Daily

Special Requirements or Considerations of the Job:  

• This position requires a criminal background screen.

• This position requires fingerprinting.

Special Instructions to Applicants:  Candidates must apply online through the University of West Florida website: https://careers.uwf.edu. Applicants are required to attach a resume, cover letter and contact information for three references. An opportunity to upload these documents will be provided during the application process. For assistance, please contact Human Resources at 850.474.2694 or email jobs@uwf.edu.

ADDITIONAL POSTING DETAILS

Number of Vacancies: 1
Work Hours:  8 am - 5 pm
FTE:  1.0
Closing Date:  11/17/2025