Overview
An education system's Office of Legal Affairs is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel with expertise in higher education law. This role involves providing strategic legal advice on student affairs, academic affairs, institutional governance, and compliance matters. The position reports to the Managing Counsel & Associate Vice President for Legal Affairs and works collaboratively with a team of in-house attorneys.
This is a fully remote position requiring flexibility to occasionally work outside standard business hours to support organizational needs across multiple time zones.
Responsibilities
- Provide legal counsel and risk assessment on operational, administrative, and strategic matters related to higher education system and institutional operations.
- Advise on student affairs and academic issues, including Title IX, student conduct, faculty matters, accessibility accommodations, and institutional processes.
- Support compliance with federal and state higher education regulations such as FERPA, Title IV, campus safety requirements, and immigration-related matters.
- Advise on institutional governance including contracts, policies, and intellectual property affecting academic and administrative functions.
- Conduct or assist with investigations and recommend resolution strategies, coordinating with institutional leaders and external partners as needed.
- Support negotiation and settlement efforts, collaborating with internal stakeholders to resolve disputes efficiently.
Required Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in employment law and higher education law.
- Proven experience providing legal counsel and risk assessment in higher education settings.
- Experience supporting institutional governance, policy development, or academic leadership decision-making.
- Strong knowledge of higher education regulatory frameworks, including Title IX, student conduct, FERPA, Title IV, campus safety, and accessibility accommodations.
- Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain licensure to practice law in Illinois within an appropriate timeframe after hire.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with litigation, administrative proceedings, or dispute resolution in higher education.
- Familiarity with California higher education law and regulatory requirements.
- Experience working with or closely alongside student affairs, Title IX, or academic affairs offices.
- Knowledge of Title IV, Title VI, Title IX, Clery Act, Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and anti-discrimination law.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary range: $160,000–$165,000 annually.
- Comprehensive health and welfare benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Employer-paid life and disability insurance.
- Retirement plan with employer contributions.
- Employee assistance program.
- 20 paid time off (PTO) days and 11 paid holidays annually.
- Remote work flexibility with a biweekly remote work stipend.
- Tuition reimbursement for eligible external degree programs and tuition waivers at participating colleges within the system.
Location
- Fully remote position with collaboration across multiple time zones.
Additional Information
The recruitment process includes the use of artificial intelligence tools to assist in evaluating candidates against job requirements; however, all employment decisions are made by staff members. Applicants are encouraged to tailor their resumes to the job description and complete all application fields thoroughly to ensure accurate assessment.