Georgia Southwestern State University · 1 month ago
Chief Legal Affairs Officer
Americus, GA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
5+ years expGeorgia Southwestern State University is seeking a Chief Legal Affairs Officer (CLAO) to oversee all legal and risk management functions. The CLAO will provide strategic leadership in managing the University's legal affairs and ensure compliance with various laws while advising senior leadership on legal, risk, and policy matters.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Serve as the University's primary legal advisor for the University through the President and senior leadership
Provide counsel on a variety of legal issues including but not limited to academic and student affairs, labor and employment law, contracts, intellectual property, governance, and compliance
Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents on behalf of the University
Ensure legal compliance in all University activities and coordinate with the University System of Georgia Office of Legal Affairs, as needed
Oversee and develop risk management programs to protect the University's assets, employees, students, and reputation
Advise on risk mitigation strategies, including insurance coverage, claims management, and crisis response plans
Identify, assess, and help manage emerging legal and institutional risks
Ensure institutional compliance with the University System of Georgia's Minors on Campus Policy and work with program sponsors to mitigate risks associated with minors participating in campus activities
Provide guidance to departments hosting youth or outreach programs to ensure adherence to legal and policy requirements
Lead the creation, maintenance, and periodic review of University policies to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and USG requirements
Serve as the institutional leader in policy interpretation and dissemination
Establish and maintain a centralized, accessible legal and policy repository for use by University administration, faculty, staff, and students (where applicable)
Serve as the University's Open Records Coordinator in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.)
Collaborate with various University departments, including but not limited to academic affairs, student affairs, HR, athletics, IT, and business and finance, to advise on legal matters
Provide training on higher education legal issues to faculty, staff, and students
Represent the University in meetings, external forums, and professional organizations related to higher education law and policy
Perform additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned by the President, including but not limited to emergency response, special investigations, and strategic initiatives
Qualification
Required
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited school of law
At least five (5) years of experience practicing law
Must be admitted in good standing in Georgia or other state bar; admission to Georgia bar required within one (1) year of appointment
Strong understanding of higher education law and regulatory compliance
Proven ability to communicate complex legal issues to diverse audiences
Preferred
At least five (5) years of experience in higher education law, governmental law, or complex nonprofit organizations
LLM or advanced degree in Higher Education Law, Risk Management, or a related field
Company
Georgia Southwestern State University
Georgia Southwestern State University is a school in Americus.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
John Brooks
Chief Human Resources Officer
Royce Hackett
Chief Information Officer
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