Job no: 496382
Position type: full-time
Location: Lewisburg, PA
Categories: General Counsel

Reporting to the President, the General Counsel is responsible for all legal affairs of the university. The General Counsel advises the Board of Trustees, the President and other senior administrators, as well as faculty and staff when appropriate, on a wide range of topics, including policy development and implementation, federal and state regulatory compliance, shared governance, intellectual property, contract and grant agreement review, student and employee misconduct, and the myriad other issues impacting institutions of higher education. The General Counsel manages the engagement of outside counsel retained by the university for litigation or other matters. The General Counsel also oversees the office of the Director of Risk Management and Insurance which includes Environmental Health and Safety.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Provides advice to the Trustees, President, staff, faculty and governance structure of the University regarding all legal matters affecting the University.
• Coordinates the representation of the University in all legal actions, including regular contact with outside counsel. The General Counsel is expected to have sufficient experience in the areas of Intellectual Property, Employment and Labor, Anti-Discrimination, Taxation, Non-Profit Corporations, Construction and Litigation to assist and advise all University personnel with regard to fundamental principles, and to oversee referrals and budgets when additional services or specialists are required.
• Is responsible for all legal processes necessary to protect the privileges and rights of the University.
• Participates in the formulation of University policies that involve legal issues.
• Assesses the legal implications of policy decisions contemplated by the President's staff and campus committees.
• Develops and interprets rules and guidelines concerning University activities to comply with federal and state laws and regulations, including Title IX.
• Prepares and reviews legal documents, including contracts and licensing agreements.
• Selects and supervises outside counsel.
• Coordinates the University's Enterprise Risk Management program, including the purchase of University insurance coverage.
• Represents the University in community affairs of legal significance.
• Supervises a number of staff including both direct and indirect reports.
• Supports and contributes to the University's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
J.D. degree from an accredited law school, admitted to practice in Pennsylvania (or eligible to apply for admission at the time of application and admitted within six months of hire), and a minimum of 10 years' experience as a practicing attorney with responsibility for matters falling within a broad spectrum of legal subject areas. Experience in legal issues central to higher education (e.g. Title IX, Clery Act, FERPA, risk management, etc.) and working within a complex organizational structure preferred. Position also requires outstanding analytical, oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as strong organizational and administrative abilities.

About Bucknell

Founded in 1846 and located along the banks of the Susquehanna River in historic Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is an undergraduate-focused institution that stands uniquely at the intersection of top-ranked liberal arts, engineering and management programs. Our students choose from more than 50 majors and 60 minors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and natural and social sciences, as well as extensive global study, service-learning and research opportunities. Bucknell’s 3,600 undergraduate and 100 graduate students enjoy a low 9:1 student-faculty ratio and exceptional opportunities to collaborate with faculty mentors.

Bucknell’s beautiful 450-acre campus includes first-rate facilities and is home to more than 90 percent of its students. Residential life is vibrant with about 150 student-run organizations, 27 NCAA Division I athletic teams, a robust arts culture, and a strong student commitment to community and global service work.

Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and we seek candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. The University provides equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status or disability in admissions, employment and in all of its educational programs and activities. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply.

The Community

Located in central Pennsylvania, Lewisburg features a variety of restaurants, beautiful Victorian homes, the restored art deco Campus Theatre (owned by the University), charming shops and boutiques, and the Barnes and Noble at Bucknell University Bookstore. About 33,000 residents live in the region.

The city of Williamsport is about a 30-minute drive from campus, and Penn State University’s main campus is about an hour away, as is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s state capital. Bucknell is about three hours from New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

The cost of living here is low compared to that of major U.S. cities and suburbs. Bucknell’s surroundings yield fresh produce, cultural activities and events, and many opportunities for outdoor activity on the Susquehanna River and in the nearby state parks and forests. The Lewisburg Area School District receives excellent reviews for its schools at all grade levels. Lewisburg Area High School is consistently ranked among the top 50 high schools in Pennsylvania for SAT scores and statewide exams.

Advertised: 08 Jul 2019 Eastern Daylight Time
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