Position Summary

The Vice President and General Counsel serves the Presidents and the Board of Regents for the University of Oklahoma, Cameron University, and Rogers State University. Provides strategic guidance, consultation, and support to the Presidents, the Board of Regents, and other University administrators on all campuses on a comprehensive range of legal and associated issues involved in carrying out the mission of the institutions.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans and directs all aspects of the institutions’ legal affairs and advises on all business policies and activities with regard to compliance with current laws.
• Oversees and manages the provision of all legal services to the institutions to ensure maximum protection of their legal rights while balancing risk and to maintain their operations within the limits prescribed by law.
• Oversees Litigation, Athletic Compliance, University Compliance, Threat Assessment, Collections, Contract Review, Open Records, Policy Management, Clery Compliance, and other specified areas.
• Provides legal counsel and legal guidance to the officers of the institutions and other upper management on all legal matters relevant to large public institutions, including but not limited to personnel law, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; laws pertaining to students, real estate transactions, contracts, and grants; tax matters; worker's compensation, liability and insurance matters; open meetings, public monies and purchases; and affirmative action.
• Reviews agency guidance and changes to laws and regulations and advises management about anticipated and potential impact to the operations.
• Provides legal guidance and legal counsel to management on institutional transactions and initiatives.
• Leads the defense of the institutions in agency hearings, civil and criminal investigations, lawsuits, and the prosecutions of lawsuits on behalf of the institution against others.
• Ensures that all of the institutions’ contracts, regulatory documents, legal filings, and press releases pertaining to legal matters undergo appropriate legal review.
• Selects and retains outside counsel, as required, to obtain legal opinions or to handle claims, litigation, and other matters on behalf of the institutions.
• Develops and defines legal departmental vision and strategy; establishes its direction and focus.
• Executes multiple high-impact legal initiatives to achieve overall institutional goals.
• Performs various duties as assigned by the Presidents, Board, or senior leadership to successfully fulfill the function of the position and office.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the range of applicable laws and regulations that impact all facets of institutional policy and operations.
• Knowledge of current and developing legal issues and trends, particularly in areas impacting higher education and academic medical campus issues.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and full discretion in working with and on behalf of members of the Board of Regents.
• Ability to identify and calibrate legal risks associated with various courses of action.
• Experience working on a team with administrative leadership as well as working independently, exercising judgment and professional discretion in the identification, management, and resolution of campus legal or risk issues.
• Ability to engage internal and external stakeholders in a manner that promotes legal compliance and fosters appreciation of and respect for the rule of law.
• Advanced verbal, written, and composition skills.
• Ability to approach situations analytically and factually and to see creative solutions.
• Ability to identify and calibrate risks associated with various courses of action.
• Ability to build consensus to address challenges and opportunities.
• Ability to successfully lead a team of attorneys and staff and to communicate directions and expectations effectively.
• Ability to implement, manage, and work as a team member on complex projects.

SALARY RANGE:  Negotiable, commensurate with experience. 

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D. from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• At least 10 years of experience as an attorney directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Member of Oklahoma State Bar, or member in good standing of the State Bar of another state or District of Columbia.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience practicing law in the state of Oklahoma.
• Experience in higher education.
• Experience in health law.
• 3-5 years experience leading a general counsel office. 

Certifications or Licenses: Member of the Oklahoma State Bar or within one year of hire date. 

Qualified applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae and a list of at least three references.  For inquiries, please call (405) 325-4310.

By submitting my application, I certify that all information provided in support of my application for employment is true, correct and does not misrepresent my history or qualifications. I hereby authorize and give my consent to the University to confirm all such information and waive my right to privacy thereto to the extent required to verify relevant background and ability to perform all job-related functions. My consent specifically includes, but is not limited to, my prior job function, work performance, education, criminal record and other job-related issues. I understand that willful falsification or misrepresentation constitutes grounds for denying employment or for dismissal therefrom. If hired by the University, I agree to comply with its employment policies, rules, and regulations.

The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to:  admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides.

Diversity Statement 

 The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.

Vaccination Statement 

As the University of Oklahoma is a federal contractor, in the future, employees may be required to provide proof of full vaccination or request an accommodation for exemption from the Federal requirement. For detailed information regarding the potential Federal requirement, visit https://hr.ou.edu/News/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Information.