Assistant Counsel

University of Colorado•Colorado Springs, CO

2d•$127,700 - $133,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education! At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose. By joining our team, you’ll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado’s system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU’s campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities. We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you’re passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration . Position Summary: University Counsel has a dual report to the Board of Regents and the President of the University and includes several legal functions that provide an array of services to the University of Colorado system. The Office of the University Counsel provides legal advice to the Board of Regents, the president, system administration and the campuses. The Assistant Counsel is a member of the professional staff of the University of Colorado’s (CU) Office of University Counsel. This position is located on the Colorado Springs campus and provides legal services, research, and analysis to the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. The individual in this position\: (1) possesses knowledge associated with the professional practice of law; (2) performs duties that are predominantly intellectual and varied in nature, requiring creative, analytical, evaluative, interpretive, leadership, and/or critical thinking and (3) exercises discretion and independent judgment while collaborating with the senior legal counsel. The Assistant Counsel demonstrates leadership and collaboration across all activities while working closely as part of a team to represent and advise the University. The Office of University Counsel prides itself on timely and excellent advice and assistance. The team works closely together, and the work is fast paced. The successful candidate must be able to recognize issues, propose possible solutions, follow-up, solve problems and work collaboratively in a team environment. This security-sensitive position requires a criminal background check for initial appointments or at any time determined by the position’s supervisory authority to be in the best interests of the University. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is exempt from the state personnel system based upon its professional level duties and reporting relationship to an officer of the administration (principal professional subordinate) (see C.R.S. § 24-50-135(1)(a)). The Assistant Counsel reports to the Managing Associate University Counsel Colorado Springs campus. Where You Will Work: Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment with University of Colorado System Administration. This role is expected to be on-site at our UCCS campus in Colorado Springs with potential for 2 days a week of remote work after 6 months. Please note, leadership may adjust in-office work requirements with a minimum of three months' notice before any change can be implemented. Equal Opportunity Statement: CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school
Four (4) years practicing law
Licensed to practice law in the state of Colorado, or the ability to obtain a Colorado license promptly after an offer of appointment
Record of ethical behavior
Knowledge of Colorado state and federal laws and regulations concerning higher education institutions.
Exceptional client service both internally and externally in a professional manner with discretion and confidentiality.
Oral, written, and listening communication skills, including the ability to accurately interpret what others are saying and convey messages, information, concepts, and details clearly.
Interpersonal skills, including the ability to facilitate interaction, communication, and teamwork between others.
Personable and collaborative, with significant interpersonal skills and integrity necessary to work as part of a collegial, cohesive team in a complex decentralized environment.
Ability to engage in creative problem solving.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and initiatives, in some cases with short timeframes for response.
Ability to analyze, organize, and effectively present, both orally and in writing, legal issues, opinions and recommendations to a variety of constituents.
Ability to juggle multiple projects and demonstrate flexibility to accommodate shifting priorities of multiple constituents.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with a variety of internal constituents and external contacts in the provision of comprehensive legal services to the University.

Nice To Haves

Six (6) years practicing law, which includes:
Experience providing legal services in a higher education setting or state government environment
Professional experience in a dynamic, collegial, team-oriented environment

Responsibilities

Maintain research compliance with University policies, state and federal law, and government regulations
Reviews, drafts, and negotiates contracts, transactions, and other legal agreements
Reviews, drafts, and provides advice on campus and system-wide policies and procedures
Provides legal advice related to records requests, subpoenas, and court orders directed to the University and its employees
Provides legal advice and guidance to the academic and research operations of the Colorado Springs campus
Attends and participates in various campus committee meetings and provides legal advice and guidance
Provides legal advice and representation in administrative hearings, including the Colorado State Personnel Board (SPB)
Prepares the University’s response to investigations conducted by law enforcement and regulatory entities including the SPB, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD)
Provides research, analysis, and advice on legal issues concerning the University including\: All aspects of employment law including civil rights laws (Title VI and VII), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Federal and state laws and regulations, particularly those impacting institutions of higher education and/or pertaining to the conduct of research
Constitutional law issues affecting institutions of higher education including the First Amendment and free expression, due process, and Equal Protection
Regulatory compliance
Public law issues, including open records and open meetings issues
University policies and procedures
Faculty issues
Student issues
Athletics issues
Immigration issues
On-line education and international education; MOOCS, etcetera
Data Privacy, including FERPA
Alcohol on campus
Minors on campus
Title IX / VAWA / Clery Act

Benefits

With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.
No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.
Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.
For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide .
Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU.