Associate General Counsel (Athletics)

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Vanderbilt University is seeking an Associate General Counsel to join the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and provide legal advice to Vanderbilt University, principally supporting the strategic and operational needs of the Vanderbilt University Athletics Department. The Associate General Counsel will have primary or shared responsibility for a variety of related issues including but not limited to: reviewing, drafting, and negotiating agreements related to competitions, sponsorships/commercial partnership, naming rights, facility use, vendors, media rights, and coach and staff employment; advising on university policy, NCAA, and SEC rules to ensure alignment; counseling on student-athlete related issues, including name, image, and likeness (NIL) activities; managing an active litigation docket, including responding to discovery requests, and supervising outside counsel on litigation matters; and monitoring evolving legislation and legal matters that may affect collegiate athletics. Depending on the successful candidate’s experience and interest and the needs of the university, the Associate General Counsel may also provide advice and counsel on other issues to support additional areas of the university. The Associate General Counsel will have a responsibility to: Support the university’s strategic and operational goals, in particular with respect to the evolving landscape of Division I collegiate athletics. Work independently and as part of a team to effectively manage multiple highly sensitive and urgent legal matters with competing and overlapping deadlines, and timely communicate matter status and updates. Protect the university’s short- and long-term interests by ensuring that actions taken by or on the behalf of the university comply with university policies and federal, state, and local laws or regulations. Utilize creative problem-solving techniques and excellent oral and written communication skills to contribute to the highly collaborative working environment within the OGC and across the university.

Requirements

A juris doctorate is required
Must be licensed in the State of Tennessee or eligible for licensure within twelve months of hire
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law and a demonstrated ability to function independently in relevant subject matters
Ability to identify, analyze, and explain legal issues in a clear, timely, and thorough way to senior university administrators
Experience in regulatory analysis, and a strong understanding of NCAA regulations and compliance requirements
Demonstrated ability to navigate a large, complex organization, including excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills
Strong critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and strategic ability
Proficiency with common technology for document creation and management
Applicants must reside in, or be willing to relocate to, the greater Nashville, Tennessee area
A cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in the position
A current resume

Nice To Haves

Experience with collegiate or professional athletics is strongly preferred, including a working knowledge of the financial and operational goals of a D1 collegiate athletics program
Prior experience working with sports agents/managers
Advanced oral and written communications skills and the ability to work rapidly and collaboratively while providing exceptional service to campus partners
Willingness to learn new areas of law, or to apply prior legal practice to a higher education environment

Responsibilities

Provides clear and practical legal advice to university and departmental leadership
Demonstrates strong analytical and counseling skills, judgment, and empathy
Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong contract-drafting and negotiation skills on a level of parity with sophisticated outside counsel
Manages litigation matters, including coordinating with outside counsel and responding to subpoenas and other discovery requests
Is knowledgeable of and maintains awareness of new legal and regulatory developments at the federal and state level to provide counsel on the shifting legal and regulatory landscape
Advises on and develop university processes and policies, and serves as legal advisor to work groups, committees, and other related bodies as assigned
Understand and manage risk and compliance issues, collaborating as appropriate with University Compliance Services (UCS) and Risk & Insurance Management (RIM)
Collaborate with university officials, offices, and departments to develop and provide legal education and support to the Vanderbilt community
Engage and manage outside counsel as needed to represent Vanderbilt University
Pursue professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest developments in college and university law and in other related matters
Perform similar or related duties as assigned or required in an evolving environment