Associate General Counsel -Campus Network (Regulatory)

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

18d

About The Position

Vanderbilt University is seeking an Associate General Counsel to join its Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and advise the university on regulation of institutions of higher education. The role focuses on navigating oversight by U.S. and state departments of education, other federal and state agencies, accrediting agencies, and government entities, and promoting compliance with their requirements as applied to university strategic projects across jurisdictions including California, New York, Florida, and Tennessee. The Associate General Counsel works closely with the Campus Network, Enrollment Affairs, Government Relations, and OGC. Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, the position serves as a primary liaison to outside counsel on regulatory issues and government investigations and helps steward their work. The role also supports regulatory compliance activities for the Office of Academic Program Review, Assessment, and Accreditation; Enrollment Affairs, including admissions, financial aid, and the registrar; Clery Compliance; and offices supporting compliance with federal civil rights laws, including Title IX, Equal Opportunity and Access, and Student Access. The position provides practical legal advice, supports university strategic and operational goals, manages sensitive and urgent matters, and promotes compliance with university policies and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. It involves regulatory submissions, litigation and investigations, policy and process advice, risk and compliance collaboration, legal education for the university community, and outside counsel management. The position has no supervisory responsibility.

Requirements

Juris doctor degree.
Licensed to practice in Tennessee or eligible for licensure within twelve months of hire.
At least 6 years of progressively responsible legal practice experience.
Demonstrated ability to function independently in relevant subject matters.
Experience in regulatory analysis and a strong understanding of relevant regulations and compliance requirements.
Ability to identify, analyze, and explain legal issues clearly, promptly, and thoroughly to senior university administrators.
Advanced oral and written communication skills and ability to work rapidly and collaboratively while providing exceptional service to campus partners.
Willingness to learn new areas of law or apply prior legal practice in a higher education environment.
Ability to navigate a large, complex organization, with excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
Strong critical-thinking skills, sound judgment, and strategic ability.
Proficiency with common technology for document creation and management.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with or within the U.S. Department of Education, state departments of education (including the New York State Education Department, California Department of Education, and/or Florida Commission for Independent Education), and/or accrediting agencies is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the university's strategic and operational goals, particularly regarding federal and state regulation of nonprofit institutions of higher education.
Manage multiple sensitive and urgent legal matters independently and as part of a team, including competing deadlines, and communicate matter status and updates in a timely manner.
Promote compliance with university policies and federal, state, and local laws and regulations to protect the university's short- and long-term interests.
Provide clear and practical legal advice to university and departmental leadership.
Draft applications, periodic reports, and other submissions requested by education regulatory agencies.
Manage litigation and government investigations, coordinate with outside counsel, and respond to subpoenas and other discovery requests.
Monitor federal and state legal and regulatory developments and advise on changes in the legal and regulatory landscape.
Advise on and develop university processes and policies, and serve as legal advisor to assigned work groups, committees, and related bodies.
Understand and manage risk and compliance issues, collaborating as appropriate with University Compliance Services and Risk & Insurance Management.
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 stay current on college and university law and related matters.
Perform similar or related duties as assigned or required in an evolving environment.
Contribute to OGC operational excellence, including project management and status updates, technology implementation and analytics, budget containment, outside counsel management, and effective use of attorney time.