Deputy Chief. of Legal Services

Music City Center • Nashville, TN

2h

About The Position

The Deputy Chief – Legal Services provides strategic legal guidance and risk management in support of the Superintendent's vision and the district's educational mission. The Deputy Chief – Legal Services acts as a primary liaison with the Metropolitan Nashville Department of Law (Metro Legal), which represents the district in accordance with § 8.602 of the Charter of Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. This role conducts legal research pertaining to various issues affecting MNPS and in conjunction with the Metro Legal, renders advice to MNPS employees concerning compliance issues, protects the district's interests, and enables sound decision-making across all divisions. This individual serves as a trusted advisor to the Superintendent, Cabinet, and Chief team on matters of employment law, civil rights, special education, governance, and other areas of education law critical to district operations and student outcomes.

Requirements

• Doctoral Degree Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school Required
• 5-7 years experience advising senior executives or governing bodies in education, public-sector or employment law, with a proven ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance for non-legal audiences Required
• Proven ability to operate as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, balancing legal risk management with organizational priorities and student-centered outcomes.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ethical standards, with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters.
• Ability to lead through influence, fostering productive relationships across Chiefs, departments, and external partners.
• Clear and persuasive communicator, capable of providing concise guidance under time-sensitive and high-pressure conditions.
• Demonstrated understanding of how civil rights law intersects with district policies, practices, and student experiences.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive guidance across all district operations, identifying, assessing, and mitigating legal risk while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws governing public education.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Superintendent, providing clear, timely, and practical guidance to support informed decision-making and effective execution of district priorities.
• Provide compliance oversight and guidance related to Title VI, Title IX, IDEA, Section 504, and other civil rights and student-protection laws, ensuring district policies, procedures, and practices uphold equity, access, and legal compliance.
• Advise on issues related to Title VII and related investigations, discipline, contract interpretation, and compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations and memoranda of understanding with employee representative organizations. May serve on disciplinary panel for employees as needed.
• Serve as the district’s primary point of coordination with the Metro Legal, facilitating timely information sharing, alignment on legal strategy, and structured decision-making related to litigation, administrative proceedings, settlements, and other legal actions. Coordinate internal review and consultation with appropriate Chiefs and subject-matter experts to ensure district perspectives, operational realities, and risk considerations are clearly represented in discussions of next steps.
• Support the district’s participation in litigation, administrative hearings, and dispute resolution by coordinating internal fact-gathering, analysis, and leadership input; advising on legal and operational implications; and preparing senior leaders for strategic conversations and decisions. Ensure consistent internal communication, documentation, and follow-through in partnership with Metro Legal and external counsel, as applicable.
• Supports Board governance by reviewing and advising on policies, resolutions, contracts, and Board actions; collaborate with the Chief of Staff and senior leadership to ensure legal sufficiency and clarity of Board materials.
• Build legal literacy across the organization by supporting Chiefs and senior leaders in understanding legal requirements, promoting proactive compliance, and embedding legally sound practices into district systems and operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees