Western Governors University- Associate General Counsel, Employment Law

Salt Lake City Office

• If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career. Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.
  

  Position Summary

  Reporting directly to the General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel will provide a wide range of legal services to a large, nonprofit and technically adept institution of higher education and its affiliates.  Independently, and with direction from the General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel will manage multiple, unrelated matters concurrently and work with university leaders and faculty in support of the University’s mission to improve quality and expand access to post-secondary educational opportunities.

  Essential Functions and Responsibilities

  • The successful candidate will provide counsel and support on a wide variety of legal matters with an expected emphasis in employment law, and:

  • Provide comprehensive legal services to assigned, internal client organizations

  • Identify solutions combining legal and institutional needs

  • Develop and deliver effective presentations and training

  • Draft, review and negotiate contracts to align with University standards and business goals

  • Collaborate within the Legal Department to obtain needed information and expertise

  • Provide counsel and direction to the University’s human resources, Title IX and student conduct functions

  • Conduct internal investigations and respond to state and federal agency complaints

  • Mediate external claims

  • Perform other duties as required

  Knowledge and Abilities

  • Sound independent judgment and professional integrity

  • Ability to earn trust and influence at all levels of the Institution

  • Ability to creatively and diplomatically resolve issues

  • Ability to appropriately prioritize and promptly respond to needs

  • Excellent communication

  • Ability to promptly develop knowledge of the Institution and a wide range of legal topics

  • Ability to manage multiple, unrelated matters concurrently

  • Ability to coach and develop other Legal Department staff

  • Ability to collaborate with peers to source needed information and expertise

  Qualifications

  Minimum Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited law school  

  • Licensed and in good standing to practice law in Utah, or admissible at the earliest opportunity, and no later than one year from the position start date

  • 10+ years' experience in active legal practice with increasingly progressive responsibilities

  • Significant employment law experience

  Preferred Qualifications:

  • Employment litigation experience

  • Experience with tax-exempt organizations 

  
  As an equal opportunity employer, WGU recognizes that our strength lies in our people. We are committed to diversity.

For more information and to apply: https://wgu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Salt-Lake-City-Office/Associate-General-Counsel--Employment-Law_JR-003827