Assistant General Counsel Position Available In Buncombe, North Carolina

Assistant General Counsel
University of North Carolina at Asheville
in Asheville, NC

Apply Now Type:

Full-Time

Salary:

$120,000-$140,000

Posted:

04/16/2025

Application Due:

05/09/2025

Category:

Legal Affairs Position Number:

001110

Recruitment Range:

$120,000-$140,000 Work Schedule and Hours Typical hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evenings and weekends may be needed to meet University needs. Occasional overnight travel to meetings and conferences may also be needed. Months per

Year:

12 Months Position Summary The Assistant General Counsel supports the General Counsel in providing comprehensive legal guidance to UNC Asheville. This role involves advising the Chancellor and campus leadership on a wide range of legal, compliance, and policy matters affecting the University. The position will conduct legal research in the diverse areas of law faced by higher education institutions and provide legal advice and legal analysis on compliance and the regulatory impact on University operations. The duties of the Assistant General Counsel center on delivering a high level of professional legal counsel on a broad range of issues to support the achievement of core university academic and administrative objectives. The Assistant General Counsel is expected to work at the highest professional level with integrity, excellent judgment, attention to detail, and discretion; and to demonstrate the highest personal and leadership characteristics of teamwork, inclusiveness, and adaptability to a broad range of issues, people, and situations. Required Education/Experience/Skills J.D. from an American Bar Association accredited law school and must either be a current member in good standing of the North Carolina Bar or must be admitted to the North Carolina Bar within one year of employment; minimum of three (3) years of legal experience in higher education and/or public agency law with substantial experience in business/transaction law. The successful candidate for this position will have a minimum of three (3) years, with a preference for five (5) or more years, of relevant legal experience handling progressively complex legal matters; a demonstrated capability for legal research, analysis and reasoning; superior interpersonal and communication skills; an ability to identify and resolve complicated and sensitive problems creatively and with professional discretion; an ability and willingness to handle a wide variety of intricate legal questions both independently and as part of a team; and an ability to interact and function effectively in both an academic community and within a governmental organization. Requires compliance with the professional conduct and ethics expectations of a legal office, including but not limited to, maintaining the confidentiality Preferred Education/Experience/Skills
Extensive experience in conducting legal research and analysis on university-related legal matters, including governance, compliance, contracts, transactions, and litigation management.
Proven ability to advise university leadership on policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance across a wide range of areas, including governance (UNC System Office, Board of Trustees, Faculty Senate), public records, open meetings laws, and sponsored research compliance.
Expertise in contract development, review, and negotiation, including risk assessment and ensuring alignment with institutional policies and applicable laws.
Strong background in real property transactions, capital projects, and construction law, including oversight of acquisitions, dispositions, and compliance with North Carolina land management statutes.
Experience handling legal matters related to First Amendment rights, academic freedom, student conduct, and Title IX, Title VI, and anti-discrimination laws, providing legal guidance to ensure institutional compliance.
Knowledge of privacy laws such as FERPA and HIPAA, with experience advising on data protection, confidentiality, and compliance measures.
Demonstrated ability to assess risks and develop legal strategies for university policies related to human resources, employment law, faculty affairs, and workplace compliance.
Experience providing legal advice on campus safety regulations, including Clery Act compliance, emergency operations, and crisis response planning.
Proven track record of managing complex legal matters related to athletics, admissions, and financial aid regulations in a higher education setting.
Strong litigation coordination skills, including supporting internal investigations, advising on administrative hearings, and collaborating with external counsel.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal principles in a clear, concise, and accessible manner to university leadership, faculty, and staff.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including Facilities Management, Business Affairs, governance boards, and external counsel.
High ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism in legal practice, with a strong commitment to transparency and institutional accountability.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, providing strategic legal solutions that align with the university’s mission and objectives.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
Must have demonstrated ability to analyze issues, conduct legal research, and give attention to detail.
Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively with others.
Must exercise sound judgment.
Must have effective time management skills.

Posting Number:

E0504 Closing date: 05/09/2025
The University of North Carolina at Asheville is committed to equality of educational experiences for students and is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. UNC Asheville will not discriminate against students, applicants, or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation•, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, or any other legally protected status with respect to all terms, conditions, or privileges of University-sponsored activities, employment, and the use of University facilities. •UNC Asheville acknowledges and understands that the category of sexual orientation is not a protected category under Federal or State law and therefore can not be grieved beyond campus level.
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