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Job Description
Working Title Assistant General Counsel Posting Number
NFE03110P
Department USD-Presidents Office Physical Location of Position (City) Vermillion Posting Text Under the direction of the General Counsel for the University of South Dakota, the Assistant General Counsel for the University of South Dakota provides legal advice and assistance to administrators, faculty and staff of the University. Duties include, in consultation with the General Counsel for the South Dakota Board of Regents and the General Counsel for the University of South Dakota, providing guidance on the application of state and federal laws; drafting, editing, and reviewing proposed revisions to University policies; providing legal and policy analysis of issues; reviewing complaints and conducting or advising on investigations on behalf of University leadership when appropriate; drafting, editing, and reviewing contracts and other forms of legal agreements; and determining when to outsource certain legal matters and working with outside counsel on such matters. The Assistant General Counsel may represent the University or its officials in various proceedings.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION
Provide legal advice on and assistance in the development of proposed or pending administrative actions, decisions, or policies; Help administrators and their staff understand the legal causes and effects of their administrative actions and provide information about legal developments of interest to specific administrators; Complete special assignments at the request of the University General Counsel; Conduct and oversee research into a variety of legal issues. Provide analysis of legal and policy issues; Write, edit, and finalize reports, opinions, correspondence, articles, and other documents; Assist with multi-department teams to study and/or evaluate a variety of issues and provide services as needed; Represent the University in administrative and court proceedings.
ABILITIES & SKILLS
The successful applicant will: Efficiently conduct legal research; Effectively handle multiple tasks focused on University objectives; Work with a sense of urgency and responsiveness when dealing with clients; Be a consummate team player who is solutions-oriented and has a demonstrated ability to build relationships with various constituencies; Act in accordance with the highest ethical and professional standards; Be a strong communicator who can draft, edit, and review legal opinions and other written materials so that they are accurate and clear to both legal and non-legal audiences; Confidently and competently engage with high-level administrative and academic officials in a fast-paced setting; Read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, reports, and legal documents; Respond to common inquiries or complaints from various constituencies, including regulatory agencies and members of the business community; and Effectively present information to management, public groups, and employees of organizations and/or administrators.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A Juris Doctorate degree; Five years of general law practice; License to practice law in South Dakota or eligibility for admission to the South Dakota Bar at the first opportunity (the successful applicant must be admitted within one year of hire); Excellent research, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills and superb professional and personal judgment; Commitment to professional development, continued learning, and associational standards.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience representing a public institution of higher education or system office; Experience working at a public institution of higher education or system office; Demonstrated understanding of legal issues faced by public institutions of higher education; and Experience working with public entities and Boards;
OFFICE LOCATION
Office will be located in Vermillion, South Dakota. Posting Date 06/18/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled No First Consideration Date 07/02/2026 Advertised Salary Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications within the range, which is from $109,000-115,000 Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status No Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays If other, please indicate JD and license to practice law in South Dakota Department Description and Cultural Expectations USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
