Paralegal

Make a difference at one of Florida's premier institutions for education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Polytechnic University, ranked the No. 1 public college in the region by U.S. News and World Report, offers a unique working environment that encourages faculty and staff to be part of a culture that prizes collaboration, innovation, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our students and University succeed. Florida Poly offers a small campus academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences. The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly's deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn recognitions such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation.

JOB TITLE

Paralegal

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Paralegal provides legal, regulatory, operational, and administrative support to the University Counsel and serves as a key resource in advancing the University's legal and compliance objectives. This position conducts legal research, supports contract review and administration, coordinates public records responses, maintains legal documentation systems, and assists with legal processes involving internal stakeholders and external partners. The role requires substantial collaboration across university departments, including Procurement, Risk Management, Student Affairs, Human Resources, Finance, and outside counsel, to ensure legal operations are effective, organized, and aligned with institutional priorities. This position also supports process improvement initiatives designed to enhance workflow efficiencies and maximize the strategic effectiveness of university legal operations.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities:

Conduct legal and regulatory research related to higher education, employment, procurement, contracts, public records, governance, compliance, and other university legal matters. Research and analyze how new laws, regulations, and legal developments impact university operations and provide summaries and recommendations. Support contract administration processes by organizing legal documents, maintaining contract management systems, monitoring workflows, and ensuring recordkeeping systems remain current and compliant with institutional requirements. Draft, review, revise, and coordinate contracts, agreements, memoranda, correspondence, legal documents, and other materials while identifying compliance concerns related to university policies, procedures, regulations, and applicable laws. Coordinate requests, approvals, signatures, and communications among internal stakeholders and external counsel. Work collaboratively with Procurement, Risk Management, Human Resources, Student Affairs, Finance, academic departments, and external partners to facilitate legal workflows. Coordinate, track, and respond to public records requests and legal information requests while ensuring adherence to statutory requirements, records retention standards, and institutional procedures. Evaluate, improve, and manage legal processes and operational workflows to increase efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and allow university leadership and counsel to focus on strategic priorities. Provide administrative and operational support to the Office of General Counsel, including scheduling, maintaining legal calendars, organizing meetings, preparing materials, and supporting special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution Two (2) years of relevant experience in legal support, paralegal services, contracts administration, compliance, public administration, higher education administration, or related field In lieu of a degree, any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities KSAs:

Knowledge Knowledge of legal terminology, legal research methodologies, and legal documentation practices Knowledge of higher education legal frameworks, public records requirements, regulatory compliance, and contract administration principles Knowledge of records retention practices and document management systems Knowledge of state and federal laws affecting public institutions and higher education environments Skills Strong legal research and analytical skills Excellent written communication skills with the ability to draft clear and professional documents Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously Proficiency using contract management systems, document management systems, and Microsoft Office applications Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills Abilities Ability to interpret laws, regulations, policies, and contractual language Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment Ability to improve operational processes and develop efficient workflows Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all organizational levels Ability to work independently while managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW

Certified Paralegal (CP), Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP), or similar certification Must possess a valid driver's license. This position requires a criminal background check, which may include a Level II screening as required by Florida Statute §435.04. This position is subject to federal and state privacy regulations.

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE

This position is salaried and exempt. The normal work schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; however, occasional overtime (weekends and evenings) may be required.

TARGET HIRING SALARY

$57,800 - 63,000, commensurate with experience.

Location/Work Model:

Full-time/On-site Note:

Employment-based visa sponsorship will NOT be considered for this position.

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE

The position may be open for 14 days. However, the review of applications will commence immediately.

APPLICATION PROCESS

In addition to completing the online application, all applicants are required to upload the following as attachments to the application (preferably in PDF format). Cover Letter Resume Three (3) Professional References If any of these three items are not included, you will not be considered for the position. References will not be contacted unless you are selected as a finalist for the position. ition.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information. Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. An appointment is not final until proof is provided.

FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS INFORMATION

Florida Poly qualified employees have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of health benefits (through the State of Florida) to help meet their specific needs, as well as the needs of their family. This comprehensive coverage includes flexible spending accounts, medical and life insurance, and worker's compensation. Health benefits are administered through People First, on behalf of the State of Florida, as pre-tax insurance plans. People First handles all new hire enrollments, coverage changes, premium administration, and dependent eligibility. Their Service Center is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. EST, at 1-866-663-4735.

RETIREMENT

Florida Poly offers great options for retirement. From the required selection of a state plan to additional voluntary retirement plans, our employees have many opportunities to save and prepare for their future. Click Here for more information.

OTHER BENEFITS

Discounts & Perks Annual Leave To help promote work-life balance, Florida Poly provides a generous leave program, which includes paid time off and paid holidays. Qualified employees may accrue 22 days of annual leave. In addition, the University observes the holidays listed in our University Holidays policy

FPU-1.008.

Sick Leave Qualified employees may also accrue 12 days of annual sick leave and participate in our Sick Pool Program. Employee Assistant Program (EAP)

EXPLORE LAKELAND FLORIDA

Conveniently located along I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is home to Florida Polytechnic University and many other businesses and attractions. Click here to explore Lakeland, Florida.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ATTACHMENTS

Required attachments are listed on each posting. Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume/CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered. An unofficial copy of the degree/transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire.

Foreign Transcript:

Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline. All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements. This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute §435.04. Florida Polytechnic University, started as a university of engineering and technology, is designed to be different so that graduates possess the talent and job-ready skills to stand out from the crowd. While other top engineering schools in Florida have centers of innovation, Florida Poly was established on April 20, 2012, as a wholly innovative university dedicated to the principle that innovation occurs when research and creativity are applied to real-world challenges. Florida's only public university for engineering and technology dedicated to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) was created to be both a rigorous academic institution and a powerful resource for high-tech industries. Florida Polytechnic University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all faculty, staff and applicants, including those with disabilities. Consistent with its obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008, and all other federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability. The university provides reasonable workplace accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with disabilities. Applicants requesting disability accommodations should contact the Human Resources Department at Florida Polytechnic University. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email careers@floridapoly.edu or call (863) 874-8425 during regular business hours. Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information. To report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment under Title IX please contact our Title IX Coordinator, 4700 Research Way, ASC East, Lakeland, FL 33805, email: titleixcoordinator@floridapoly.edu, call: 863-874-8484, or our online report form.