Vice President, Special Advisor, and General Counsel

Position Information:

Posting Number: 240151

Job Title: Vice President, Special Advisor, and General Counsel

Location: Main Campus

Classification: Management

Position Type: Management

Anticipated Start Date: Upon Hire

Salary/Wage Range: Initial Salary Placement: $177,000- $200,000 Annually

Working Schedule:

• Full-time; Variable work hours based upon department needs; weekends, evenings and travel may be required.
• Generally Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

FLSA: Exempt

Position Status: Permanent

Full/Part: Full-Time

Annual Schedule: 260 Day (12 Month)

Required Qualifications

Required Education: Qualified candidates will hold a law degree (JD) from an American Bar Association accredited institution.

Required Experience:

• Extensive experience in higher education administration.
• Extensive experience in legal practice serving a higher education institution or similar complex organization.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Licensure or Certification Requirements: Membership in good standing in the Oregon State Bar, or membership in good standing in another state bar, and eligibility to gain admission in the Oregon State Bar within twelve (12) months of hire.

Conditions of Employment:

• Successful applicants are required to complete a criminal background check.
• Must work and reside in the state of Oregon at the time their work is being performed.

Position Purpose:

The Vice President, Special Advisor, and General Counsel serves as an executive-level advisor to the President and the Board of Education, while providing strategic leadership and legal counsel. This dual role involves overseeing the daily operations of the President’s Office, ensuring effective communication and coordination across the college, and managing the college’s legal affairs.

Essential Functions:

Strategic Leadership:

• Advise the President on key strategic initiatives and institutional priorities.
• Coordinate and facilitate the implementation of the President’s agenda.
• Serve as a liaison between the President and various college stakeholders.

Operational Management:

• Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of the President’s office initiatives.
• Act as the primary advisor and aide to the President, supporting decision-making, communication, and day-to-day execution of institutional priorities.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination among senior leadership and administrative units.
• Manage special projects and initiatives as directed by the President.

Legal Counsel:

• Provide legal advice and representation to the college on a wide range of issues, including governance, compliance, employment, policy, and contracts.
• Oversee the college’s legal affairs, including managing outside counsel.
• Ensure the college’s compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Board Relations:

• Serve as Parliamentarian to the Board of Trustees, ensuring adherence to parliamentary procedures and governance best practices.
• Assist in the preparation of board materials and reports, ensuring they are comprehensive and accurate.
• Act as an advisor to the Board of Trustees and the President on behalf of the institution, providing guidance on legal and strategic matters.

Policy and Procedure:

• Ensure that the development, review, and implementation of college policies and procedures are routine and consistent.
• Ensure all policies and procedures comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Supervision Statement: This position reports directly to the President.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in planning, executing, and overseeing projects with a strategic approach to ensure alignment with organizational goals and successful outcomes.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional service and addressing the needs and concerns of clients or stakeholders with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• Demonstrated capability to support and drive organizational change, effectively communicating the benefits and guiding others through transitions.
• Proficiency and experience in labor and employment law, including discrimination, disability accommodation, job-protected leaves, hiring, performance management, and discharge, wage and hour, internal investigations, employment agreements, and other relevant employment law situations.
• Expertise in evaluating and enhancing existing processes to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and overall performance.
• Demonstrated capability in leading and managing teams, providing guidance, support, and motivation to achieve high performance and team cohesion.
• Ability to draft, read and provide guidance on complex legal matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences, and to provide sophisticated information in plain language.
• Ability to understand and carry out Lane Community College’s mission and strategic agendas, including College Learning Outcomes, cultural competency, and diversity.

Applicant Instructions:

• Lane Community College is being assisted in its search by Academic Search. Applications are being accepted through their website.
• Applications should consist of a substantive cover letter, a resume, and a list of three professional references with full contact information.
• No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate.
• Applications can be submitted electronically to LaneCC@academicsearch.org.

Questions? Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting Senior Consultant, Mary Kennard, Esq. Mary.Kennard@academicsearch.org