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acct

Vice President of Policy, Compliance, and Government Relations — General Couns

acct, La Plata, Maryland, United States, 20646


The College of Southern Maryland The College of Southern Maryland, the sixth largest community college in Maryland, is a public, regional community college with a far-reaching goal to help students and the community meet the challenges of individual, social, and global changes. Today the college serves the tri-county area that includes Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s counties. The Vice President for Policy, Compliance and Government Relations - General Counsel The Vice President for Policy, Compliance and Government Relations - General Counsel serves as the Chief Legal officer for the college, providing expert legal counsel to the President, Board of Trustees, senior leadership, and other college stakeholders. This role is responsible for overseeing all legal aspects of the college’s operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, managing legal risks, and representing the college in legal matters. Key Responsibilities Legal Counsel and Advice (20%)

Provides comprehensive legal advice to the President, the Board of Trustees, and senior administration on matters affecting the college and its operations. Guides the President, Board of Trustees, and senior administration on a wide range of legal issues including contracts, employment law, compliance, litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory matters. Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents, contracts, and agreements on behalf of the college. Advise on issues related to governance, academic freedom, student affairs, and institutional policies.

Risk Management and Compliance (20%)

Develop and implement strategies for managing legal risks across the college. Oversee compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations impacting higher education, including Title IX, FERPA, ADA, and labor and employment laws. Ensure the institution’s policies and procedures are legally compliant and aligned with best practices. Identifies college risk management, compliance, and legal issues and, when appropriate, develops and implements proposed actions to address them.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution (10%)

Manage and oversee all legal disputes and litigation involving the college. Engage and manage outside counsel as needed for specialized legal matters. Represents the college in litigation and external agency complaints or investigations and selects and supervises appropriate outside counsel.

College Board Relations (20%)

Collaborate with college leadership in the development, implementation, and enforcement of Board policies that govern the college’s operations. Serves as a key legal advisor on institutional governance issues, including ethics and compliance with Board member fiduciary responsibilities, policies, and bylaws.

Strategic Planning and Policy Development (10%)

Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic initiatives, including institutional governance and long-term planning.

Ethics and Governance (10%)

Advise on issues of governance, Board policies, ethics, and conflict of interest, supporting a strong culture of integrity and accountability.

Government Relations (10%)

Prepares, reviews, monitors, and analyzes state and federal legislation and advises on impacts while ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

Qualifications Required Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Must be licensed to practice law in Maryland and in good standing with the Maryland Bar within 18 months of start date. Minimum of 7–10 years of increasing legal experience in a government, higher education, or other regulated institution on a range of matters. Three years’ experience representing or working for a higher education institution. Preferred Demonstrated experience advising institutions on employment and labor law and human resource practices. Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of complex legal, risk, and policy issues facing higher education. Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

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