Deputy General Counsel for System Administration

Thank you for your interest in employment with Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), System Administration and System Computing Services. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:

• Draft applications are saved automatically and can be accessed through your candidate home account.

• Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment. Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our Human Resources department at (775) 784-4901.

Job Description

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) invites applications and nominations for the position of Deputy General Counsel.  This is a renewable, full-time, non-tenured, administrative position and reports to the NSHE Senior Associate General Counsel.  The position will be located in Las Vegas.  

NSHE is comprised of eight institutions: two universities, a state university, four community colleges and a research institute.  The public system of higher education in Nevada continues to experience growth with significant opportunities in serving over 105,000 students and 15,000 employees.

This is an existing position within the NSHE Office of Legal Affairs (the “Office”). 

The Deputy General Counsel will work on matters as assigned by the Senior Associate General Counsel and assist in provide providing general legal services and counsel to officers and employees of the Board of Regents and System Administration concerning NSHEs legal rights and obligations, with a focus on adversarial proceedings (administrative proceedings, active litigation, and threatened litigation).  This position will also assist the Senior Associate General Counsel in overseeing and coordinating systemwide litigation.

This position reports to and all duties of this position are performed under the direction and supervision of the Senior Associate General Counsel.

SALARY GRADE:  Grade E (starting salary range approximately $146,000.00 to $159,000.00; depending on experience). A benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and retirement.

APPROXIMATE STARTING DATE:  May 1, 2024.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate must have earned a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited institution with five (5) years of substantive litigation experience or an equivalent combination thereof.  An active license, in good standing, to practice law in the State of Nevada is also required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  Preference will be given to candidates with seven or more years of related experience, and to candidates with relevant experience within a higher education institution.  Preference will also be given to candidates who have tried cases to verdict, and to those who have legal experience in education and the representation of government entities in complex civil litigation and employment law matters. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:  Successful candidates must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities.  It is recommended that applicants for this position address each of the following items in the letter of application:

Required:

• Civil procedure and broad knowledge of state and federal law.

• Rules of procedure for all federal and state courts in Nevada and before administrative tribunals.

• Litigation, federal and state law.

• Litigation, legal analysis and research.

• Problem solving skills and inherent decision-making ability.

• Admission to practice law in Nevada.

• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

• Ability to review all aspects of a problem both practical and legal and arrive at an effective solution.

• Use knowledge of all relevant areas of law and legal practice including, but not limited to, legal analysis, written and oral presentation.

• Timely production of written legal documents.

• Timely issuance of legal advice and counsel.

• Make immediate decisions and take action without an opportunity to consult with colleagues or supervisors.

• Ability to organize and prioritize competing high priority tasks.

• Ability to look at all aspects of a problem, both practical and legal, and arrive at an effective solution.

• Ability to manage conflict, confrontation, and disagreements in a positive manner.

• Ability to interact with a wide range of individuals.

• Effective collaboration with other institutional counsel within the System.

• Personal and professional integrity.

• Effective verbal and written communication.

• Excellent electronic legal research skills.

• Excellent relationship-building skills and political acumen.

• Clear and effective communication with diverse clientele regarding complex legal issues.

• Effective administrative and management skills, strong computer, written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. 

• A high degree of organizational skills for multi-tasking and tracking of multiple projects simultaneously. 

• Legal practice skills relating to contract drafting and interpretation, establishment and enforcement of policies and procedures, and internal investigations and employment law issues.

Preferred:

• NSHE policies and procedures.

• Parliamentary Procedure/Robert’s Rules of Order.

• In-depth knowledge of bylaws, policies, procedures and organization of the System and the institutions within the System.

• Employment/Constitutional/Civil Rights Law.

• Public Records Law.

• Open Meeting Law.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  The duties of this position will include, but not be limited to, the following areas of responsibility:

• Working with the Senior Associate General Counsel in providing legal advice and representation in all adversarial proceedings (administrative proceedings, active litigation, and threatened litigation matters) involving the Board of Regents and/or System Administration.

• Assists in coordination and oversight of systemwide litigation.

• Assists in coordination and oversight of outside counsel, when necessary, and monitors legal work product.

• Assesses and advises with respect to risks and claim prevention.

• Provides training/education to officers and employees on policy and compliance.

• Conducts legal research and provides advice to NSHE with particular emphasis on civil rights/constitutional law, contracts, business and tort law, employment law, dispute resolution, student rights, public records, subpoenas/records requests, risk management, and public/private partnerships.

• Provides advice and counsel to the Board of Regents and NSHE officers and employees concerning NSHE’s rights and responsibilities; advising related to management of litigation and threatened litigation/pre-litigation or other matters to ensure leadership decisions are in compliance with the changing laws and regulations and NSHE policies and procedures.

• Drafts agreements, legal opinions, correspondence, policies, etc. in compliance with the federal laws, state laws, and NSHE directives and guidelines; reviews, revises, and approves contracts, releases, etc., as to legal form to minimize litigation possibilities in order to ensure the institution’s interests are protected.

• Coordinating, tracking, and reviewing legal issues and contracts. 

• Advising on issues that are typically associated with legal representation of public entities, including but not limited to, Open Meeting Law, Public Records Law, employment matters, litigation, regulatory law, preventative law and contract review.

• Drafting legal documents as assigned.

• Handles other legal or administrative duties as assigned by the Senior Associate General Counsel.

TO APPLY: The application process will be handled through the Workday on-line search process.  Application materials must include a current resume, detailed cover letter, and the name, email address and telephone number of four professional references willing to be contacted.  Applicants should fully describe qualifications and experience, since the initial review will serve to evaluate applicants based on documented, relevant qualifications and professional work experience.  Applications will be considered incomplete without all requested materials.  References will only be contacted for those who advance to the final phase of the search and with prior consent of the applicant.  The review of materials will begin immediately.  Materials should be addressed to Sherry Olson, Director of Human Resources, and are to be submitted via on-line application at https://nshe.nevada.edu/administration/human-resources/.  For assistance with NSHE’s on-line applicant portal, contact Sherry Olson at (775) 784-4901.

INTERNAL APPLICANTS:  Current employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education MUST use the “Find Jobs” process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at NSHE institutions.  Once you log into Workday and type “Find Jobs” in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site.  Locate the specific job posting by typing the requisition number (e.g. R0000000) in the search box

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications may be submitted until the position is filled.  The review of materials will begin immediately, however, for full consideration applications should be submitted by March 29, 2024.

For more information about the Nevada System of Higher Education, please visit our website at www.nevada.edu.  The Nevada System of Higher Education hires only United States citizens and non-citizens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.  NSHE is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Exempt

Yes

Full-Time Equivalent

100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Application materials must include a current resume, detailed cover letter, and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of four professional references willing to be contacted. 

Posting Close Date

07/31/2024

Note to Applicant

A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.  Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents.