General Counsel

Miami University seeks an innovative, resourceful and collaborative leader to serve as its next Vice President and General Counsel. The General Counsel is responsible for the coordination and supervision of all legal matters involving the Board of Trustees as well as all officers and employees acting on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities. In addition, the General Counsel also serves as the chief ethics officer. The General Counsel reports to the Board of Trustees and the President and serves on the President’s Executive Committee.

Duties/Physical Demands:

The Office of General Counsel is responsible for providing proactive legal advice and consultation on a wide range of legal-policy matters, compliance, crisis management, and risk management and provides a wide range of legal services. The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Board of Trustees, the President, Vice Presidents, other senior administrators and affiliated entities.

Minimum Qualifications:

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative, experienced leader to join one of America’s premier student-centered, public universities and play a key role in its evolution and continued success. The General Counsel serves as a trusted advisor and strategic business partner to the Board of Trustees, the President and University leadership. The ideal candidate will bring a distinguished record that commands the respect of the University community. In addition, the individual must have significant leadership experience appropriate to the size and complexity of Miami University. The next Vice President and General Counsel will possess the following:

● Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

● Member of the Ohio Bar or eligible to practice law in Ohio within one year or less.

● Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience practicing law.

Desired Qualifications:

IDEAL EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

● Experience in higher education, with a proven skill to build team and advance mission, and work collaboratively with the president's leadership team, deans and department chairs, across divisional boundaries.

● Broad and deep knowledge of the range of legal issues related to higher education law, including but not limited to employment and benefits, constitutional law, statutory and regulatory compliance, business, intellectual property, research/tech transfer, governance, cybersecurity and data protection, academic affairs and student life. This knowledge should be coupled with the ability to clearly communicate legal advice and options.

● Outstanding personal leadership, integrity and honesty. Servant leader – positive and collaborative spirit, serving, elevating and uplifting others. The General Counsel serves as the University’s chief ethics officer.

● Superior interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work well with people at all levels of an organization, across a diverse range of education and social backgrounds, and to demonstrate an honest respect for each individual.

● Outstanding leadership and management skills and the ability to lead the Office of General Counsel. The Office of General Counsel also serves as the compliance office, policy office, and records retention office for the University.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Requested application materials include a letter of interest; curriculum vitae; and five professional references.

EO/AA Statement/Clery Act:

Miami University, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of age (40 years or older), color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin (ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to [email protected] or 513-529-3560.

As part of the University’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe living, learning, and working environment, we encourage you to read Miami University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report at: http://www.MiamiOH.edu/campus-safety/annual-report/index.html, which contains information about campus safety, crime statistics, and our drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program designed to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus and at university events and activities. This report also contains information on programs and policies designed to prevent and address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Each year, email notification of this website is made to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students. Written notification is also provided to prospective students and employees. Hard copies of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the Miami University Police Department at (513) 529-2223.