General Counsel

About the Role Youngstown State University seeks an experienced legal leader to serve as General Counsel. The role oversees the Office of the General Counsel, supervises staff, manages the university's litigation docket, and provides strategic legal guidance across university operations, compliance, contracts, and risk management. The individual partners with the President, executive officers, and outside counsel to protect the university's interests and advance its mission.

What You'll Do

• Plan, assign, direct, and review the work of the Office of the General Counsel; supervise staff; develop staffing plans; train new employees; approve/disapprove requests for paid leave; interview candidates and make recommendations for hire; evaluate employee performance; handle grievances.
• Manage the litigation docket and all litigation files; work with Outside Counsel and oversee attorneys’ time and decisions in the course of litigation.
• Prepare, review, advise, and/or assist with legal documents, contracts, policies, procedures, practices, and actions with legal significance to the university; review judicial decisions and regulatory developments and recommend compliance strategies.
• Advise on property acquisitions, leases, contracts, labor relations, personnel matters, insurance, patents, trademarks, and copyrights, including technology licensing and agreements.
• Advise and assist with compliance reviews by governmental/higher education regulatory agencies and internal audits.
• Assist the president and executive officers in providing comprehensive preventative legal guidance to university personnel; collaborate with internal committees on rules and policies; support student disciplinary forums as needed.
• Manage cost of legal services and stay within budget; recommend settlements to the president with other executive input.
• Maintain case-related documents and central safekeeping of deeds, leases, mortgages, contracts and other instruments; build relationships with partners, stakeholders, and the community; serve as chief liaison with university-affiliated organizations such as the YSU Foundation.
• Maintain professional qualifications for appointment as assistant attorney general of Ohio and provide general counsel in accord with law and the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct; liaise with bench, bar, and law enforcement.
• Develop and implement long-term strategic goals; lead cross-functional initiatives; monitor industry trends and adapt strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned and/or required; participate in training of new hires.

What We're Looking For

• Juris Doctor degree and license to practice law in Ohio or ability to obtain an Ohio license within six months of hire, with approval of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis (visa sponsorship not specified).
• Strong knowledge of strategic planning, policy administration, process improvement, supervisory techniques, university policies and procedures, office practices, records management, project management.
• Excellent written and oral communication, analytical thinking, and ability to manage multiple tasks and work both independently and in a team.