Wiley College is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of General Counsel/Director of the Heman Sweatt Center for Social Good and Leadership. The successful applicant will play an integral role in providing legal and strategic advice to the President and CEO. Reporting directly to the President, General Counsel/Director of the Heman Sweatt Center for Social Good and Leadership will be responsible for legal oversight of the College and will be expected to advise College employees on a wide range of issues across the institution. The role will involve a substantial amount of hands-on legal work. The person in this position must work collaboratively with many offices on campus and must have or cultivate a deep understanding of the organizational culture and decision-making processes at a private liberal arts college. The duties will include but not be limited to:
General Counsel
- Providing legal advice to the College relating to all aspects of the College’s operations;
- Identifying and advising on compliance risks, especially to meet Title IX obligations;
- Delivering advice, counsel, and internal education to strengthen University processes and policies,
- Identifying areas where legal attention is needed and prioritizing urgent issues;
- Directing, overseeing, managing, and evaluating the College’s use of outside legal counsel and external consultants to deliver specialized legal services and represent the College in litigation;
- Overseeing and supporting divisions in the drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contractual agreements and establishing standards and processes for future agreements;
- Providing leadership and vision for the provision of legal services to the College;
- Serving as a strategic thought partner and working closely with the President, members of the executive leadership team, and key risk and compliance personnel to manage risk, distinguish legal responsibilities, and identify opportunities for collaboration;
- Remaining competent and current on relevant legal matters;
- Creating a collegial, team-building work environment, motivating staff, and cultivating productive, collaborative relationships with all constituent groups.
Director of Heman Sweatt Center
- Provide ongoing support and advising of student organizations affiliated with the department.
- Develop & coordinate social justice training programs for student leaders in key areas of campus life.
- Collaborate with the divisions of the College to align leadership programs.
- Lead in the selection, hiring, and training of student peer mentors and graduate coordinators.
- Develop and maintain the mentor’s training guide and supplementary materials.
- Stay abreast of research regarding best practices for the development, assessment and institutionalization of successful mentoring and leadership programs to support a diverse student population.
- Oversee semester and annual evaluation of leadership & mentoring programs, monitor program progress and achievements, develop and monitor learning outcomes, maintain statistical data, and monitor student mentor/mentee grades.
Requirements:
Qualified applicants are required to have a J. D. from an accredited law school, a minimum of five years of relevant work experience, and demonstrated ability to exercise a high level of independent judgment. Admission to the bar in Texas or ability to gain admission within one year of hire required.