Position Base: Oakland

Location: UCOP - Franklin Building

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) delivers ethical, timely, efficient and high quality legal services to the University of California's ten campuses, five medical centers, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as well as to the Board of Regents, the President, the Chancellors and other officers of the University.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Managing Counsel - Education Affairs & Governance, this position independently handles a full range of legal research compliance matters and projects in the Education Affairs practice area, to include the most complex and that of substantial importance and impact. Responsibilities require knowledge of laws, regulations and policies applicable to a broad range of academic research issues, including but not limited to: research integrity and misconduct, human subject and animal welfare regulations, export control regulations, regulatory and sponsor policy issues related to research contracts and grants, conflict of interest issues related to research, and research safety.

The Principal Counsel interprets complex facts and the law in areas of high ambiguity. The Principal Counsel also provides functional advice, training and/or guidance to clients and to campus attorneys, and may act as a liaison with outside counsel, and/or represent the University in governmental enforcement and administrative matters. Responsibilities require knowledge of laws, regulations and policies applicable to a broad range of campus research issues, including but not limited to: research integrity and misconduct, human subject and animal welfare regulations, export control regulations, regulatory and sponsor policy issues related to research contracts and grants, conflict of interest issues related to research, research safety, and other federal, state, sponsor, and University policies and regulations governing the conduct of research. Drafts, reviews and revises a variety of instruments involving the University's interest such as policies and contracts.

Key Responsibilities

85% Core Legal Practice

1. Establishes effective relationships with key internal and external constituencies.
2. Recognizes strategic needs of organization and proactively builds relationships with appropriate stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.
3. Serves as a trusted strategic partner with University business units, providing practical advice and alternative solutions to business issues.
4. Advises and renders opinions to senior leaders with respect to the legal implications of establishing or changing policy.
5. Works with colleagues at the Office of the President or campus/medical center locations to develop and modify practices and procedures to conform with changing legal requirements.
6. Independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects to include those which significant importance and impact to the University.
7. Functions as a lead and technical resource within the area of practice. Provides substantial expertise within the University in the legal research compliance specialty and independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects, to include the highest complexity and that of significant importance and impact to the University.
8. Directly negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents.
9. Provides functional advice, training and/or guidance and effectively mentors less-experienced attorneys.
10. May act as a liaison with outside counsel, and/or represent the University in complex regulatory matters.
11. Provides regulatory and other advice, negotiates contracts, provides assistance with the development of effective compliance and risk mitigation strategies and policies to facilitate the University's complex operations.

15% Leadership

1. Supports OGC's commitment to diversity efforts - ensures equal opportunity in recruitment process by ensuring diverse representation on search committees and outreach efforts.
2. Delegates work effectively to maximize efficiencies.
3. Provides clear expectations and mentors legal support staff to meet expected levels of productivity and accuracy.
4. Ensures accurate record keeping in compliance with OGC data quality protocols.
5. Complies with delegations of authority for committing University funds.
6. Practices OGC's established Values for Principles of Community: collaborative, supportive, respectful of differences, and committed to fairness and diversity in all interactions, both within and outside the team.
7. Promotes equity in advancements and encourages participation in career advising or mentoring programs.

Experience

1. Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in a law firm, or in an in-house counsel or other position providing legal, regulatory, and/or compliance advice to an academic institution, corporation, or other entity required.

Skills and Abilities

Required Qualifications

1. In-depth understanding of highly complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications in specialty area, even when ambiguous or hidden.
2. Advanced interpersonal communication skills, including proven ability to actively listen, negotiate, persuade and educate.
3. Skills to gain trust and build credibility with a broad group of colleagues and clients, to include senior leaders.
4. Advanced legal research skills; ability to readily identify critical legislative changes in area of specialty.
5. Advanced decision making ability, even when unpopular, earning credibility and support from colleagues.
6. Proven abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
7. Advanced skills in project management, and facilitating policy review and changes.
8. Advanced written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Ability to mentor and coach all levels of staff; strong coaching and leadership skills to provide clear expectations, guidance and performance feedback to less experienced attorneys and legal support staff. Experience in a university setting.

Education

1. Advanced degree in related area required

Licenses and Certifications

1. Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar. (Out-of-state hire would be afforded time to pass the Bar within a reasonable period.)

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title: Counsel 4

Job Code: 000201

Salary Grade: Grade 29

Payscale: $211,000 - $247,000

Full Salary Range: $158,400 - $320,200

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person hired will be required to reside within California and report to work on-site at UC’s Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA on a regular basis. Current policy requires that a new employee work on-site at least two days a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (“anchor days”). In exceptional circumstances, approved by the General Counsel, candidates residing in or willing to relocate to California may be considered for a fully remote work arrangement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is July 14, 2023. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

August 2021 Update: The University of California has issued a policy requiring employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID -19 before physically accessing the University location or programs. Upon hire into a UCOP position, you will be provided detailed instructions on how to comply with this policy including access to the COVID vaccination at no cost. New hires to UCOP who work onsite or will come onsite for any activities at a UCOP or other UC location must comply with this policy within 8 weeks after their start date. The policy allows for employees to request approval for an exception or deferral. UC COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. EEO/AA Employer UC Nondiscrimination Policy

The University of California, Office of the President, strives to make this job board accessible to any and all users. If you have comments regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at: accessibility or email the Human Resource Department at: epost@ucop.edu.

 

Please Apply through this link: https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucop/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=19&JobOpeningId=53767&PostingSeq=1