Job Details

Under the direction of the Chancellor, the General Counsel serves as the District's staff attorney and provides legal advice to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, and other officers and employees of the District. The General Counsel represents – or coordinates representation with contracted counsel – the District in litigation, arbitration, and administrative proceedings.

Responsibilities

The duties below are representative of the duties of the classification and are not intended to cover all of the duties performed by the incumbent(s) of any particular position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the scope of work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this classification.

1. Advising the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees regarding pending and potential legal issues.

1. Rendering legal opinions, interpreting local, state and federal laws and regulations, District policies and administrative procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and vendor service contracts.

1. Serving as legal consultant in human resources matters and providing guidance to the District's negotiating teams in developing contracts with recognized employee organizations.

1. Assisting in the development, review, revision and distribution of District policies and regulations.

1. Assisting in the processing, development and review of contracts with outside businesses, agencies and individuals.

1. Providing legal assistance in the drafting of legal documents, resolutions, research memoranda, local opinions, and other legal and instruments upon request.

1. Identifying, advising, directing and evaluating the work of outside contracted counsel, as well as counsel representing the District's insurance administrators/carriers.

1. Preparing and representing the District at administrative law hearings as directed by the Chancellor.

1. Consulting with and advising the administrative staff on legal matters including employee and student grievances and disciplinary matters.

1. Attending and providing legal advice at meetings of the Board of Trustees and other meetings as the Chancellor may direct.

1. Receiving and coordinating responses to public records requests.

1. Receiving and coordinating responses to subpoenas and other legal orders.

1. Providing liaison with other governmental entities in the area of legal affairs.

1. Conducting in-service training programs and workshops for staff members regarding legal issues, court decisions and trends as needed.

1. Supports an innovative culture of culturally responsive, inclusive and anti-racist practices as it relates to student success with an awareness of student equity gaps. Participates in ongoing training on diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism as it pertains to improving systems of higher education for historically minoritized and disproportionately impacted student groups and employees. Promote a welcoming and supportive environment for both employees and students aligned with the College's Mission to support student success, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Provide leadership for the development of programs, services, innovative strategies, and student success activities that remove systemic barriers and increase student equity, retention, and timely completion for credit and noncredit students. Promote a culture of diversity, equity, access, and student success by centering decision-making on inclusive practices that foster innovation and the delivery of high-quality services to our students and community. Add to Desired Qualifications: Evidence of successful leadership experience at the university or college level of promoting a (truncated)

1. Performing other duties assigned by the Chancellor.

Minimum Qualifications1. Possession of a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degree from a college or university accredited by a regional educational accrediting agency.

1. Licensed to practice law in the state of California.

1. Have at least five years of demonstrated successful experience as an attorney in the practice of law.

1. Have an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, including those with physical or learning disabilities as it relates to differences in learning styles; and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.

Desirable QualificationsDesirable Qualifications

1. Legal service in a California community college district or other public school system or public agency.

1. Knowledge and experience in collective bargaining, education and/or governmental labor, general business or contract legal issues within the California Community College system.

Knowledge of:

1. Legal principles, practices, and procedures related to civil, constitutional, contract, employment, administrative, and business law

1. Methods, procedures, and practices used in the conduct of civil litigation

1. Judicial procedures and rules of evidence

1. Methods of legal research

1. Fact-finding methods and procedures

1. Methods and techniques for evaluating legal risks and liabilities and the business and practical consequences of related legal strategies

1. Methods and techniques used to effectively manage and contain legal expenses and costs

1. Business practices and legal aspects of community college governance, academic affairs, student affairs, financial management, facilities management, business management, information technology, and human resources

1. Capabilities of computer systems and applications applicable to assigned areas of responsibility

1. Provisions of federal, state, and local legislation, statutes, codes, procedures and court decisions related to community college education and operations

1. Mission, goals, organization, and key personnel of the District

1. District Board policies and administrative procedures

1. Leadership and management skills

Ability to:

1. Formulate a clear organizational vision, strategic plan, and appropriate operational goals, objectives, and outcomes for the legal services of the District

1. Administer legal services of the District in a manner that is data and principle driven, manages risk and exposure, ensures compliance, attains cost management goals, and achieves organizational effectiveness

1. Successfully navigate and thrive in a multi-campus institution context through persuasion, influencing others, consensus, and effective communication

1. Establish and implement a comprehensive program of reporting and communication

1. Develop and implement the operating policies and procedures to ensure organizational effectiveness and compliance with performance standards and goals

1. Anticipate conditions, plan ahead, and establish priorities; act independently and promptly to situations and events

1. Recognize the critical elements of problems, develop and evaluate data, and determine solutions

1. Read an audience or situation and be attuned to the needs and concerns of clients and stakeholders

1. Evaluate program operations and personnel

1. Prepare and present effective oral and written communications, presentations, and reports

1. Effectively communicate highly technical information concisely and in understandable terms

1. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with industry representatives, officials of public and private organizations, internal stakeholders, and the public

1. Work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures; possess cross cultural communications skills and multicultural competency

1. Support business needs and innovation using technology systems

1. Project executive presence including gravitas, integrity, confidence, political acumen, and poise under pressure; maintain moral and ethical standards that reflect trust, honesty, integrity, credibility, and reliability

1. Travel to offsite meetings and events

Benefits

Total compensation includes a health insurance plan and a retirement system (Either San Francisco Employees' Retirement System or the California State Teachers Retirement System).

Choice of several medical plans, dental, vision, Basic Life and AD&D insurance up to $50K, Flexible Spending Account, commuter benefits and voluntary supplemental plans.

New employees hired on or after January 1, 2014, contribute 2% of salary to the San Francisco Retiree Health Care Trust Fund (RHCTF).

Application ProcedureTo apply for this posting, start by completing an online Application for Administrative Position at To be considered a candidate for this posting, the following materials must be submitted and received by the Human Resources Department on or before 11:59 p.m. of the posting filing deadline. Substitution of required document(s) is not permitted.

1. A detailed letter expressing interest in the position, indicating specifically how the minimum qualifications and as many as possible of the desirable qualifications will be fulfilled. Minimum and desirable qualifications are listed in this posting. The letter should also address the applicant's background and skills in the areas stated in the Job Duties.

1. A current resume summarizing educational and administrative background and experience.

1. A City College of San Francisco Electronic Administrative Position Application completed in full and applied to this specific posting online. The statement "See Resume" is not acceptable.

1. Five (5) current references – Names and contact information. The list of references must include current supervisors/employers, or other professionals, who have knowledge of the responsibilities/duties specific to this type of position.

Apply at