Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Hiring for Staff Attorney at Harrisburg, PA, PA Full Time

This posting is for the PA State System Of Higher Ed, Office of the Chancellor in Harrisburg, PA.

Under the direction of Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Chief Counsel, this University Legal Counsel will provide general legal advice to assigned university(ies) administrative and academic officers and department heads; draft and review contracts; and be assigned areas of representation within the Office of the Chancellor. Additionally, this position will perform other work as assigned to serve the universities that comprise the State System of Higher Education and/or the Office of the Chancellor. The position is based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, though some travel may be required from time to time.

Major Responsibilities:

• Handles assignments from the Chief Counsel.
• Provides general legal advice to assigned university(ies) administrative and academic officers and department heads;
• Investigates claims and represents assigned university(ies) in administrative agency and other legal proceedings;
• Drafts and reviews contracts;
• Assists in preparing and implementing institution-wide strategies for preventing legal problems;
• Works with and supervises outside counsel in an effort to control legal costs and insure proper handling of cases to Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education standards;
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate for this position will have a minimum of three (3) years, with a preference for five (5) or more years, of legal experience handling progressively complex matters, demonstrated capability for legal research, analysis and reasoning; superior interpersonal and communication skills; an ability to identify and resolve complicated and sensitive problems creatively and with professional discretion; an ability and willingness to handle a wide variety of complex legal matters both independently and as part of a team; and an ability to interact and function effectively in both an academic community and within a governmental organization. This position requires the exercise of confidentiality and independent judgment.

In addition to the aforementioned minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, the successful candidate must have a Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school and be a member in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar. Higher education, government and/or labor and transactional experience is preferred. Candidate must complete successful personal interviews and background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain cordial and responsive relations with client universities and university personnel.
• Ability to advocate a legal position before administrative agencies, municipalities, courts and other relevant forums.
• Ability to conduct thorough and up-to-date research on legal issues, knowledge of principles of law and keep abreast of new developments in law.
• Ability to organize and balance workload, priorities, assignments and maintain commitments in a timely manner.
• Ability to understand and advise client on legal issues; to craft advice in a way that meets with the needs of the client.
• Demonstrate knowledge of ethics as related to the practice of law and as evidenced in daily practice.
• A thorough and up-to-date knowledge of the areas of law relevant to area(s) of concentration.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Access, Excel, and Outlook and ability to use provided computer technology to enhance the quality of work and programs.
• Ability to express ideas clearly, effectively, persuasively, and accurately, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle sensitive issues and communications with accuracy, confidentiality and discretion.
• Strong behavioral competencies related to results orientation, customer service, continuous improvement, teamwork and collaboration, and valuing diversity.

Supplemental Information

Applicants must submit an application, resume, three professional references (with contact information) and a writing sample. Application materials will be accepted until position is filled; however, to ensure full consideration, application materials should be received no later than end of day on December 8, 2023.

Applicants interested in this position may apply to this online job board by clicking the “Apply” button above. This position is at the PA State System of Higher Education; Office of the Chancellor, and Kutztown University HR is only providing HR Administration Services, these are not KU positions.

Alternatively, . Interested attorneys also may send a cover letter setting forth interest in this position, resume, and writing sample no later than December 8, 2023, to [email protected], directed to Derek Riker, Deputy Chief of Staff, 333 Market Street, 17th Floor Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101.

OGC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.