General Counsel

General Counsel
Administrative

Reports To: Superintendent
Contract: 230
FLSA Status: Exempt


General Description of Position:
The General Counsel serves as the legal advisor to the Superintendent and Board of Education, providing strategic legal guidance to support the District's mission and vision while ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and Board of Education policies. This position protects the legal interests of the District by advising on governance, personnel matters, student matters, contracts, risk management, litigation, and regulatory compliance through ethical decision-making and minimization of legal risk. The General Counsel collaborates with District Leadership to support and advance educational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Superintendent in required activities
• Provide legal opinions, legal interpretations, recommendations, and training to the Board of Education and District Administration for the purpose of ensuring the District maintains compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Serve as district liaison for outside counsel.
• Review, prepare, and draft legal documents such as contracts, leases, legal pleadings, or other legal correspondence affecting the District.
• Review and maintain legal documents, contracts, and MOUs.
• Represent the District in all legal matters and hearings.
• Confer with representatives of local, state, or federal agencies regarding legal affairs affecting the District.
• Review and respond to OCR and EEOC complaints
• Perform administrative and management functions related to the District, State, and Federal laws, policies, and regulations.
• Formulate, revise, and manage Board of Education policies.
• Review and respond to FOIA requests.
• Oversee and evaluate the Director of Compliance

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent or Superintendent Designee

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printers, copy and fax machines, and telephone

Travel Requirements
Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings as required

Knowledge, Skills and Mental Abilities

• Knowledge of legal principles and practices, including civil, criminal, constitutional, contract, employment, administrative and business law.
• Knowledge of methods, procedures and practices used in civil litigation.
• Knowledge of Arkansas school law and state statutes pertaining to schools.
• Knowledge of regulatory powers, limitations, authorities, and responsibilities of the Board of Education.
• Knowledge of the Arkansas legislative process.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding education, students, and employees
• Knowledge of best practices in administration, program evaluation, and staff supervision
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed
• Ability to organize and coordinate work
• Ability to effectively communicate, both written and oral, with students, staff, parents, and community members
• Ability to develop, implement, and maintain the vision and mission of the district
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contracted in the course of work
• Ability to manage office environment for day-to-day functions
• Ability to maintain emotional control and make decisions in stressful situations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information

Working Conditions

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Frequent interruptions
• Frequent district-wide travel with occasional travel outside school boundaries
• Workload is deadline-driven
• Frequent contact with parents, community, and/or other district/campus employees
• Daily attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the job

Job Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, required

Experience

• Experience in legal affairs, required
• Experience in Arkansas School Law, preferred