Associate/Sr. Associate General Counsel

PO – 49

Associate General Counsel at Southern Illinois University. The Associate/Senior Associate General Counsel is charged with providing advice and support to the SIU Board of Trustees, President, SIU Carbondale Chancellor, Dean and Provost of the SIU School of Medicine, and other administrators, faculty, and staff, primarily on the SIU School of Medicine Springfield campus, serving as a primary advisor related to domestic and international employment matters and labor relations.  This position represents the University and its employees in general matters of employment law; various transactional matters; policy drafting and review; judicial and administrative proceedings; provides legal representation and advice in matters including, but not limited to, labor agreements, unfair labor practice charges, grievances, arbitrations, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission charges, Illinois Department of Human Rights charges, State Universities Civil Service issues and discharge hearings, and all other litigation or hearings regarding employment issues at the School of Medicine.  This position is responsible for maintaining up-to-date knowledge of immigration issues affecting the University; serves as primary contact with outside immigration counsel in facilitating case management, including oversight for all activities associated with submission of appropriate documents for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) petitions on behalf of the School of Medicine, including coordination with human resources related to visas and oversight of maintenance of data to validate current visa holders and follow-up for renewals or changes to visa categories (e.g. H1B to Green Card); advises the School of Medicine in determining J-1 waiver submissions and priorities and oversees outside counsel in providing information for these petitions; provides legal advice to colleagues at the University campuses in Carbondale and Edwardsville and keeps records for all non-U.S. citizens up-to-date in the appropriate reporting system(s).  This position serves as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) officer for the School of Medicine.  Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, drafting and reviewing legal documents, correspondence, separation agreements, and memoranda; conducting legal research; serving on and advising School of Medicine committees; providing advice regarding medical resident affairs; and performing other duties as assigned.  If the successful candidate is hired as the Senior Associate, the position will serve as administrative head of the Office of General Counsel at the School of Medicine campus.  This position reports to the General Counsel and will be located at the university’s Springfield campus.  Occasional travel is required, including, but not limited, to the other University campuses in Edwardsville and Carbondale.

Qualifications:  (a) Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school; (b) at least five (5) years of experience in the licensed practice of law in areas of employment and labor relations; (c) a strong academic and civic record; (d) excellent oral and written communication skills; (e) exceptional judgment, legal research skills, analytical problem solving abilities, and ability to negotiate; (f) the highest ethical standards, integrity, and trustworthiness; (g) the ability and enthusiasm to work in a team-oriented environment with an emphasis on collaboration but also with the ability to work independently; (h) the demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues; (i) the ability to oversee and coordinate activities of outside counsel; (j) the ability to manage multiple and changing priorities; and (k) admission to the Bar of the State of Illinois or within three (3) months of appointment to the position.

Prior experience identifying legal issues related to administration of a governmental entity or agency and transactional experience is preferred.  Prior experience or familiarity with issues related to immigration is preferred.  For appointment at the Senior Associate General Counsel level, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate prior management and/or supervisory experience.  This is a security-sensitive position.  Before any offer of employment is made, the University will conduct a pre-employment background investigation, which includes a criminal background check.  While application materials will be accepted until the position is filled, review of complete applications will begin December 2, 2019.  For a complete job announcement visit this website:  http://www.siu.edu/jobs.  To apply, submit a letter of application, resume, writing sample and contact information for at least three references to (electronic submissions preferred):

Cindy Weiskopf, Office Administrator

Southern Illinois University

801 N Rutledge

PO Box 19619

Springfield, Illinois 62794

Telephone: (217) 545-9362

cweiskopf@siumed.edu

SIU is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans that strives to enhance its ability to develop a diverse faculty and staff and to increase its potential to serve a diverse student population.  All applications are welcomed and encouraged and will receive consideration.