Position Summary :
Vanderbilt University is seeking an Associate General Counsel to join the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and provide legal advice to Vanderbilt University, principally supporting the strategic and operational needs of the Vanderbilt University Athletics Department. The Associate General Counsel will have primary or shared responsibility for a variety of related issues including but not limited to: reviewing, drafting, and negotiating agreements related to competitions, sponsorships/commercial partnership, naming rights, facility use, vendors, media rights, and coach employment; advising on university policy and NCAA rules to ensure alignment; counseling on student-athlete related issues, including name, image, and likeness (NIL) activities; managing an active litigation docket, including responding to discovery requests, and supervising outside counsel on litigation matters; and monitoring evolving legislation and legal matters that may affect collegiate athletics. Depending on the successful candidate’s experience and interest and the needs of the university, the Associate General Counsel will also provide advice and counsel on other issues to support additional areas of the university, such as Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) or Student Affairs.
The Associate General Counsel will have a responsibility to:
- Support the university’s strategic and operational goals, in particular with respect to the evolving landscape of Division I collegiate athletics.
- Work independently and as part of a team to effectively manage multiple highly sensitive and urgent legal matters with competing and overlapping deadlines, and timely communicate matter status and updates.
- Protect the university’s short- and long-term interests by ensuring that actions taken by or on the behalf of the university comply with university policies and federal, state, and local laws or regulations.Utilize creative problem-solving techniques and excellent oral and written communication skills to contribute to the highly collaborative working environment within the OGC and across the university.
About the Work Unit :
The OGC provides legal advice to university departments with an awareness of the nuances of client business priorities and with understanding of university business practices. The OGC is committed to agile service delivery aligned with the university's mission, priorities, and needs. All litigation proceedings are managed by the OGC on behalf of the university.
The OGC focuses on operational excellence in all we do, which includes:
- Project management and status updates
- Technology implementation, use, and analytics
- Budget containment and outside counsel managementIdentification of the highest and best use of attorney time
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
- Provides clear and practical legal advice to university and departmental leadership;
- Demonstrates strong analytical and counseling skills, judgment, and empathy;
- Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong contract-drafting and negotiation skills on a level of parity with sophisticated outside counsel;
- Manages litigation matters, including coordinating with outside counsel and responding to subpoenas and other discovery requests;
- Is knowledgeable of and maintains awareness of new legal and regulatory developments at the federal and state level to provide counsel on the shifting legal and regulatory landscape;
- Advises on and develop university processes and policies, and serves as legal advisor to work groups, committees, and other related bodies as assigned;
- Understand and manage risk and compliance issues, collaborating as appropriate with University Compliance Services (UCS) and Risk & Insurance Management (RIM);
- Collaborate with university officials, offices, and departments to develop and provide legal education and support to the Vanderbilt community;
- Engage and manage outside counsel as needed to represent Vanderbilt University;
- Pursue professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest developments in college and university law and in other related matters; andPerform similar or related duties as assigned or required in an evolving environment.
Supervisory Relationships :
This position does not have supervisory responsibility.
Education and Certifications:
A juris doctorate is required, and the Associate General Counsel must be licensed in the State of Tennessee or eligible for licensure within twelve months of hire.
Experience and skills the ideal candidate will possess include:
- At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law and a demonstrated ability to function independently in relevant subject matters (Note: The university is open to applications from candidates with less experience and a demonstrated interest to develop in these areas, in which case the title “Assistant General Counsel” will apply.)
- Ability to identify, analyze, and explain legal issues in a clear, timely, and thorough way to senior university administrators;
- Experience with collegiate or professional athletics is strongly preferred, including a working knowledge of the financial and operational goals of a D1 collegiate athletics program;
- Prior experience working with sports agents/managers;
- Advanced oral and written communications skills and the ability to work rapidly and collaboratively while providing exceptional service to campus partners;
- Willingness to learn new areas of law, or to apply prior legal practice to a higher education environment;
- Experience in regulatory analysis, and a strong understanding of NCAA regulations and compliance requirements;
- Demonstrated ability to navigate a large, complex organization, including excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills;
- Strong critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and strategic ability; and
- Proficiency with common technology for document creation and management.
* Cover letter and writing sample must be submitted for consideration.
Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:
- Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt .
- Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self , while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
- Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
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Vanderbilt University has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University 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, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
