Assistant General Counsel and Counsel to UGA Foundation

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

Office of Legal Affairs
The Office of Legal Affairs is the University of Georgia's in-house legal counsel.
Attorneys in the Office of Legal Affairs provide legal advice and counseling to the
University through its administrators, faculty, and staff in the course of their duties
on behalf of the University. The Office of Legal Affairs does not provide legal
advice to administrators, faculty, staff, or students in their individual capacities.

In addition to providing legal counseling to the University, other areas of
responsibility for the Office of Legal Affairs include policy interpretation and
advice, administration of the University's grievance and dispute resolution
procedures, contract review, and - in conjunction with the Attorney General -
management of actual or threatened litigation in which the University is involved.
The Office of Legal Affairs is also available to provide training and informative
programs on legal issues applicable to units of the University.

UGA Foundation
The University of Georgia Foundation enriches the quality of education at the
University by supporting scholarships, endowed chairs and professorships, and
other programs that rely on private funds. With more than $2 billion in assets, a
large portion of which is endowed, the Foundation provides an average of more
than $65 million annually to UGA to advance its mission of teaching, research and
public service. The Foundation was established in 1937. As a steward of donor
funds, the Foundation has a strong record of fiscal and financial management. Its
investment portfolio has consistently outperformed key benchmarks. Growth in
the Foundation's assets has allowed for greater financial support of the
University's mission.

The mission and purpose of the University of Georgia Foundation is to provide
support for the teaching, research, and public service and outreach programs of
the University of Georgia by means of volunteer leadership and assistance in
development and fundraising activities; fiduciary care for the assets of the
Foundation for the long-term benefit and enhancement of the University; and
broad advice, consultation and support to the president of the University. The
Foundation shall operate as a cooperative organization in accordance with
policies of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

This position is open until filled with priority given to applications submitted by April 20, 2025. Please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and three references. The letter of interest should address applicant's interest in the position, qualifications, and relevant experience.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Terminal degree required. Additional professional licensure and/or certification in the field may be required.

The successful applicant should have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, strong academic credentials, and be admitted to practice law in the State of Georgia or eligible for admission through reciprocity or passing of the Georgia bar exam within one (1) year of employment.

Applicants for this position should have 2+ years of experience relevant to higher education law. Successful candidate should live in or be willing to promptly relocate to the Athens area.

The Assistant General Counsel (Office of Legal Affairs) and Counsel to the University of Georgia Foundation is an employee of the University and a member of the Office of Legal Affairs who serves jointly as legal counsel to the Foundation on issues in which the interests of the University and the Foundation are aligned.

This attorney serves as legal advisor to the Office of Development and Alumni Relations ( DAR) and to the Foundation on a variety of legal, governance, and regulatory issues, including contract review, general advice and counseling, governance and compliance, and management of actual or potential claims and litigation, as described in more detail below. Duties for the Foundation will generally take priority.

This position is one of ten full-time attorneys in the University of Georgia's Office of Legal Affairs, the University's in-house legal counsel. This position has dual reporting: the position reports directly to the University's General Counsel and has dotted-line reporting to the Foundation's CFO. Funding for this position is guaranteed for the first three years. It is expected to be a permanent position, contingent on agreement extension.

The attorney will have a primary office at Foundation headquarters but will have flex space available in the Office of Legal Affairs, will attend weekly OLA attorneys' meetings, and will have a regular monthly meeting with the General Counsel.

Assistant General Counsel positions are intended for attorneys with 2+ years of experience with developing expertise relevant to higher education law. Assistant General Counsels develop subject matter expertise and foster close working relationships with assigned units. This particular attorney should have experience relevant to DAR and the Foundation, such as trusts, estates, endowments, gift agreements, employment, and contracts.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.