Chief Campus Counsel, University of California, Merced
This position reports to the UC Merced Chancellor and to the University’s systemwide General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Affairs. This position serves as a member of the Chancellor’s senior management team, working collaboratively with and serving as advisor to the Chancellor and the campus’s senior leadership team and has responsibility for responding to the wide range of legal and regulatory, policy and governance issues that may arise on a campus, either by providing advice directly or in consultation with other University attorneys or by engaging the services of outside counsel. The position similarly serves on the leadership team and as an advisor to the General Counsel regarding campus legal issues and systemwide legal policy.
The Chief Campus Counsel provides advice and counsel on a strikingly broad range of highly complex legal matters or problems, including but not limited to complex labor and employment matters, land use and environmental law issues, First Amendment issues, complex business transactions, international and research collaboration initiatives, privacy and records management, student conduct, and transactional matters involving copyright and technology transfer. In addition to having deep legal subject matter expertise, the Chief Campus Counsel also provides sound, timely advice, not only on legal matters, but on matters of University policy and governance.
In addition, the Chief Campus Counsel, as a senior university officer on the campus, is an essential contributor to strategic administrative and management initiatives within the UC Merced campus and at the Office of General Counsel. The Chief Campus Counsel also plays a significant role in supporting sound risk management and compliance efforts on the campus. They will work closely with campus leaders, faculty and researchers to develop or modify practices and procedures to conform with legal requirements and reduce risk. The Chief Campus Counsel manages outside law firms and monitors litigation of importance to the campus and interacts with community and regional leaders on government relations matters.
Qualified candidates should have demonstrated leadership skills in a large, multifaceted organization and have a knowledge and appreciation for a rigorous academic and research environment. The ideal candidate must have an excellent record of professional accomplishment, a clear understanding and appreciation for shared governance and transparency; a demonstrated commitment to ethnic, cultural and socio-economic diversity. Consistent with UC Merced’s values, this person must have the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in the San Joaquin Valley and across the State.
Candidates are welcome to apply via https://caldwell.thriveapp.ly/job/945. For confidential inquiries, nominations, and referrals, please email UCMercedCCCSearch@caldwellpartners.com.
Reviews of candidate materials will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled. For best consideration, please submit materials by January 28th, 2021. Salary will be commensurate with experience. The University of California has retained Caldwell Partners, a national executive search firm, to assist with this search. The University of California is committed to providing an electronic environment that is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Accordingly, should you need special assistance through this application process, please email UCMercedCCCSearch@caldwellpartners.com.
