Posting DetailsPosition Information
Position/Classification Title Chief Legal Affairs Officer
Working Title General Counsel
Position Number 611532
FLSA Exempt
Appointment Type Permanent - Full Time
Tenure Track No
FTE 1 = 40 hours/week, 12 months
If time limited, duration dateDepartment Hiring Range The salary is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's educational background, relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise.
EEO-1 Category Officials & Managers
SOC Code 23-1011 - Lawyers
Position Overview
Primary Function of Organizational Unit The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Executive Vice Chancellor, Board of Trustees, senior leadership team and administrators, and heads the Office of Legal Affairs which provides legal advice and counsel on all matters affecting the legal rights or obligations of the University.
Primary Purpose of Position Under the general direction of the Executive Vice Chancellor, the General Counsel has significant responsibilities related to the governance system, ethical behavior of all leadership, and regulatory compliance. The role is responsible for providing broad policy advice to the Executive Vice Chancellor and the Chancellor's executive leadership team, as well as providing respected personnel advice on a broad range of issues related to senior leadership.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Familiarity with a broad array of legal issues that arise in a higher education setting and/or experience as counsel in higher education is preferred.
Additional qualifications include:
- Experience in a broad spectrum of state and federal legal issues affecting higher education, including tort law, intellectual property rights, human resources law, worker's compensation and occupational health law, student legal issues, and the ability to conduct legal research and analysis
- Strong diplomatic and interpersonal skills
- Keen sense of contemporary diversity issues
- Superior oral and written communication skills
- An ability to manage and prioritize a large and varied workload
- An established reputation for honesty and integrity
- Demonstrate the ability to provide leadership and direction for the legal staff
- A collaborative work style and the ability to work effectively as part of an institutional leadership team
Minimum Education/Experience The position requires a minimum of ten years of legal practice experience in a relevant area, having attained a senior position of responsibility in firm, corporation, government agency, or other organization that employs the individual; hold a JD degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school, be a member in good standing of the Bar of the state or recognized jurisdiction in which the individual practices law; and have the prompt eligibility for such license and standing in North Carolina.
Licenses or Certification required by Statute or Regulation The candidate must also have a North Carolina State Bar membership in good standing, or licensure in good standing in another state on the date of initial employment and licensure to practice law in North Carolina within one year following initial employment.
Pre-Employment Requirement Pre-Employment Requirements:- You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application.
- Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form or those seeking National Guard Preference must attach as NG23A form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting.
- Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks, and education/license verification prior to employment.
- North Carolina Central University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Work Location Fully On-site (dedicated office at Duty Station)
Primary Responsibilities and Duties
Function Administrative
Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function. The General Counsel provides advice and counsel on all legal matters relevant to the University transactional matters, compliance and regulatory affairs, intellectual property, technology transfer, labor and employment, administrative procedures and open records among many other items. The General Counsel coordinates the University's legal affairs with federal, state, local government and affiliated entities. The position supervises a staff that consist of, the Assistant University Legal Counsel, a paralegal, and a Higher Education Legal Fellow.
Function Analysis and Decision Making
Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function. The position requires a trustworthy, highly responsible advisor and leader who can provide timely, strategic and creative strategies for solving legal problems and capitalizing on legal opportunities. The General Counsel must possess an appreciation for the mission, vision and values of a diverse academic community and have a clear sense of the role and impact of shared governance at NCCU. The individual in this position must be able to thrive in a highly collaborative environment; translate complex ideas into cogent messages; and partner with the necessary stakeholders to drive change. As a senior advisor to the Executive Vice Chancellor, General Counsel must possess exceptional judgment.
Function Communication and Consultation
Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function. The General Counsel is expected to maintain proactive, timely, and collaborative communication with University leadership and key stakeholders. The position must engage the appropriate parties early in matters that may present significant legal, regulatory, employment, financial, operational, or reputational risk and participate in relevant meetings when legal guidance may affect a proposed decision or course of action. The General Counsel must translate complex legal matters into clear, practical, and actionable guidance, including an assessment of risk, available options, and potential consequences. The position must also clearly distinguish between legal advice, policy interpretation, operational recommendations, and decisions that rest with the responsible University administrator, while respecting the established authority of University offices. The General Counsel will work closely with OHR on labor and employment matters, including disciplinary actions, investigations, grievances, accommodations, and separations, while recognizing OHR's responsibility for administering personnel processes and providing human resources recommendations. The position is responsible for establishing effective protocols for consultation, escalation, documentation, and follow-up; promptly communicating significant risks, deadlines, and unresolved issues; maintaining appropriate confidentiality; and ensuring that responsible stakeholders receive the information necessary to implement decisions. As a senior advisor to the Executive Vice Chancellor, the General Counsel must possess exceptional judgment, communicate candidly and diplomatically, build productive relationships across the University, and balance legal risk with the University's mission, operational needs, institutional values, and established decision-making authority.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number EPA03551P
Open Date 08/19/2026
Priority Applicant Consideration Date 09/07/2026
Close DateOpen Until Filled Yes
Date Position AvailableSpecial Instructions to Applicants 
