General Counsel

HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Job Descriptions

JOB TITLE: General Counsel

REPORTS TO: Vice President of Human Resources

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

EXEMPT: Yes

VICE PRESIDENT: NA

GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE FUNCTION

All Hinds Community College employees must commit to the Caring Campus approach to student engagement and daily apply these general behavioral objectives: listen to student questions and concerns with a positive attitude and make meaningful connections with students.

Hinds Community College seeks an experienced and dedicated General Counsel to provide legal advice, guidance, and representation to the college in various legal matters. The General Counsel will serve as the principal legal advisor to the college administration and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations while promoting the college’s mission and objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to work collaboratively and provide sound legal advice in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of education law, employment law, administrative law, federal compliance regulations (Title IX, FERPA, etc.), and general litigation practices.
• Proven experience in handling litigation, dispute resolution, and managing outside counsel.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong ability to interpret complex legal documents and communicate implications clearly to stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating contracts, policies, and legal documents.
• Familiarity with risk management strategies and compliance frameworks relevant to higher education institutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse departments and build effective working relationships.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficient in legal research and familiar with legal databases and software.
• Previous experience developing and delivering training programs on legal issues and compliance matters.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and ability to provide strategic legal advice to enhance institutional goals.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity.
• Membership in relevant professional associations (e.g., National Association of College and University Attorneys) is a plus.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Mississippi State Bar.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience, preferably in higher education or public sector environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Legal Advisory:
  • Provide legal counsel to the college’s administration, faculty, and staff on a wide range of legal issues, including but not limited to employment law, student affairs, contracts, and governance.
  • Assist in the development of policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and effective risk management.
• Contract Management:
  • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements on behalf of the college.
  • Ensure that all contracts are in compliance with legal requirements and college policies.
• Litigation Management:
  • Manage and coordinate outside legal counsel in litigation and other legal proceedings.
  • Represent the college in administrative hearings, mediations, and other legal disputes.
• Compliance and Risk Management:
  • Monitor and advise on compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting the college.
  • Identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.
• Training and Education:
  • Provide training and resources to college staff on legal issues and best practices in compliance and risk management.
  • Facilitate workshops and seminars on pertinent legal topics.
• Policy Development:
  • Assist in the drafting and implementation of college policies and procedures.
  • Review and update policies as necessary to ensure ongoing compliance with applicable laws.
• Collaboration:
  • Work closely with various departments, including human resources, student affairs, and finance, to provide legal support and guidance.
  • Liaise with external agencies, legal professionals, and other educational institutions as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Maintain knowledge of diversity-related issues, legislation, and best practices.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: NA

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, taste and smell. The employee is frequently required to sit.

The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, and the employee is occasionally required to perform job responsibilities in the outdoors and off site.

We promote a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects individual strengths, ideas, and capabilities. We believe that our differences enable us to make better decisions, drive innovation, and deliver better results.

Mission

Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.

Vision

Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.

Values

Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS:

Integrity

Diversity

Excellence

Accountability

Leadership

Stewardship

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable Federal and State Acts, Hinds Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. We recognize our responsibility to provide an open and welcoming environment that fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion for employees and students to collaboratively learn, work and serve our communities.