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Job Description
Position Summary
New Mexico Highlands University ( NMHU ) is seeking a seasoned and strategic legal professional to serve as Counsel. As the chief legal officer of the university, the Counsel provides legal advice and representation to the President, Board of Regents, senior administration, faculty, and staff on a broad range of issues impacting the institution. This is a key leadership position that supports NMHU’s mission by ensuring legal compliance, reducing institutional risk, and guiding the university through complex legal and regulatory matters.
Duties And Responsibilities
Serve as the principal legal advisor to the President and Board of Regents. Provide legal counsel on matters involving governance, employment and labor law, contracts, academic affairs, civil rights, New Mexico regulations, Title IX, student affairs, public records, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. Participate in and at times lead collective bargaining negotiations. Manage and coordinate all litigation involving the university, including oversight of outside counsel. Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts, agreements, and legal documents. Draft, review, and update institutional policies and lead the Institutional Policy Committee. Monitor federal and state legislation, regulations, and legal trends affecting higher education and provide guidance on compliance and implementation. Develop and deliver training sessions to faculty and staff on legal and compliance topics. Support the university’s risk management efforts by identifying potential liabilities and implementing mitigation strategies. Work collaboratively with various university departments to address legal and policy concerns. Ensure proper legal procedures are followed in university governance and policy development. Provide counsel regarding proposed legislation and regulations that may impact the University Other duties as assigned. New Mexico Statutes.
Physical Demands
· No or very limited physical effort required. · No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience serving as in-house counsel, preferably in a university or public sector setting. 8-10 years of related work experience. Strong understanding of shared governance, university policy development, and academic processes. Excellent analytical, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential issues with integrity and sound judgment. Experience negotiating with unions and/or union law. Experience handling complex litigation, regulatory investigations, and policy development.
New Mexico Highlands University ( NMHU ) is seeking a seasoned and strategic legal professional to serve as Counsel. As the chief legal officer of the university, the Counsel provides legal advice and representation to the President, Board of Regents, senior administration, faculty, and staff on a broad range of issues impacting the institution. This is a key leadership position that supports NMHU’s mission by ensuring legal compliance, reducing institutional risk, and guiding the university through complex legal and regulatory matters.
Duties And Responsibilities
Serve as the principal legal advisor to the President and Board of Regents. Provide legal counsel on matters involving governance, employment and labor law, contracts, academic affairs, civil rights, New Mexico regulations, Title IX, student affairs, public records, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. Participate in and at times lead collective bargaining negotiations. Manage and coordinate all litigation involving the university, including oversight of outside counsel. Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts, agreements, and legal documents. Draft, review, and update institutional policies and lead the Institutional Policy Committee. Monitor federal and state legislation, regulations, and legal trends affecting higher education and provide guidance on compliance and implementation. Develop and deliver training sessions to faculty and staff on legal and compliance topics. Support the university’s risk management efforts by identifying potential liabilities and implementing mitigation strategies. Work collaboratively with various university departments to address legal and policy concerns. Ensure proper legal procedures are followed in university governance and policy development. Provide counsel regarding proposed legislation and regulations that may impact the University Other duties as assigned. New Mexico Statutes.
Physical Demands
· No or very limited physical effort required. · No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience serving as in-house counsel, preferably in a university or public sector setting. 8-10 years of related work experience. Strong understanding of shared governance, university policy development, and academic processes. Excellent analytical, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential issues with integrity and sound judgment. Experience negotiating with unions and/or union law. Experience handling complex litigation, regulatory investigations, and policy development.
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