Who We Are:
Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 serves over 15,500 students in preschool through grade 12 and is located halfway between Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Michigan. The District has one early learning center, 15 elementary schools, five middle schools and a high school program divided between three grade campuses. The District encompasses portions of Waukegan, Beach Park and Park City.
Why We Do This Work:
The Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 has set an ambitious agenda for change, guided by the belief that all children, regardless of circumstances, can achieve at high levels and academic gaps can and will be eliminated with the support of teachers who deliver engaging, relevant and academically rigorous instruction that excites students and instills a love of learning in them. Our moto is EQUITY + ACCESS = EXCELLENCE.
What We Need:
The Deputy General Counsel primarily assists the General Counsel in providing legal counsel to the School District in the areas of general operations, business and public finance, contract review and compliance, board management, and policy development. The position includes assignment related supervisory responsibilities for the paralegal assigned to the Office of the General Counsel and serving as a liaison to the Procurement Manager. The Deputy General Counsel assists with other legal or administrative projects within the Office of the General Counsel as the need arises such as labor negotiations, student matters, academic matters or risk management and employee complaint investigations.
This individual must have a strong understanding of federal and Illinois’ procurement laws affecting public bodies. In addition, this person must have excellent leadership abilities; proven strong interpersonal, oral and written communication and project management skills and some supervisory experience. This individual will work under the direction of the General Counsel and will work closely with senior District administrators.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Provide day-to-day legal advice to District and school administrators in the following areas: general business and public finance, operations and risk management.
2. Manage and oversee the District’s legal review for contracts and procurements and support the Business Office with compliance, including:
a. Assisting with supervision of the Procurement Manager, in consultation with the Associate Superintendent of Business and Financial Services;
b. Consulting with building and District administrators in the investigation of allegations of pay discrepancies, contract non-compliance or audits;
c. Provide recommendations for program or policy improvements;
d. Coordination and/or provision of staff training.
3. Advise the Office of Business and Financial Services in the development of legally-sound process and procedures for managing the work of the Department. This includes working closely with the Department’s administrative team to assess program and budget compliance and develop and implement the Department’s strategic plan, consistent with State and federal laws, the District’s strategic plan and Board policies.
4. Assist the General Counsel in supporting outside legal counsel assigned to administrative or litigated matters; represent the School District in agency or judicial mediation or alternative dispute resolution meetings, upon request; represent the School District in Department of Labor wage complaints or staff dismissal proceedings as requested.
5. Assist the General Counsel in the development of, and oversee implementation of, District policy and procedures related to business and non-instructional operations, in accordance with State and federal laws and arising out of identified District needs.
6. Provide professional development and legal training to administrators and school staff on an ongoing basis. Assist with Board member trainings on request.
7. Assist with staff development projects, as needed, and facilitate various staff meetings or other groups as assigned.
8. Supervise staff within the Office of the General Counsel as requested.
9. Attend Board meetings, regular staff meetings with the Office of the General Counsel and District Leadership Team (DLT) meetings and meetings with other Departments or Divisions within the District on request.
10. Perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel.
Qualifications:
1. Hold current license to practice law in Illinois and be a member of the Illinois Bar in good standing. Member of the federal bar and federal trial bar a plus but not required.
2. A minimum of five (5) years of successful experience as an attorney.
a. Preference will be given to those who demonstrate evidence of successful leadership, an understanding of GATA and school business/finance laws.
b. Experience in the education industry and ability to speak Spanish a plus.
3. Able to mediate and resolve conflicts.
4. Be able to work successfully in a fast paced, collaborative environment; demonstrated ability to multitask effectively and prioritize strategically.
5. Willingness to expand legal knowledge in areas of education law outside of public finance.
6. Openness to feedback and willingness to take personal responsibility.
7. Ability to interact with teachers, parents, outside agencies, community advocates and central services staff.
8. Commitment to the belief that all children, regardless of circumstances, can achieve at high levels and that adults are lifelong learners.
Note: The above statements are intended to describe the essential functions and related requirements of persons assigned to this job. They are not intended as an exhaustive list of job duties, responsibilities and requirements.
Work Environment: Busy office environment with multiple priorities and frequent interruptions. Travel between District sites as needed. Evening hours required for Board meetings and may be required from time to time to support District initiatives.
Safety: The employee is responsible for taking any and all steps necessary to protect themselves and others against occupational accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
Terms of Employment: Twelve month position.
Compensation: Grade 24, Salary Range: $125.300 – $232,000 depending on experience.
