Assistant General Counsel

About the Opportunity
The Assistant General Counsel will advise the Authority concerning the legal implications of proposed policies and actions, counseling the Authority as to compliance with state and federal laws and administrative regulations, drafting and reviewing contracts and proposed legislation, advising senior management on legal concerns affecting the Authority in the exercise of its statutory mission and its role in the administration of State programs related to providing financial assistance to students for education. The Assistant General Counsel will primarily serve as legal counsel for the K12 Programs administered by the Authority, specifically the Opportunity Scholarship Program and the Personal Education Student Accounts for Children with Disabilities Program ("ESA+ Program"), which provide scholarship funds to eligible elementary and secondary students to attend certain nonpublic schools located in North Carolina. This position will work closely with the Deputy General Counsel and the General Counsel to provide professional and actionable legal advice for the K12 programs and a variety of other subject areas, as needed.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC System employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

About the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority
The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA), an agency of the State of North Carolina, is authorized by the General Assembly to plan, finance and administer student financial assistance programs of a statewide or inter-institutional nature. It serves students attending public and private two- and four-year colleges and universities in North Carolina, as well as families of students attending nonpublic K-12 schools.

About the Team

The Legal Affairs Division provides, manages and coordinates all legal services for the Authority in a collegial, responsive and professional manner. The Legal Affairs Division comprises the Office of General Counsel and a litigation unit under the leadership of an Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Authority. The Office of General Counsel provides legal and risk management advice to the Board of Directors, Executive Director, senior management and other administrators acting on behalf of the Authority on a wide variety of matters in support of the agency, its statutory powers and mission. These matters involve not only the special body of law associated with the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, but also constitutional law, education law, administrative law, public finance, bankruptcy and creditor's rights, intellectual property and contract law .  The Office of General Counsel helps to ensure understanding of and compliance with State and federal higher education laws and other requirements applicable to the functioning of a governmental entity. The litigation unit conducts student loan recovery litigation on behalf of the Authority and represents the agency in bankruptcy proceedings.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and license to practice law in North Carolina or be able to become licensed within one year from the date of appointment and 1-3 years of relevant experience.

Required Competencies
Excellent analytical, research, problem solving, and interpersonal skills; ability to prioritize and handle a high volume of matters; ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally; ability to work efficiently and collegially on a small legal team with significant workload and minimal oversight.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills
Prior education-related legal experience; knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, regulations, and case law; demonstrated ability to juggle shifting priorities and projects; experience in utilizing computer-based legal resources.

• Classification: Attorney
• Appointment Type: Permanent
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Employment Type: EHRA
• EHRA Category: Instructional, Research and Information Technology
• Location: Raleigh, NC USA
• Position Number: 20063125 

Equal Employment Opportunity and Other Information
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) 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.