General Counsel

Overview Category: Administrative, Professional & Staff Positions Recognized as a "Best Midwestern College" by the Princeton Review. Western Illinois University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, serves nearly 7,500 students at its traditional, residential campus in Macomb, IL and its metropolitan, non-residential branch campus in Moline, IL. This position is based on the WIU Macomb campus with hybrid opportunities available. Responsibilities The General Counsel's primary role is to provide legal advice to the President and support the University in all legal matters. The General Counsel assists the executive administration and the Board of Trustees in legal matters and compliance. The General Counsel is responsible for the management and allocation of duties within the Office of General Counsel. Administrative Matters - Represent or coordinate the representation of the University in external administrative agency hearings and proceedings (EEOC, OCR, Illinois Human Rights Commission, HUD, etc.). May serve as an administrative team member during employment-related grievance hearings and arbitration, negotiation of benefits, collective bargaining, and other labor-management issues. Academic and Human Resource Matters - Direct representation on the hiring and management of outside counsel. Advise and resolve First Amendment and intellectual property matters. Coordinate and collaborate with Human Resources. Compliance - Provide legal guidance related to compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Coordinate with Risk Management, Human Resources, and other involved offices. Corporate Governance - Attend Board of Trustees meetings. Routinely assist the administration and Board of Trustees in institutional matters through confidential counsel and review when requested. Maintain compliance with the Open Meetings Act. Freedom of Information Act Officer - Supervise the FOIA process and officers, assisting when necessary. The General Counsel coordinates with the appropriate office to respond to requests. Ethics - Serve as the University Ethics Officer. Business and Financial Affairs - Review contracts as needed on behalf of the University concerning a wide range of issues including real estate and leases, construction, insurance and procurement. Handle contract litigation and enforcement. Additional responsibilities may include reviewing and advising on matters referred by the President; signing on behalf of the University for employment immigration matters; assisting the Director of Governmental Relations to monitor and review pending and new legislation; and, when requested by the President or other executive-level administration, analyzing University policy and procedure and providing related recommendations or revisions for consideration of University leadership. Review and answer correspondence. Performs other duties as assigned. Salary $131,000 - $160,000 per year. 12-month, 100% appointment. Benefits and Eligibility Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. Benefits include Health Insurance plans, Dental Insurance, Vision, Life Insurance, AD&D, LTD, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Eligible employees participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). Additional benefits include paid time-off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA. For a full list of benefits, visit our Benefits Homepage. Questions on benefits or eligibility may be directed to the benefits team. Requirements A current license to practice law in the State of Illinois or eligibility to achieve that ability to practice law in Illinois; Proven success as a practicing attorney providing legal guidance in the context of a complex organization; Demonstrated experience in legal research and administrative compliance instantiations; Exceptional analytical, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills as well as sound judgment and personal and professional integrity; Experience in or understanding of a unionized public-sector or higher education environment, demonstrative experience in contract law, negotiations, and employment law. About WIU Since 1899, Western Illinois University has provided educational opportunities to individuals in west central Illinois and beyond. WIU's Macomb campus serves as the educational, cultural and athletic center of the region, and the WIU-Quad Cities campus in Moline serves the Quad Cities region. Application Instructions Complete applications include: 1) a letter of application; 2) current curriculum vitae or resume; 3) the names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three current professional references; 4) copies of unofficial academic transcripts and any certifications/licenses required (official copies will be requested of selected candidate). Please upload documents by applying online at WIU's Employment page. Note: Individual documents must be under 2 MB in size. Screening will begin October 6, 2025. For questions, contact Stephanie Kinkaid. For assistance with the online application system, contact the Office of Human Resources. Equal Opportunity Western Illinois University is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity. In that spirit, we seek applications from a broad spectrum of people. WIU has a non-discrimination policy that includes protections for protected classes by state and federal law. Phone: (309) 298-1414 | Text Telephone: (309) 298-4444 | #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-28