Associate University Attorney

Posting Details Position Information Job TitleAssociate University AttorneyPosition Number 000651Vacancy Open to All Candidates Department CHH Office of University CounselDepartment Homepage Advertising Department OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY COUNSELDivision ChancellorClassification Title Associate University AttorneyWorking Title Associate University CounselNumber of Vacancies 1Full Time Equivalent (FTE) 1.00Full Time or Part Time Full TimeAnticipated Recruitment Range. Salary offered may be outside of this range as impacted by budget, UNC salary administration, and/or candidate qualifications.$130,359 - $145,000Position Location (City) GreenvillePosition TypeNon-FacultyJob Category Non-Faculty ProfessionalBe a Pirate!Be a Pirate! East Carolina University (ECU) is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public universities for its commitment to research, innovation, social mobility, and public service. Classified as a R1 institution by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, ECU is among the top 5% of research universities in the United States, an elite designation reflecting the highest levels of research activity, funding, and doctoral output.Founded in 1907, ECU is a public, four-year university located in Greenville, N.C., which and is widely regarded as the cultural, educational, economic, and medical hub of eastern North Carolina. Through education, research, healthcare, community engagement, athletics, cultural enrichment, and service, ECU enhances the quality of life for its students, the state and communities around the world. It is a great place to work, teach, and learn. ECU’s commitment to impactful scholarship is further demonstrated through its repeated Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (2010, 2015, 2024), as well as its 2024 designation as a Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose institution. These distinctions recognize the university’s leadership in translating research into meaningful community partnerships and measurable societal benefits.The university supports its workforce through a wide range of professional development opportunities designed to foster career growth and skill advancement. Eligible employees also benefit from a comprehensive benefits package that promotes a healthy work-life balance.Primary Purpose of Organizational UnitThe General Counsel and Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs (“General Counsel”) is chief legal counsel for East Carolina University. The Office of University Counsel is responsible for addressing the university’s comprehensive legal needs, including contracts, policies and procedures, employment relations with faculty, EPS and SHRA employees, litigation coordination, legal advice regarding compliance with applicable regulatory requests, etc. East Carolina University, with an enrollment of approximately 26,000 students, is the only constituent institution in the University of North Carolina system with a School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, and College of Engineering and Technology. The Office of University Counsel provides comprehensive legal advice and counsel regarding legal matters to the Chancellor, the Board of Trustees, the principal administrators of the University and, through them, to faculty, staff, and students of East Carolina University.Primary Purpose of PositionThe responsibility of the Associate University Attorney is to assist the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsels in providing comprehensive legal advice and assistance to East Carolina University. The Associate University Attorney will report directly to the Deputy General Counsel and Associate Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and will assist in advising the Chancellor, the Provost and other senior administrators including vice chancellors, deans and department chairs, as well as the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff concerning legal matters such as University policies and procedures, employee relations, student discipline, contracts, pending litigation, and other University legal matters. Such assistance also includes furnishing legal advice relating to and coordinating preparation for administrative hearings involving senior administrators and/or committees. The Associate University Attorney provides legal advice to administrators regarding enforcement of disciplinary standards and policies for faculty, staff, and students, including recruitment, hiring and discharge of employees; matters of appointment, reappointment, tenure, and discharge or imposition of serious sanctions involving faculty; and conduct and academic integrity matters involving students. The Associate University Attorney advises East Carolina University concerning the legal implications of proposed policies and actions, counsels the University as to compliance with State and federal laws and administrative regulations, advises administrators or University committees as they review employment decisions and make recommendations to the Chancellor, assists with internal investigations as needed, assists in coordinating responses to requests for public records, and provides campus-based litigation support for University matters handled by the Attorney General of N.C. The Associate University Attorney serves as a liaison between East Carolina University and (1) the legal staff of the University of North Carolina Office of the President, (2) the legal staff of the North Carolina Department of Justice/Office of the Attorney General, and (3) other entities outside the University. The Associate University Attorney represents the University before a variety of external regulatory and law enforcement agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, United States Department of Justice, and the Office for Civil Rights. This function requires responding to inquiries, charges, or complaints, registered by or with such organizations, usually through conducting internal investigations; marshaling evidence; and assisting in the development and articulation of responses by University administrators and preparation for related hearings and/or litigation. Salary and title are commensurate with experience. Job Duties: Assist the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsels in providing comprehensive legal advice and assistance to East Carolina University. The Associate University Attorney will report directly to the Deputy General Counsel and Associate Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and will assist in advising the Chancellor, the Provost and other senior administrators including vice chancellors, deans and department chairs, as well as the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff concerning legal matters. Provides legal advice to administrators regarding enforcement of disciplinary standards and policies for faculty and staff. This advice includes matters of recruitment, hiring and discharge of employees; and as applicable matters of appointment, reappointment, tenure and discharge or imposition of serious sanctions involving faculty. The Associate University Attorney will provide specific support and advice to administrators in preparation for and prosecution of related campus hearings and, when appropriate, appeals to the UNC Board of Governors and/or litigation. Provides legal advice to administrators regarding disciplinary standards and policies for students. This advice includes matters of student conduct, academic integrity, and Title IX compliance. Serves as a resource and provides legal advice regarding subpoenas, court orders and public record requests. This advice includes reviewing records and redacting, as appropriate, prior to production to the requestor. It regularly requires legal research regarding applicable privacy laws, including but not limited to, the NC public records law, FERPA, HIPAA and the NC personnel record statutes. Responds to inquiries, charges, or complaints registered by or with external regulatory and law enforcement agencies, to include conducting or assisting with internal investigations; marshaling evidence for reports, investigative responses, and discovery; and assisting in the development and articulation of University positions and responses in consultation with the General Counsel and other appropriate University administrators. Serves as a liaison between East Carolina University and the legal staff of The University of North Carolina University System Office, the legal staff of the North Carolina Department of Justice/Office of the Attorney General, outside counsel and other entities inside and outside the University. As needed, provides supplemental support for the coordination and negotiation of contracts, affiliation agreements and MOUs. This may include drafting or providing legal review of documents. Conducts legal research and prepares legal opinions regarding state and federal laws applicable to higher education, including but not limited to, FERPA, Title IX, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ADEA, ADA, FMLA. Serve as a legal resource in standing meetings of University committees/groups, including advising on open meetings matters Attends and serves as a legal resource in University Board of Trustee meetings. This may include reviewing or preparing documents for meetings and advising on matters before the Board of Trustees.Attends and serves as a legal resource to other University committees and/or groups including but not limited to Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, University Behavioral Concerns Team, and other University groups or committees charged to care out University tasks. Attends continuing legal education and other courses to stay current on legal developments affecting the University and to maintain NC license to practice law. Other duties as assigned.Contingent upon availability of funds.Minimum Education, Knowledge, Skills, and ExperienceAssociate University Counsel must have a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school; Either a current member in good standing of the North Carolina Bar or eligible for admission to the North Carolina Bar within one (1) year of hiring; Minimum of five (5) years legal experience.May fill as Assistant University Attorney (classification and working title) based on qualifications and experience of selected candidate. Assistant University Attorney must have a J.D. from and ABA-Accredited law school; either a current member in good standing of the North Carolina Bar or eligible for admission to the North Carolina Bar within one (1) year of hiring; and a minimum of one (1) year of legal practice experience.License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation NonePreferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, and ExperienceLegal experience in higher education and/or public agency law and substantial experience in employment law, administrative proceedings and/or related litigation.Special Instructions to Applicant East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position. Candidates must also submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references, including contact information, online.Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.Additional Instructions to ApplicantIn order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.Unless otherwise identified in the applicable job posting and consistent with University policy, the University will principally employ individuals who reside in the State of North Carolina to the greatest extent practicable. As such, most positions at East Carolina University require employees to live and work in North Carolina (or live within a reasonable daily commuting distance from their duty station) after hire. Candidates should be prepared to relocate within a reasonable, agreed-upon time after an offer of employment has been made and accepted to meet this requirement.Job Open Date 06/19/2026Open Until FilledYesJob Close Date - Positions will be posted until 11:59 p.m. EST on this date. If no closing date is indicated, the position may close at any time after the initial screening date.Initial Screening Begins 07/17/2026Rank LevelQuick Link for Direct Access to Posting Nondiscrimination StatementEast Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at View phone number on us.fitly.work (Voice/TTY) or View email address on us.fitly.work for Employment Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU 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.Department for People Operations, Success, and OpportunityIf you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at View phone number on us.fitly.work or toll free at View phone number on us.fitly.work or send an email to View email address on us.fitly.work. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.