General Counsel (Office of the Chancellor) - District (Riverside)

General Counsel (Office of the Chancellor) - District

Position Length: 12 months. Salary Range: $198,863 – $242,110 (Grade AB).

Under the supervision of the Chancellor, the General Counsel provides counsel, support, and advice on all legal matters related to the operation of the District, including the development and revision of Board Policies and Administrative Procedures. The General Counsel is the chief legal officer and advisor to the Board of Trustees, Chancellor, and other officers of the District on governance, academic affairs, financial management, facilities management, business management, compliance issues, student services, and human resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to the Board of Trustees, Chancellor, and senior administrators on all transactions and legal issues arising from district programs.
• Serve as the chief legal officer for governance, academic affairs, student affairs, financial management, facilities, business management, and human resources.
• Analyze merits of court cases, regulatory inquiries, and other legal actions; recommend settlement strategies; lead litigation and administrative proceedings.
• Negotiate contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, and settlements consistent with district policies and law.
• Manage lawsuits, discovery documents, and maintain up-to-date status reports of all litigations.
• Develop and revise legal documents, resolutions, Board Policies and Administrative Procedures.
• Provide guidance on diversity, ADA, equal opportunity employment, personnel investigations, and compliance matters.
• Coordinate engagement with external counsel and manage legal‑expense budgets.
• Assist in mitigating risks, training executives on law changes, and representing the District in governmental and civic matters.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Chancellor.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Juris Doctor from a regionally accredited institution and seven years of California law practice, including five years within higher education, public school systems, or other public agencies dealing with the California Education Code and labor and personnel law.

Experience with California Community College Districts and governing board members is highly desired.

Knowledge and Skills

• Education Code and relevant California Code of Regulations.
• Employment and Labor Law Codes.
• Understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of the district.
• Records and report management techniques.
• Litigation management processes and communication requirements.
• Best practices for representing the district’s interests in litigation.
• Professional negotiation and persuasion skills.
• Strong communication skills for articulating complex legal issues.
• Analytical problem‑solving techniques.
• Techniques to manage and contain legal expenses.
• Modern office software and equipment proficiency.

Abilities

• Maintain current knowledge of relevant legal practices through continued study and professional organizations.
• Maintain confidentiality of communications, records, and reports.
• Perform a variety of duties supporting the district’s legal program.
• Adapt to district operations, policies, and objectives.
• Meet schedules, timelines, and deadlines.
• Effectively communicate complex legal matters orally and in writing.
• Analyze and interpret legal information to facilitate decision‑making.
• Investigate and assess litigation issues and offer sound advice.
• Recommend areas of need for the development of the legal program.
• Manage legal services with data‑driven risk and cost management.
• Navigate a multi‑institution context through persuasion and teamwork.
• Prepare oral and written communications, presentations, and reports.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with industry representatives, public and private organizations, stakeholders, and the public.
• Maintain moral and ethical standards reflecting trust, honesty, and integrity.

Licenses & Certifications

License to practice law in the State of California; membership in good standing with the California Bar Association.

Commitment to Diversity

Candidate must demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff, and the community.

Physical Demands

Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions

Normal office environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Riverside Community College District is an equal opportunity employer; accommodations for employees with disabilities will be provided upon request.