General Counsel

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Support the Superintendent in required activities
• Provide legal opinions, legal interpretations, recommendations, and training to the Board of Education and District Administration
• Serve as district liaison for outside counsel
• Review, prepare, and draft legal documents such as contracts, leases, legal pleadings, or other legal correspondence affecting the District
• Review and maintain legal documents, contracts, and MOUs
• Represent the District in all legal matters and hearings
• Confer with representatives of local, state, or federal agencies regarding legal affairs affecting the District
• Review and respond to OCR and EEOC complaints
• Perform administrative and management functions related to the District, State, and Federal laws, policies, and regulations
• Formulate, revise, and manage Board of Education policies
• Review and respond to FOIA requests
• Oversee and evaluate the Director of Compliance

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent or Superintendent Designee

Knowledge, Skills And Mental Abilities

• Knowledge of legal principles and practices, including civil, criminal, constitutional, contract, employment, administrative and business law
• Knowledge of methods, procedures and practices used in civil litigation
• Knowledge of Arkansas school law and state statutes pertaining to schools
• Knowledge of regulatory powers, limitations, authorities, and responsibilities of the Board of Education
• Knowledge of the Arkansas legislative process
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding education, students, and employees
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed
• Ability to organize and coordinate work
• Ability to effectively communicate, both written and oral, with students, staff, parents, and community members
• Ability to develop, implement, and maintain the vision and mission of the district
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contracted in the course of work
• Ability to manage office environment for day-to-day functions
• Ability to maintain emotional control and make decisions in stressful situations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information

Job Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, required
• Experience in legal affairs, required
• Experience in Arkansas School Law, preferred