About Us
Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the Universitys mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.
The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgias Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!
Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.
At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.
The city embraces the Universitys students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.
Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Location
Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.
Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel is responsible for assisting the General Counsel with the management and oversight of the University of West Georgias broad and complex legal responsibilities, including, but not limited to, business transactions; federal, state, and local regulatory matters; research compliance; athletics; employment law; litigation; intellectual property law; risk management; campus safety and security; privacy; open records; and student affairs. The Associate General Counsel will assist with reviewing, drafting, negotiating, and enforcing legal documents such as contracts, conveyances, internal policies and procedures, licenses, and gift documents. The Associate General Counsel will consult with University System of Georgia legal staff and the Georgia Attorney Generals office as required.
Responsibilities
1 -
Legal Counsel, Compliance, and Risk Management: Provide legal advice and counsel to university administrators, faculty, staff, and students on a wide range of matters, including employment law, student affairs, contracts, governance, public records, privacy, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Interpret and apply federal and state laws, University System of Georgia policies, and institutional policies relevant to higher education. Advise senior leadership on emerging legal risks and compliance trends and recommend strategies to mitigate institutional exposure.
2 -
Policy Development, Institutional Strategy, and Governance: Draft, review, and revise university policies, procedures, contracts, licenses, leases, conveyances, gift instruments, and other legal documents to ensure legal sufficiency and alignment with institutional objectives. Provide legal guidance related to policy development, implementation, and enforcement. Collaborate with campus stakeholders to support consistent institutional practices and sound governance.
3 -
Civil Rights, Title IX, and Investigative Oversight: Provide legal oversight and guidance related to civil rights compliance, including Titles VI, VII, and IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and related federal and state laws. Supervise and advise the Title IX/ADA Coordinator and Equal Opportunity Officer. Provide legal guidance to designated investigators and institutional officials regarding investigative processes, legal standards, and institutional risk. Review investigative reports, findings, and recommended actions for legal sufficiency and compliance, as requested.
4 -
Litigation Support, Records, Training, and External Coordination: In coordination with the General Counsel, assist with the management of litigation, claims, subpoenas, audits, and administrative proceedings involving the university. Work with the Georgia Attorney Generals Office, University System of Georgia legal staff, and external counsel as necessary. Assist with administration of open records requests and provide legal guidance regarding records retention and compliance reviews. Develop and deliver education and training on legal, compliance, and risk management topics. Perform related duties as assigned and may act on behalf of the General Counsel when designated.
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school.
Required Experience
One to three (1-3) years of professional experience in legal, compliance, investigations support, human resources, higher education administration, or a related field. Experience working with laws, regulations, or institutional policies in a professional setting. Experience supporting or advising on compliance-related matters, investigations, policy application, or risk management (may include experience gained in internships, clerkships, or fellowships). Experience exercising professional judgment and handling sensitive or confidential matters.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Educational Qualifications
Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school.
Preferred Experience
Experience working in higher education, government or another regulated or public-facing environment. Exposure to or experience with civil rights, Title IX, ADA, EEO, or discrimination related compliance frameworks. Experience reviewing, advising on, or supporting investigations, complaints, or grievance processes. Experience drafting, reviewing, or interpreting contracts, policies, procedures, or legal or administrative documents. Experience providing legal, compliance, or policy guidance to administrators, managers, or other stakeholders. Experience delivering or supporting training or educational programs on legal or compliance topics.
Proposed Salary
$95,120 - $110,000 annually. Paid on a monthly basis.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
ABILITIES
Ability to analyze complex legal and policy issues, synthesize facts, and exercise sound professional judgment. Ability to provide clear, practical legal and compliance guidance to administrators, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders. Ability to explain legal concepts to non legal audiences. Ability to oversee, guide, and review investigative and compliance processes for legal sufficiency, consistency, and risk considerations. Ability to handle sensitive, confidential, and high risk matters with discretion and professionalism. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines in a complex, fast paced environment. Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with outside counsel, government agencies, and system offices as needed. Ability to support training, education, and outreach related to legal, compliance, and risk management topics.
Physical Requirements Office Environment
Work normally performed in a typical interior work environment.
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations applicable to higher education, including employment law, civil rights, Title IX, ADA, public records, privacy, and regulatory compliance. Knowledge of institutional policies, governance structures, and risk management principles or the ability to quickly acquire such knowledge.
SKILLS
Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to draft and review policies, contracts, and other legal or administrative documents.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individuals age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individuals protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individuals protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.
Other Information
The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.