Associate University Counsel

Manage all aspects of assigned real estate, construction, and public finance transactions, including:

-Perform, manage, and represent the University in all real estate, construction and public finance activities on assigned matters, including research, drafting, reviewing, editing, negotiating, etc.  Real estate matters include purchase and sale of property, use of space, leases, land use/planning, operational analyses, land development, and financing. Construction matters include both new construction and renovations/remodeling and involve contract negotiation and drafting as well as construction and contract administration and interpretation.  Public finance matters include capital financing for public projects, public-private partnerships, and general financial compliance issues. Leases will likely represent a significant portion of the assigned matters.

-Take a lead role in setting, recommending, and executing strategies that will ensure the University’s interests are represented in the best, most cost‐effective manner.

-Manage relationships with and activities of relevant governmental entities and third parties.

-Manage relationships with outside law firms retained to represent the University and ensure alignment on case strategy, budget, and staffing.

-Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to assist the Office’s handling of real estate matters.

Provide day-to-day legal advice and counseling to University clients regarding the full spectrum of real estate, construction and public finance issues and other assigned matters, including purchase and sale of property, use of space, leases, land use, construction, land development/planning, and financing and related laws, rules and regulations.

-Provide legal counsel on real estate, construction and public finance matters specifically related to higher education and public sector entities including state and federal laws applicable to universities and entities receiving federal and state funding, University regulations, policies and other governing authorities, Board of Governors regulations and federal and state agency opinion letters and guidance.

-Participate as an advisor to relevant boards, committees and tasks forces of the University, its direct support organization and affiliates.

-Advise on and assist with the development and modification of agreement templates, regulations, policies, standard operating procedures, protocols, best practices, training, guidance and communications.

-Advise clients during strategic/transaction/project management related decision-making processes.

-Identify and assess legal risks, opportunities and relevant changes or emerging trends within the real estate, construction and public finance areas and advise accordingly.

-Work closely with real estate, construction and public finance related clients, including administrators and staff in the University’s Office of Real Estate; the Office of the Chief Financial Officer; the Office of Construction, Facilities & Real Estate; Planning, Design & Construction; Business Affairs; the Health Centers; the Provost’s Office; the Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences; University colleges; and University direct support organizations and other affiliates.

-Provide training to clients and stakeholders on legal compliance, policies, and procedures.

Advise and represent the University in other legal matters as requested or assigned, including policy and regulation development, corporate governance, ethics, and other legal issues common to higher education.

Law degree (L.L.B or J.D.) and three years’ experience as an attorney. Must be a member of the Florida Bar or become a member within twelve months of employment.

-Experience handling real estate matters common to public higher education institutions or other public entities.

-Significant experience handling leasing matters.

-Good project manager who is able to bring various constituencies and stakeholders together to complete projects timely and efficiently.

-Exceptional organizational skills.

-Team player who is comfortable with a dynamic and changing environment that emphasizes collaboration and team performance over management hierarchy.

-Ability to manage numerous projects and matters simultaneously under tight deadlines while maintaining a good sense of humor and positive attitude.

-Skilled oral and written communicator, particularly related to the ability to draft clear, concise legal documents.

-Creative thinker with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to stay calm under challenging circumstances.

- Experience working in a law firm environment or mid to large sized public university legal department with an emphasis on providing high-quality client-focused service.