Office of Superintendent | General CounselJob DescriptionPurposeFort Wayne Community Schools Office of the Superintendent – The General Counsel provides strategic guidance and support to personnel on a comprehensive range of issues to effectuate the mission of FWCS to educate all students to high standards.Minimum QualificationsJuris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law schoolMember of the Indiana Bar AssociationThree to five (3-5) years of experience in the practice of lawEssential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProvide sound legal advice to the Board of School Trustees, Superintendent, Cabinet, and broader administration as directed by the Superintendent regarding labor and employment, contract review and negotiation, public purchasing and procurement, construction and real property matters, and public education law, including special education and student rights issues.Recommend changes in policies and procedures that ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws while avoiding liability exposure and reducing risk.Maintain collaborative relationships with all labor groups, including the following unions:The Fort Wayne Education Association (FWEA)/Indiana State Teacher's Association (ISTA), representing all teachersTeamsters, representing all bus driversThe Fort Wayne Classified Association (FWCA), representing a collection of classified employeesThe Fort Wayne Nurses Association (FWNA), representing school nursesControl litigation costs and other legal expenses. Coordinate insured litigation with insurance adjusters and the FWCS Fiscal Affairs Department.Represent FWCS in all administrative charges, complaints and litigation, including but not limited to:The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) within the United States Department of EducationThe Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)The Metropolitan Human Relations CommissionThe Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC)The Indiana Occupational Health and Safety Administration (IOSHA)The Wage and Hour Division of the Department of LaborSelect external counsel in consultation with the insurance carrier and Superintendent and coordinate all aspects of judicial litigation to control and reduce costs.Protect the confidentiality of students' education records under FERPA, advise the administration about record retention under state and federal law, and ensure adherence to Indiana's APRA and FOIA.Develop and maintain record systems for legal matters documentation.Draft and review contracts and other legal documents.Gather evidence, compile research, interpret policies and procedures, and interview staff to provide external counsel with necessary information.Attend all meetings of the FWCS Board of School Trustees to ensure parliamentary order and provide legal advice.Coordinate and provide professional learning to inform administrators about changes in the law.Monitor legislative changes and study any changes in the law that may impact FWCS.Maintain professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to stay updated on public school law and related areas.Support the FWCS Schools of Success mission to empower all students to reach their potential through equitable and community-connected experiences, ensuring students achieve at least one of the 4E's – Enrollment, Employment, Enlistment, or Entrepreneurship.Promote and embody the FWCS Schools of Success six core competencies: Creativity and Innovation, Critical and Analytical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Cultural Agility, and Self‑Direction.Perform related duties as assigned.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of applicable education law and developing issues.Skill in negotiating.Skill in fiscal management.Skill in written and oral communications.Skill in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.Skill in effective time management for oneself and others.Ability to develop and deliver presentations.Ability to provide competent legal advice to the Superintendent, Board, and Administration on a wide range of legal and policy issues.Ability to analyze and interpret issues and prepare legal opinions.Ability to communicate and interact with community partners and government officials.Ability to supervise and train employees, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of legal professionals.Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.Ability to develop and implement legal strategies and solutions.Physical RequirementsCommunication Skills: Ability to speak clearly and hear effectively in various environments.Manual Dexterity: Adeptness in the use of hands and fingers.Postural Endurance: Sit or stand for prolonged periods.Flexibility: Ability to bend at the waist, kneel, or crouch.Visual Acuity: Close vision ability with capacity to adjust focus.Mobility: Freedom to sit or walk at will throughout the work environment.Strength and Stamina: Capability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to twenty (25) pounds or more.FWCS will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.Position Type: Full‑TimeSalary: $170,645 to $203,193 Per YearJob RequirementsCitizenship, residency or work visa required.#J-18808-Ljbffr