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Texas

Office of the Ombudsman - General Counsel II

Texas, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246

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General Description

Performs highly advanced, senior‑level legal work for the Office of the Ombudsman. This position is responsible for interpreting and rendering legal advice and counsel on agency rules, laws and regulations, policy development, and procedures related to the Office of the Ombudsman. This position works under administrative direction of the Director of Institutional Policy & Oversight (Ombudsman). Work Location

This role will be based in the Austin or Houston area and will require occasional travel between both locations. General Duties and Responsibilities

Oversees, reviews and advises on laws, rules, and regulations affecting higher education, agency operations, and administration, and provide counsel to the Ombudsman. Prepares legal opinions requested by agency administration and the Ombudsman, and render opinions interpreting the provisions of laws, rules, and regulations affecting higher education. Prepares, drafts, and review pleadings, motions, briefs, abstracts, petitions, summary judgments, and other legal documents. Prepares and reviews the drafting of legislation, bill analyses, and Board rules and regulations. Oversees, reviews and advises on the SB 17 and SB 37 complaint process, including the design and administration of the process. Manages agency requirements related to the Public Information Act, the rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Open Meetings Act. Maintains a close working relationship with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), and work with the OAG to provide representation of the agency in civil actions brought by or against the Office of the Ombudsman. Maintains a close working relationship with Institutions of higher education, the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Texas Ethics Commission. Works effectively across a wide range of state and federal entities, including the Texas Legislature and United States Congress. Responds to requests from institutions of higher education and the general public for legal information. Works in close consultation with agency leadership to recommend, develop, and effectively communicate policy positions and proposals within the agency, to institutions of higher education, the Texas Legislature, and other related stakeholders. Manages the development of high-quality and well-organized reports, briefs, and presentation materials on key higher education legal issues. Proactively builds and maintains strong, mutually respectful relationships both internal and external to the agency to facilitate effective, collaborative partnership and communication. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities

Knowledge of higher education structure in Texas, including roles of legislature, agency, and institutions. Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations affecting higher education, agency operations, and administration. Skill identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Ability to analyze and solve legal problems and interpret laws and regulations affecting higher education and the agency. Ability to prepare legal documents, conduct research, and summarize findings. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with the ability deliver compelling presentations to diverse groups of stakeholders. Ability to think, plan, and manage strategically and execute with focus and excellence. Interpersonal skills that drive unified strategies, projects, and impact. Ability to motivate, lead through influence, and collaborate with diverse individuals and groups. Ability to effectively gather, analyze, and communicate information, while managing a diverse workload. Ability to coordinate and drive large, highly complex initiatives with multiple stakeholders. Military Crosswalk

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf Required Minimum Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas. Requires 10 years of legal and state agency or legislature experience. Preferred

Legal experience with a state governmental agency, and experience in legal issues related to public or higher education. Experience with employment law and First Amendment law is strongly preferred. Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions

Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at work. Frequent use of personal computer, copiers, printers, and telephones. Frequent sitting. Frequently working under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others. Workforce

Demonstrate knowledge of customer service deliverables. Show flexibility and adaptability toward changes in assignments and work schedules, working extended hours as necessary. Adhere to the organization’s internal management policies and procedures. Contribute to the agency’s performance measures and mission. Travel occasionally for work assignments and training. Application Requirements

The Office of the Ombudsman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A State of Texas application is required to apply. For more information on how to apply for this position, go to the Coordinating Board’s employment opportunities website at http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/about-us/human-resources/career-opportunities/. The Office of the Ombudsman participates in E-Verify for each new employees’ Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For questions please call the HR Department at 512-427-6190. For vocal and/or hearing assistance call 7-1-1. Notes to Applicant

If you require any reasonable accommodation for the interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls to schedule your interview. This position has been designated as a security sensitive position. A criminal background investigation will be conducted on the final candidate for this position. Veterans Information

To receive Veteran’s Preference, a copy of the FORM DD214 -member #4 must be attached when submitting your application. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The Office of the Ombudsman does not discriminate on the basis, of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. Job Offer and Continuation of Employment with THECB

Proof of education and experience listed on the application. Eligibility/authorization to work in the U.S. Satisfactory results from a pre‑employment criminal history background check. Compliance with the Selective Service Law for males ages 18-25. Please be advised that under Texas law, names and other information concerning applicants or nominees may be subject to disclosure upon request. OOO does not allow dual employment with other state of Texas agencies or institutions. Skills assessment may be conducted at time of interview. No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

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