Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Office of the Ombudsman - General Counsel II
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246
Office of the Ombudsman - General Counsel II
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
General Description Performs highly advanced, senior-level legal work for the Office of the Ombudsman. Responsible for interpreting and rendering legal advice and counsel on agency rules, laws and regulations, policy development, and procedures. Works under administrative direction of the Director of Institutional Policy & Oversight (Ombudsman).
Work Location Based in Austin or Houston area. 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.
Prepares legal opinions requested by agency administration and the Ombudsman.
Drafts and reviews pleadings, motions, briefs, abstracts, petitions, and summary judgments.
Drafts and reviews legislation, bill analyses, and Board rules and regulations.
Oversees the SB 17 and SB 37 complaint process.
Manages agency requirements related to the Public Information Act, APA, and Open Meetings Act.
Maintains relationships with the Office of the Attorney General, the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division, EEOC, and Texas Ethics Commission.
Collaborates with institutions of higher education, Texas Legislature, and other stakeholders.
Responds to legal information requests from institutions and the public.
Develops and presents policy positions and proposals to leadership, institutions, and the Legislature.
Produces reports, briefs, and presentations on key higher education legal issues.
Builds and maintains strong partnerships internally and externally.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of Texas higher education structure, state agencies, and institutions.
Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations affecting higher education.
Ability to analyze, solve legal problems, and interpret laws and regulations.
Skill preparing legal documents, conducting research, and summarizing findings.
Strong communication and presentation skills to diverse stakeholders.
Strategic planning and management skills.
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
Qualifications Required Minimum Education and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Licensed to practice law in Texas.
10 years of legal and state agency or legislature experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Legal experience with a state governmental agency, particularly in public or higher education issues.
Experience with employment law and First Amendment law.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Regular attendance, frequent computer use, and ability to sit for extended periods.
Capacity to work under deadlines and collaborate with teams.
Application and Equal Opportunity Statement The Office of the Ombudsman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A State of Texas application is required. For more information on how to apply, visit the Coordinating Board’s employment opportunities website at http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/about-us/human-resources/career-opportunities/.
Veteran’s Preference: submit a copy of Form DD‑214 with application.
All applicants are subject to background checks and the Selective Service Law, if applicable.
Contacts: HR Department, 512‑427‑6190. No telephone inquiries due to high volume.
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General Description Performs highly advanced, senior-level legal work for the Office of the Ombudsman. Responsible for interpreting and rendering legal advice and counsel on agency rules, laws and regulations, policy development, and procedures. Works under administrative direction of the Director of Institutional Policy & Oversight (Ombudsman).
Work Location Based in Austin or Houston area. 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.
Prepares legal opinions requested by agency administration and the Ombudsman.
Drafts and reviews pleadings, motions, briefs, abstracts, petitions, and summary judgments.
Drafts and reviews legislation, bill analyses, and Board rules and regulations.
Oversees the SB 17 and SB 37 complaint process.
Manages agency requirements related to the Public Information Act, APA, and Open Meetings Act.
Maintains relationships with the Office of the Attorney General, the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division, EEOC, and Texas Ethics Commission.
Collaborates with institutions of higher education, Texas Legislature, and other stakeholders.
Responds to legal information requests from institutions and the public.
Develops and presents policy positions and proposals to leadership, institutions, and the Legislature.
Produces reports, briefs, and presentations on key higher education legal issues.
Builds and maintains strong partnerships internally and externally.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of Texas higher education structure, state agencies, and institutions.
Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations affecting higher education.
Ability to analyze, solve legal problems, and interpret laws and regulations.
Skill preparing legal documents, conducting research, and summarizing findings.
Strong communication and presentation skills to diverse stakeholders.
Strategic planning and management skills.
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
Qualifications Required Minimum Education and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Licensed to practice law in Texas.
10 years of legal and state agency or legislature experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Legal experience with a state governmental agency, particularly in public or higher education issues.
Experience with employment law and First Amendment law.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Regular attendance, frequent computer use, and ability to sit for extended periods.
Capacity to work under deadlines and collaborate with teams.
Application and Equal Opportunity Statement The Office of the Ombudsman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A State of Texas application is required. For more information on how to apply, visit the Coordinating Board’s employment opportunities website at http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/about-us/human-resources/career-opportunities/.
Veteran’s Preference: submit a copy of Form DD‑214 with application.
All applicants are subject to background checks and the Selective Service Law, if applicable.
Contacts: HR Department, 512‑427‑6190. No telephone inquiries due to high volume.
#J-18808-Ljbffr