Inside Higher Ed
UNC Asheville Overview
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, UNC Asheville is the designated public liberal arts campus in the University of North Carolina system. UNC Asheville is nationally known for the quality of its student‑centered teaching, mentoring of undergraduates in research, interdisciplinary learning, and striving to be an inclusive campus community. UNC Asheville is committed to promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive work culture where the uniqueness of beliefs, backgrounds, talents, and ways of living are respected and welcomed.
Position Summary The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Chancellor, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership, reporting directly to the Chancellor. The role provides strategic legal guidance on complex and sensitive matters impacting the university’s governance, academic affairs, athletics, student affairs, financial management, business operations, and human resources. The General Counsel directs the university’s legal initiatives, programs, and services to ensure compliance and support institutional goals.
Key Responsibilities
Advise leadership on matters of governance, policy, and risk management.
Oversee and coordinate legal services for university programs and activities.
Provide competent legal counsel in areas of practice including education law, employment law, real property law, public contracting and business transactions, intellectual property, research, and technology transfer, administrative and health care law, regulatory compliance, Division I intercollegiate athletics, public safety and criminal law matters, liability and risk management, federal and state constitutional law, and other public law issues.
Lead the university’s legal initiatives to advance UNC Asheville’s academic and administrative objectives.
Required Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited law school.
Member in good standing of the North Carolina bar, or eligible to practice law in the State of North Carolina following successful admission to practice law in North Carolina within one year of employment.
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible senior‑level legal experience delivering sophisticated legal services in a higher education environment.
Diversified legal background including service as Legal/General Counsel in a college, university, non‑profit organization, or top‑tier law firm.
Proven success in providing legal guidance in the context of complex organizations and a deeply held commitment to collaborative decision‑making.
Ability to work collaboratively and to communicate effectively with multiple and diverse constituencies, such as faculty, staff, students, alumni, campus leadership, legislators, corporate partners, community leaders, and the public.
High ethical standards with a strong commitment to legal ethics exhibited in knowledge, practice, and professional responsibility.
Exceptional analytical, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills, as well as sound judgment and personal and professional integrity.
Preferred Qualifications
Substantial experience with the various legal issues that universities face, including litigation, employment, government or public law issues.
Specific experience representing colleges and universities or similar institutions; knowledge of case law, legal precedent, and legislation related to higher education and university business and operations.
Experience with intellectual property, technology transfer, intercollegiate athletics, and academic centers.
Experience or ability to supervise/manage department staff, outside counsel, and departmental budget.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Skilled in facilitating solutions that balance university needs with collaborative compromises, ensuring relationships remain strong and constructive.
Exceptional interpersonal abilities to engage effectively and foster productive, lasting relationships across diverse individuals, groups, and constituencies.
Application Instructions Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59 p.m. (EST) on the closing date for each specific position. Please note that any documents submitted to Human Resources or the hiring departments become property of UNC Asheville and will not be returned. Official verification from each college/university you have attended is required upon employment and will be requested directly from the college/university by Human Resources or from the National Student Clearinghouse. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training and experience requirements, management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations. It is the policy of UNC Asheville to conduct pre‑employment background investigations on all candidates selected for employment. If hired, the candidate will be required to submit proof of eligibility to work in the United States. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice.
Posting Information Posting Number: E0543 Posting Date: 12/11/2025 Open Until Filled: Yes
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Position Summary The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Chancellor, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership, reporting directly to the Chancellor. The role provides strategic legal guidance on complex and sensitive matters impacting the university’s governance, academic affairs, athletics, student affairs, financial management, business operations, and human resources. The General Counsel directs the university’s legal initiatives, programs, and services to ensure compliance and support institutional goals.
Key Responsibilities
Advise leadership on matters of governance, policy, and risk management.
Oversee and coordinate legal services for university programs and activities.
Provide competent legal counsel in areas of practice including education law, employment law, real property law, public contracting and business transactions, intellectual property, research, and technology transfer, administrative and health care law, regulatory compliance, Division I intercollegiate athletics, public safety and criminal law matters, liability and risk management, federal and state constitutional law, and other public law issues.
Lead the university’s legal initiatives to advance UNC Asheville’s academic and administrative objectives.
Required Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited law school.
Member in good standing of the North Carolina bar, or eligible to practice law in the State of North Carolina following successful admission to practice law in North Carolina within one year of employment.
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible senior‑level legal experience delivering sophisticated legal services in a higher education environment.
Diversified legal background including service as Legal/General Counsel in a college, university, non‑profit organization, or top‑tier law firm.
Proven success in providing legal guidance in the context of complex organizations and a deeply held commitment to collaborative decision‑making.
Ability to work collaboratively and to communicate effectively with multiple and diverse constituencies, such as faculty, staff, students, alumni, campus leadership, legislators, corporate partners, community leaders, and the public.
High ethical standards with a strong commitment to legal ethics exhibited in knowledge, practice, and professional responsibility.
Exceptional analytical, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills, as well as sound judgment and personal and professional integrity.
Preferred Qualifications
Substantial experience with the various legal issues that universities face, including litigation, employment, government or public law issues.
Specific experience representing colleges and universities or similar institutions; knowledge of case law, legal precedent, and legislation related to higher education and university business and operations.
Experience with intellectual property, technology transfer, intercollegiate athletics, and academic centers.
Experience or ability to supervise/manage department staff, outside counsel, and departmental budget.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Skilled in facilitating solutions that balance university needs with collaborative compromises, ensuring relationships remain strong and constructive.
Exceptional interpersonal abilities to engage effectively and foster productive, lasting relationships across diverse individuals, groups, and constituencies.
Application Instructions Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59 p.m. (EST) on the closing date for each specific position. Please note that any documents submitted to Human Resources or the hiring departments become property of UNC Asheville and will not be returned. Official verification from each college/university you have attended is required upon employment and will be requested directly from the college/university by Human Resources or from the National Student Clearinghouse. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training and experience requirements, management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations. It is the policy of UNC Asheville to conduct pre‑employment background investigations on all candidates selected for employment. If hired, the candidate will be required to submit proof of eligibility to work in the United States. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice.
Posting Information Posting Number: E0543 Posting Date: 12/11/2025 Open Until Filled: Yes
#J-18808-Ljbffr