General Counsel--Florida International University

Florida International University, South Florida’s public research university, invites nominations and applications for the position of University General Counsel. With direct reporting to the President, the University General Counsel will have primary responsibility for legal and/or representation in the areas of operation, compliance, research, athletics, and administration; formulation and review of policies, rules, practices, programs and procedures for faculty, staff, students and other persons doing business or affiliated with the university; ensuring that intellectual property resulting from research is effectively developed and protected; and determining legal sufficiency of all hearings and investigations to which the university, as a legal entity, is a party.

FIU is a young public university (founded in 1965), which has grown dramatically in educational programs and research and has now become this country’s 23rd largest university. With 40,000 students, and $108 million in sponsored research expenditures in 2006-07, FIU has achieved the rank of Carnegie RU/H: Research Universities (high research activity). The University offers 199 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in 17 colleges and schools on three campuses in Miami and one in China. With the addition of the Wertheim College of Medicine (2006), FIU has completed a substantial investment in health disciplines including the establishment of the Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work (2007) which will also house all of the Miami-Dade County Department of Public Health laboratories and clinics; and established the College of Nursing and Health Sciences in 2006.

The successful candidate will possess a law degree from an ABA accredited law school, must be a member in good standing of the Florida Bar or if recruited from outside of Florida, employment is conditional upon passing the Florida bar and being licensed within 12 months of employment, and have progressively responsible legal experience with a proven record of accomplishments in a major research university. Preferred qualifications include 7-10 years experience practicing law, five (5) of which must be in Higher Education. The position requires thorough knowledge of academic and corporate governance, employment and labor relations, contract, commercial transactions, intellectual property, real estate, risk management and immigration.

Review of applications and nominations will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. Qualified parties are encouraged to indicate their interest by submitting a completed application, cover letter, resume and list of professional references electronically at http://www.fiujobs.org. Please reference position #33001.