General Counsel (hybrid)

Are you excited by representing and advising a nonprofit in existence since 1948 whose work focus is advancing education to improve the social and economic vitality of 16 southeast states? Are you motivated to actively engage with the President, Leadership and the Board to provide legal counsel and direction of the organization? Are you eager to bring your experience to a team where your input and experience contributes to the success of the organization?

The Southern Regional Education Board seeks to hire a General Counsel. The General Counsel reports to the President and understands the importance of education and is motivated by improving the economic mobility of students and, in turn, the vitality of the region. This role is responsible for planning, organizing, and providing legal services and representation for SREB; serves as the primary legal advisor to the President, Board, management, and staff. This position is located in mid-town Atlanta, and is currently working a hybrid schedule.

SREB works with states to improve education at every level, from pre-K through Ph.D. Our vision is that all students in the SREB region will have high-quality educational opportunities that build on the rich diversity of the region and lead to productive, meaningful lives and robust economies.

SREB is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization based in Atlanta. We are an organization of professionals committed to our mission: helping states and educators improve student access and achievement to improve the social and economic vitality of the SREB region.

What does the General Counsel do?

• Serves as a member of the SREB Leadership Team in support of the president and the board for the purposes of achieving SREB goals outlined in the strategic plan, actively engaging in the leadership and direction of the organization and ensuring collaboration across all offices within the organization.
• Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the office in alignment of the SREB Strategic Plan; prepares and administers the office and program budgets.
• Confers with management regarding legal activities and/or issues.
• Provides legal representation and counsel to the Board and their various committees, and to SREB management and staff.
• Attends all Board meetings, including all Board committee meetings, and provides counsel to the Boards on all matters.
• Prepares, reviews, and negotiates contracts and other documents impacting SREB operations.
• Participates as a member of appropriate committees as assigned.
• Represents SREB in litigation brought on behalf or against the organization and participates in all stages of such litigation.
• Advises SREB regarding litigation risks, provides preventive counseling with respect to the legal risks, and develops strategy with outside counsel in response to civil litigation and regulatory inquiries.
• Promotes compliance, researches legal and compliance issues and prepares legal opinions, memoranda, and correspondence, and directs and oversees compliance and risk-related investigations.
• Monitors developments and legislation related to educational activities and operations, evaluates their impact upon SREB operations and recommends and implements policy and procedural improvements.
• Represents the organization at internal and external meetings, plans and facilitates meetings as required; provides presentations as required.
• Manages assigned program and project activities and deliverables.
• Represents the organization with dignity, integrity and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

What does it take to be a General Counsel?

Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Georgia; AND five (5) years of experience performing professional legal work as a practicing attorney; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Strategic acumen and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to Assess long term issues regarding the organization’s regulatory, business and legal risks and identify proactive solutions that mitigate risk.
• Principles and practices to serving as an effective project team member.
• Training others in policies and procedures related to the work.
• Developing effective work teams and motivating individuals to meet goals and objectives and provide customer services in the most cost effective and efficient manner.
• Application of legal principles to individual cases or issues.
• Judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
• Principles and practices of legal records management.
• Techniques for working collaboratively a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. 
• Providing consultation and expert guidance to Board members, executives, and management staff.
• Presenting facts, evidence and precedents concerned in legal issues/cases clearly in the form of briefs, opinions, orders or decisions.
• Interpreting and applying constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations and precedents.
• Researching, interpreting, applying, and explaining applicable laws, codes, regulations and court decisions
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Conducting effective presentations before groups, large and small.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.

 For this opportunity, we seek candidates who have the following attributes: 

·       Commitment to SREB’s mission.

·       A passion for education.

·       Articulate difficult concepts clearly.

·       Build and maintain strong associations of confidence, trust and     respect with colleagues. 

•     Proven experience with staying abreast of new legislation and    anticipating the impact.

·       Confidence with the presenting and engaging with internal and external constituents.

·       Demonstrated ability to strategically collaborate and develop partnerships to enhance the effectiveness and impact of organizational initiatives.

·       Respect for inclusivity, demonstrating a commitment to equality and fairness.

·       Ability to travel occasionally.

·       Successful completion of a background investigation and drug screening.

·       Valid Driver’s License.

·       Certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Georgia.

• Mobility to work in typical office setting and use standard office equipment; stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 10 pounds; vision to drive; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position may manage assigned staff and be responsible for performance management, hiring and termination of staff.