University Counsel

Job description

University Counsel



St. George’s University invites applicants
for the position of
University Counsel
within the Office of the President

Special note to applicants:

· Review of applicants will be ongoing until a suitable candidate is identified.






Job Description

Objective

The University Counsel is the institution’s in ‑ house legal expert on academic policy, accreditation matters, and shared ‑ governance matters.

Reporting to the President (with a dotted ‑ line relationship to the Associate General Counsel), the University Counsel drafts, reviews, and negotiates all documentation that underpins the academic enterprise including student and faculty handbooks, Senate bylaws, appeal ‑ decision letters, program ‑ level accreditation submissions, self ‑ study narratives, annual reports, and corrective ‑ action follow ‑ ups.

The role ensures that institutional policies, procedures, and representations align with applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards while supporting a culture of academic integrity and shared governance.



Essential Functions

Legal Advisory & Governance

+ Provide legal guidance on academic policies, student and faculty handbooks, and governance documents.



+ Support academic committees and leadership on procedural matters, conflict of interest, and open-meeting requirements.



+ Interpret and apply relevant Grenadian laws and provincial higher education regulations to institutional policies.



Accreditation & Compliance

+ Serve as lead legal adviser to the Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) and steering committees for regional and programmatic accrediting bodies (e.g., SACSCOC, MSCHE, LCME, AVMA, CCNE).



+ Review self-study reports, compliance certifications, and site-visit materials.



+ Monitor evolving accreditation standards and advise leadership on implications.



Academic Decision Support

+ Review academic letters (e.g., appeals, dismissals, grievances) for legal clarity and due process.



+ Advise Deans and faculty on disciplinary procedures and student conduct matters.



Risk Management & Training

+ Identify legal risks in academic operations and recommend mitigation strategies.



+ Support training efforts on documentation, FERPA, and compliance best practices.



Qualifications

+ LLB or equivalent legal degree from a recognized institution.



+ Licensed to practice law in Grenada and in good standing.



+ 3+ years of legal experience, ideally with exposure to education, compliance, corporate and/or administrative law.



Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

+ Strong writing and communication skills; ability to translate legal concepts into practical guidance.



+ Collaborative, curious, and committed to learning the nuances of higher education law.



+ Experience with accreditation processes or regulatory submissions.



+ Familiarity with governance models and academic policy frameworks.



+ Comfort working across diverse teams and navigating complex documentation.



Work Environment/Physical Demands

· This position is an office position where:

o We can otherwise describe it as a professional office environment.

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets.




o While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear.

The employee must occasionally lift or move office products and supplies, up to twenty pounds.


o The ability to maintain good concentration while dealing with interruptions.



Hours and Travel

+ A typical work week is 40 hours Monday through Friday, with flexible start, lunch break and end of day.



+ Travel may be required in this position.



+ Weekend work will be as required.



We Are

· Student Centric: We approach every task with a focus on supporting our students to achieve their lifelong learning goals in a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment.



· A Global Community: We are one team with an international outlook welcoming the strength in our diversity and the value each of us brings to what we do.



· Accountable: We take responsibility for our actions by being responsive, resourceful and respectful in delivering on our commitments with integrity and the highest ethical standards.



· Collaborative: We support and empower one another through open communications, cooperation, sharing knowledge and taking time to always listen and show we care.



· Committed to Excellence: We take pride in our ongoing pursuit for continuous improvement through creativity, rigor and best practices to produce meaningful outcomes.




St. George's University is an equal opportunity employer.

As such, it is company policy to fill positions with qualified candidates regardless of race, color, sex (including sexual orientation and gender presentation), age, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, veteran status or status as a victim of domestic violence, except where there is a bona fide occupational qualification.

This policy protects applicants and employees from discrimination in the hiring process.

Required Skill Profession

Other General