St. Petersburg College

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:  Legal Services Coordinator

DEPARTMENT:  General Counsel   SITE:  Epicenter

SALARY SCHEDULE:  A&P    GRADE: B

BASIC FUNCTION:

Administers, coordinates and audits the contract development and approval processes in addition to the Board of Trustees’ rule development and approval processes for the Office of the College Attorney.  This position assists in the administration and review of legal matters of the College as well as managing the Office of the College Attorney in the administration and coordination of the legal services it provides.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs legal audit functions through review, examination, verification and correction of contract, grant and rules documents, including Board memorandums, to provide sufficient and accurate information to the Board and/or Cabinet for proper approval.

• Advises department managers, budget supervisors, and other key personnel regarding compliance with contracting and rulemaking processes and other College policy.

• Implements and maintains a system of internal departmental controls for compliance with College policy relative to contracting and rulemaking processes.

• Responsible for the drafting and preparation and/or review of contract, grant and rules memorandums presented to the Board and/or Cabinet for approval.

• Responsible for the drafting and preparation of the Quarterly Report to the Board of Trustees regarding contracts.

• Monitors substantive changes to contracts and grants and prepares necessary updated memorandums for additional Cabinet/Board confirmation or approval.

• Works with grants accountants to resolve grant agreements budget/approval issues or other discrepancies relative to sufficient Board authority.

• Assists the College Attorney in the drafting and interpretation of contracts and in working with departments and outside agencies to negotiate changes to contract language.

• Assists the College Attorney in the examination and administration of other legal matters (such as student and employee matters) presented for review.

• Assists in the preparation and prosecution of bad debt and collection cases for the College.  Works with Business Office staff and students regarding resolving bad debts, collection and bankruptcy matters.

• Oversees the production of student and employee records pursuant to subpoenas that may be presented to the College.

• Assists the College Attorney in performing legal research and review of rules, regulations and statutes regarding compliance with federal and state laws and College policy.

• Assists in working with the state auditors to research and respond to specific inquiries related to College legal services and Board approvals and materials.

• Works with the President and College Attorney on special projects applicable to the Attorney’s area of responsibility.

• Manages the daily operation of the Office of the College Attorney including supervision of staff, assignment of work responsibilities, holding staff meetings, and the development and preparation of the departmental goals, objectives and Unit Plan.

• Performs additional legal audit functions by assisting in the review, examination, verification and correction of content in College materials such as handbooks, catalogs, manuals and brochures for compliance with College policies and other state regulations.

• Researches existing rules and procedures and proposes modifications as needed.  Works with Cabinet and other department managers to develop and rewrite rules and procedures.  Interprets rules and procedures in accordance with administrative and Board intent.

• Responsible for the administration and coordination of the legal process for rulemaking including drafting and preparation of rule development materials; rule adoption materials and legal advertising that is in compliance and accordance with state statutes and other regulations.

• Responsible for maintaining a current official Board of Trustees’ Rules and Procedures Manual for access and review by College staff and students.  Responds to inquiries from College staff related to the interpretation of College rules and procedures.

• Performs related duties as required.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree required.  Substantive college-level coursework in the legal field highly preferred.  Continuing legal education and legal certification(s) also highly preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Three (3) of years responsible legal administrative experience, prefer 5 years.  Experience in contract and policy administration as well as supervisory/management experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge of practices and procedures involved in contract and rules administration.  Knowledge of the College’s rules and procedures and other laws pertaining to higher education.  Knowledge of the College’s contracting and rulemaking systems and procedures.  Ability to implement and maintain operating systems and procedures.  Ability to perform legal research.  Ability to interpret and draft legal documents.  Ability to maintain good working relationships with staff, students, and outside agencies.  Computer and calculator skills.  Supervisory skills.  Verbal and written communications skills.  Mathematics skills.

Revised: 09/2006