Office of the Ombudsman - General Counsel IV (Policy)

General Description:
Performs highly advanced, senior-level, legal work for the Office of the Ombudsman. The primary responsibility of this position is identifying, documenting, and publishing best practices in higher education reform and governance. This position is also responsible for interpreting and rendering legal advice and counsel on agency rules, laws and regulations, policy development, and procedures related to the Office of the Ombudsman, as well as assisting in administering the oversight, compliance, and reporting functions of the Office, including investigations under SB 17 and SB 37. This position works under administrative direction of the Director of Institutional Policy & Oversight (Ombudsman) and the Deputy Director & General Counsel.

Work Location:
This role will be based in the Austin or Houston area and will require occasional travel between both locations.

General Duties and Responsibilities:
• Oversees, reviews, and advises on laws, rules, and regulations affecting higher education, agency operations, and administration, and provide counsel to the Ombudsman.
• Works in close consultation with agency leadership to recommend, develop, and effectively communicate policy positions and proposals within the agency, to institutions of higher education, the Texas Legislature, and other related stakeholders.
• Prepares and reviews the drafting of legislation, bill analyses, and Board rules and regulations.
• Prepares legal opinions requested by agency administration and the Ombudsman, and render opinions interpreting the provisions of laws, rules, and regulations affecting higher education.
• Manages the development of high-quality and well-organized reports, briefs, and presentation materials on key higher education legal issues.
• Manages agency requirements related to the Public Information Act, the rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Open Meetings Act.
• Maintains a close working relationship with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), and work with the OAG to provide representation of the agency in civil actions brought by or against the Office of the Ombudsman.
• Maintains a close working relationship with Institutions of higher education, the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Texas Ethics Commission.
• Works effectively across a wide range of state and federal entities, including the Texas Legislature and United States Congress.
• Responds to requests from institutions of higher education and the general public for legal information.
• Proactively builds and maintains strong, mutually respectful relationships both internal and external to the agency to facilitate effective, collaborative partnership and communication.
• Oversees, reviews, and advises on the SB 17 and SB 37 complaint process, including the design and administration of the process.
• Prepares, drafts, and review pleadings, motions, briefs, abstracts, petitions, summary judgments, and other legal documents.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of higher education structure in Texas, including roles of legislature, agency, and institutions.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations affecting higher education, agency operations, and administration.
• Skill identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Ability to analyze and solve legal problems and interpret laws and regulations affecting higher education and the agency.
• Ability to prepare legal documents, conduct research, and summarize findings.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with the ability to deliver compelling presentations to diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Ability to think, plan, and manage strategically and execute with focus and excellence.
• Interpersonal skills that drive unified strategies, projects, and impact.
• Ability to motivate, lead through influence, and collaborate with diverse individuals and groups.
• Ability to effectively gather, analyze, and communicate information, while managing a diverse workload.
• Ability to coordinate and drive large, highly complex initiatives with multiple stakeholders.

Military Crosswalk: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf