Legal Affairs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Georgia Southern University is the state's largest and most comprehensive center of higher education south of Atlanta. With nearly 150 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, Georgia Southern has been designated a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 "high research" university and serves more than 29,500 students from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico as well as 106 nations.
With three vibrant campuses - the Statesboro Campus, the Armstrong Campus in Savannah and the Liberty Campus in Hinesville - Georgia Southern offers a dynamic environment which encourages learning, discovery and personal growth. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has earned special accreditation from professional and academic associations that set standards in their fields.
Georgia Southern is an influencer and intellectual catalyst in southeast Georgia, a rapidly expanding region that is home to international companies such as Hyundai, Gulfstream and JCB, as well as the Port of Savannah and Georgia Ports Authority. With a focus on hands-on learning, Georgia Southern is supporting the demand for highly skilled workers by providing academic excellence and creative innovation in a supportive student-centered environment that empowers the next generation of leaders to succeed.
Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Named one of the Best U.S. Colleges by The Wall Street Journal, Georgia Southern is nationally ranked for the caliber of its programs and services. Georgia Southern University has been recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best-In-State Employers" for 2025.

Statesboro Campus - Statesboro, GA

Office of Legal Affairs

Provide legal counsel and administrative services to a comprehensive University which serves over 30,000 students and employs 6,000 individuals across four campuses and an instructional site in Wexford, Ireland. Responsibilities include providing legal consultation, policy analysis, and education services, as well as assist the Attorney General with the provision of legal representation and oversee outside counsel. Serving as a primary legal advisor to the President and senior administration of the Institution, the Vice President of Legal Affairs will work integrally with all University Divisions and Departments, keeping the University's mission and vision at the forefront when educating and advising University constituents about issues that impact the Institution.

• Identify and investigate legal issues and conduct research and studies to provide recommendations and proposals
• Advise University regarding transactions, such as real estate purchases, ground lease agreements, management and development agreements, lease agreements, and contracts
• Oversee University's Legal Affairs team comprised of attorneys and support staff whose responsibilities include addressing legal issues that impact the institution
• Serve as: Legal liaison to University System Office and State of Georgia; Secretary of Georgia Southern University Housing Foundation; Custodian of Records in compliance with Georgia Open Records Act
• Liaise with external counsel as needed
• Manage legal issues related to labor & employment, including Title VII, Title IX, ADEA, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, & OSHA
• Provide support and advisement to administrators for compliance with affirmative action statutes for all employment categories
• Oversee Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX to manage issues related to equal opportunity statutes and regulations for academic employment and student matters
• Provide and manage legal oversight, advisement, and review on research contracts and services in alignment with USG/BOR, Federal, and/or grant source requirements
• Handle litigation as needed in cooperation with Office of the Attorney General
• Oversee Athletic Compliance
• Perform other legal affairs special projects/duties as assigned by President

Educational Requirements

• Earned J.D. from an ABA accredited law school

Other Required Qualifications

• Member of or eligible to become (within one year of hire) a member of State Bar of Georgia and in good standing

Required Experience

• Six or more years of legal work experience with increasing responsibility, practicing law as a licensed attorney

Preferred Experience

• Progressive leadership experience
• Experience in higher education law
• Legal experience with sponsored research and technology transfer
• Division I athletics and NCAA compliance
• NAIA compliance
• Experience preparing and administering budgets

Commensurate with Experience

This is an exempt position paid on a monthly basis.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Two (2) Professional References

ABILITIES

• Consistently exhibit engaging customer service
• Ability to support various constituencies served by the University
• Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position
• Ability to conduct complex legal research, write reports and briefs containing technical information  
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and workshops
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and secure information sensitive in nature

KNOWLEDGE

• Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student success
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with: employment law, grants and contracts, real estate, intellectual property, tax, tort, constitutional and other laws, regulations, and federal and state statutes

SKILLS

• Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relations skills
• Maintain presence and promotion of high ethical standards 
• Excellent negotiation, analytical and/or interpretive reasoning, and presentation skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and secure information sensitive in nature
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service centered work ethic

Open Until Filled
Application review may begin as early as April 1, 2026.

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at (912) 478-6947 or by email at hrservice@georgiasouthern.edu.

For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Southern University, as determined by Georgia Southern University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request. 
Legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of employment without assistance from the University. 
Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
Georgia Southern University is a Tobacco and Smoke-Free Community
Proof of valid driver's license upon hire and throughout employment.

Georgia Southern University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947.

Georgia Southern University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947.

• Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Work generally performed in an office environment.
• Workweek may occasionally extend beyond 40 hours.
• Travel may be required.
• Working with high stress situations.
• Operating motor vehicle equipment (position is required to drive).
• Works on call.
• Evening and weekend work may be required.

• Position of Trust + Education