General Counsel and Associate Executive Director

University Enterprises, Inc. Administration

REQUISITION #637938061

University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) at Sacramento State is seeking a General Counsel and Associate Executive Director for UEI Administration. UEI, a Sacramento State non-profit auxiliary organization, exists to meet the evolving needs of the campus community by providing programs and services that support and strengthen the Sacramento State experience. Each day, UEI’s management and staff work to advance Sacramento State’s commitment to being an integral educational, intellectual, economic, social, and cultural resource for the region.

UEI is responsible for grant and contract management and fiscal services for University research and sponsored programs, and also provides fiscal services to University-related agencies and activities. UEI is the largest provider of student assistant employment opportunities in California. Both state agencies and private employers use California Intern Network as their primary source for student assistants.

UEI’s investment activity strengthens the campus by providing benefits that can’t be achieved with state funds. Examples include building purchases, federal research grants, and vital resources such as the Hornet Bookstore and Hornet Commons. In the last few years, UEI’s support of Sacramento State has led to millions of dollars for teaching and learning initiatives, as well as improved classroom space for students. These essential services and functions are provided in accordance with the goals of the CSU under an Operating Agreement with the university.

UEI is a nonprofit corporation governed by a board of directors in conformance with the appropriate State of California codes and policy directives of the Board of Trustees and the campus administration.

RATE OF PAY:

• Full salary range: $10,962 - $19,732 per month
• Anticipated hiring range: $15,347 - $17,540

BENEFITS: UEI offers an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Participation in CalPERS Retirement Program
• Paid Vacation Time – 16 hours accrued/month
• Paid Sick Time – 8 hours accrued/month
• Paid Holidays – 14 paid holidays per year including paid time off the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day as the CSUS campus is closed
• Excellent medical benefits – 100% employer-paid medical & dental for employee-only coverage and low cost for family coverage
• Educational Assistance Program for employees and/or dependents
• Child care subsidy
• Discounted membership to The WELL, Sacramento State’s on-campus fitness center
• View a comprehensive list of all of the benefits at https://simplebooklet.com/benefitsataglance. 

FILING DEADLINE: This position is open until filled with a priority review date of June 16, 2025. Application review begins on this date.

APPLY ONLINE:  To be considered, all applicants must apply through the UEI website at https://secure6.saashr.com/ta/6158859.careers?ShowJob=637938061. Applicants who apply outside of this link will not be considered.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This is a full-time, exempt from overtime, benefited position, covered under the California Public Employees’ Retirement System. Continued employment in this position is dependent upon the mutual consent of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) and the employee, and either University Enterprises or the employee can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause.

The selected candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States. University Enterprises, Inc. is not a sponsoring agency (i.e. H-1B Visa). 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
2. Approximately ten (10) years of demonstrated experience as an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of California, at least four (4) years of which is experience serving as in-house counsel to an organization or governmental entity.
3. Demonstrated experience supervising other attorneys.
4. Active member of the California State Bar Association, with a license in good standing.
5. Demonstrated experience in operational leadership of a nonprofit organization.
6. Excellent written and oral communication and organizational skills.
7. Excellent negotiation skills.
8. Self-motivated and demonstrated ability to establish and maintain priorities, meet deadlines, and effectively develop and use resources.
9. Must be legally eligible to drive in California, complete and pass an online training course, maintain a good driving record, and be acceptable for vehicle insurance coverage under the UEI insurance plan. Must continue to meet the established driving standards, driving record will be monitored with the California Department of Motor Vehicles to ensure compliance.
10. Must be fingerprinted and pass a background check. Must continue to meet the established standards.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Demonstrated experience overseeing the finances of a nonprofit organization.
2. Demonstrated leadership experience with a California State University auxiliary organization.
3. Experience in media relations.
4. Demonstrated experience in employment law.
5. Demonstrated experience with the special demands of the academic environment and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Directors, management, faculty, University administration, CSU Chancellor’s Office legal counsel, and staff, students, and the surrounding community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

With or without  reasonable accommodation: Sits for extended periods; frequent movement; manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; correctable hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computers, telephones, calculators, copiers, printers, scanners, and fax machines.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office environment; continuous contact with staff, the campus community, the public, and other agencies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position provides a variety of legal and executive services and guidance supporting the Executive Director and all auxiliary departments in the operations of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) relating to matters involving capital planning and development, risk management, board governance, organizational budgeting, personnel and resource management, grants and contracts compliance and oversight, OMB Uniform Guidance, compliance with California State law (including but not limited to Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, Education Code, Business and Professions Code, Civil Code, Labor Code)) federal law, CSU, Sacramento State and UEI policy and procedures. The position reports directly to and receives general direction from the Executive Director.

The specific duties and responsibilities are as follows:

1. Prepares and reviews legal and other documents such as general contracts for goods and services, ground leases, facility leases, operating agreements, interagency agreements, licenses, purchases, sales, RFQ/RFPs, consultant/independent contractor agreements, student internship agreements, and real estate documentation for compliance with law and applicable policy to ensure inclusion of proper provisions as required by Sacramento State, the CSU, and applicable federal and state law.
2. Keeps the Executive Director, and executive management apprised of legal matters and changes to codes, laws, and policies related to the diverse operations of UEI. Keeps the Executive Director informed of matters related to the risks of the organization’s operations. Implements measures and engages in practices designed to mitigate those risks, including but not limited to ensuring that the organization is properly insured in all areas of its operations.
3. Serves as UEI’s Chief Executive Officer during the absence of the Executive Director and serves as a special advisor to the Executive Director on matters related to the executive management of UEI including but not limited to business planning, operational guidance, and program development.
4. Provides administrative and legal guidance to management staff and personnel regarding issues concerning  corporate operations, programs, services, and facilities; and develops recommendations regarding  contracts, transactions, operations, policies, services, dispute resolution, risk management, and operating guidelines.
5. Structures business transactions in UEI’s interests and prepares and assists with special projects such as development of real estate for purposes benefiting Sacramento State. Provides information and advice to the Executive Director for decision making concerning such matters.
6. Reviews sponsored program-related agreements (federal, state, local, etc.) for compliance with law and applicable policy. Creates and reviews contract templates.
7. Attends meetings with campus personnel, customers, clients, and agencies to provide assistance when appropriate.
8. Oversees or conducts internal reviews of business practices and policies for legal compliance and best practices. Drafts new policies and revises existing policies to comport with best business practices and provides guidance to departments to assist them in complying with organizational policies and procedures.
9. Administers UEI’s compliance with the Richard McKee Transparency Act and applicable open meeting laws.
10. Prepares and conducts presentations to and trainings for the UEI Board of Directors as directed by the Executive Director, Executive and Administrative Councils, managers, and staff, President’s Cabinet, and President’s Council.
11. Advises and consults with the Executive Director regarding litigation and legal processes.  Examines legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuits. Works with and oversees outside legal counsel.
12. Remains current on federal and California State law and CSU policy as they relate to or impact the operations of UEI.
13. May act as agent of the organization in various transactions.
14. Responds to media inquiries as directed by the Executive Director.
15. Other job-related duties as assigned.

Note:  This position vacancy is with University Enterprises Inc., an auxiliary organization of California State University, Sacramento.  This is not a University position; the incumbent will be an employee of University Enterprises. University Enterprises operates commercial enterprises on the California State University, Sacramento campus; it is responsible for grant and contract management and fiscal services for University research and sponsored programs and provides fiscal services to University related agencies and activities.  University Enterprises is a non-profit corporation governed by a board of directors in conformance with the appropriate State of California codes and policy directives of the Board of Trustees and the campus administration.

University Enterprises is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of University Enterprises that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, placement, and promotions will be on a basis of qualifications of the individual for the position being filled, regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age (over 40 years), sex, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition (diagnosis or history of cancer)*, citizenship, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  Any persons who feel that they have been discriminated against in connection with an application for employment should contact University Enterprises' Director of Human Resources at (916) 278-7003. *As defined in Section 12926(F), Government Code 12990. 

***AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER***

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Campus Crime Statistics Act, California State University, Sacramento has made crime reporting statistics available on-line at www.csus.edu/police/cleryact.htm. Print copies are available in the CSUS library and by request from the CSUS Office of Public Safety and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.