General Counsel

Broad Scope & Function

This position provides a variety of legal and risk management services and guidance supporting the University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) board of directors, administrators, and UEI’s various operating units including dining, bookstore operations, commercial real estate activities including but not limited to leasing and commercial real estate development, sponsored programs administration, California Intern Network, human resources, and general administration. This position will also provide legal advice and counsel relating to matters involving  board governance, organizational business and administrative policies, 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.

Reporting Relationship

The position reports directly to and receives general direction from the Executive Director.

Salary

• Full range: $9,913 - $17,844 per month ($118,956 - $214,128 per year)
• Anticipated hiring range: $13,334 - $14,584 per year ($160,008 - $175,008 per year)

Benefits

• After a 6-month waiting period, eligible for work from home for up to two days per week with supervisor approval. Fully in-office on the Sacramento State campus for the first 6 months.
• 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
• Childcare subsidy
• Discounted membership to The WELL, Sacramento State’s on-campus fitness center

Application Instructions

This position is open until filled with a priority review date of July 27, 2026. We will begin application review on this date.

Please include the following with your application:

• Resume

If this document is not included, your application materials will not be considered. Please include your employment history in the “Employment Experience” section of your application in addition to submitting your resume.

Conditions of Employment

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). 

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

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, memoranda, 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. Tracks and reviews certificates of insurance and policy endorsements regarding operations conducted by vendors, contractors, and others, to ensure compliance with contractual requirements and applicable CSU and campus standards.
4. Provides administrative and legal guidance to management staff and personnel regarding issues concerning contracts, transactions, operations, policies, services, dispute resolution, risk management, operating guidelines.
5. Structures business transactions in UEI’s interests and in a manner that complies with applicable laws and CSU and campus policies 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. Other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
2. A minimum of 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 a corporation 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. Excellent written and oral communication and organizational skills.
6. Excellent negotiation skills.
7. Self-motivated and demonstrated ability to establish and maintain priorities, meet deadlines, and effectively develop and use resources.
8. Must be fingerprinted and pass a background check. Must continue to meet the established standards.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Demonstrated experience providing legal advice to a California State University auxiliary organization.
2. Experience as first chair in general civil and business litigation.
3. Demonstrated experience in employment law.
4. 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 a 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.

Work Schedule

• 40 hours per week
• Monday-Friday
• Academic years hours (August-May): 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Summer hours (June-August): 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
• After a 6-month waiting period, eligible for work from home for up to two days per week with supervisor approval. Fully in-office on the Sacramento State campus for the first 6 months.