General Counsel for Education & Regulatory Affairs

Who We Are:

University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is an elite, intimate, private college in Tempe, Arizona, focused on educating students in advancing technology who desire to innovate for our future in disciplines such as Advancing Computer Science, Information Security, Game, and New Media technologies.

Are you a technophile who loves the values of the traditional academy, but want the modern technology campus? Living on campus, students are surrounded by a true living-learning technology environment that incubates their ideas into innovations that students can patent and take to market. Students must create an innovation project to graduate.

We are an entrepreneurial, results-oriented company recognized for delivering high standards of innovation and service. As an organization designed to change the lives of some of the brightest young minds, we rely on the excellence of every member of our family to continuously exceed our own standards and our students expectations.

The Role:

UAT is seeking a highly skilled and motivated legal professional to serve as its General Counsel for Education and Regulatory Affairs. Reporting directly to the President, this role oversees compliance with accreditation, administrative, and regulatory responsibilities in higher education regulations, ensuring adhearnce to federal, state, and local laws. They will develop and implement operational procedures to uphold the highest legal and ethical standards while advocating for UAT interests.

Key Responsibilities:

• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Monitor and interpret developments and compliance obligations in higher education laws and regulations, including Title IX, FERPA, Clery Act, ADA, Gainful Employment, and accreditation standards.
  • Advise on institutional compliance strategies and ensure adherence to applicable legal requirements.
• Policy Development and Review:
  • Draft, review, and update institutional policies and procedures to reflect legal and regulatory changes.
  • Provide training and case-specific guidance to administrators, faculty, and staff on regulatory requirements and legal risks.
• Legal Advising:
  • Counsel senior leadership on matters related to governance, employment, student issues, financial aid, and risk management.
  • Research, draft, develop, and review contracts, memoranda of understanding, and other binding legal documents with governemtn agencies, employees, outside vendors, and other third parties.
  • Lead the research, development, construction, and pursuit of grant proposals and funding agreements to secure resources that support UAT and align with institutional goals.
  • Coordinate with outside counsel on an ad hoc basis and manage litigation matters and other external proceedings.
• Financial Aid Oversight:
  • Advise on compliance with federal and state financial aid regulations, including Title IV of the Higher Education Act.
  • Support the development and implementation of policies related to student financial aid programs.
  • Provide guidance on audits and reporting requirements for financial aid operations.
• Investigations and Disputes:
  • Support investigations related to complaints or concerns about discrimination, misconduct, or other regulatory matters, both in the context of higher education and general employment matters.
  • Represent the University in administrative proceedings or coordinate with external counsel as needed.

Skills/Requirements:

• You have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• You are an active member in good standing of the State Bar (or an equivalent licensing authority for lawyers) in at least one State in the United States. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona or be willing to become fully licensed to practice law in Arizona within 12 months of hire.
• You are eligible and willing to register as a Rule 38(a) In-House Counsel with the State Bar of Arizona within 90 days of hire, and must otherwise comply with the rules governing admission to the practice of law within the State of Arizona.
• You have a minimum of 8 years of legal experience and progressively-greater responsibility with a demonstrated focus on higher education, administrative law, and/or general regulatory compliance; Five years of direct experience in higher education preferred.
• You have comprehensive knowledge of federal laws and regulations governing higher education institutions.
• You have strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.
• You have a demonstrated ability to manage complex legal matters and provide practical, business-focused solutions.
• Youre the definition of a team player. You're friendly and genuine.
• You show excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Youre skilled, resourceful, and a fearless problem-solver
• Youre a master of communication and collaboration internally and cross-departmentally
• You maintain trustworthiness, confidentiality, and are discreet
• You take ownership and go the extra mile to get the job done
• You consistently execute deadlines while navigating through a fast-paced environment

Important Notes: This is not a remote position; candidates must be willing and able to work in-person at the Tempe, AZ campus.

Salary and Benefits:

$145,000-$200,000 annually (depending on experience)

• Two Medical insurance options with 100% of the team member premium paid for one.
• UAT has your BACK, by covering 100% of the monthly premium for Short-Term and Long-Term coverage.
• Dental, Vision, 401k, Life Insurance, and AD&D Options
• Vacation, Personal Time, and over 19 Paid Holidays - we work hard, but give you that extra time to play hard as well!
• Competitive Employee and Dependent Scholarship Programs; we take pride in your educational background and look forward to supporting your families academic goals and endeavors.
• Meal Benefit at University Caf. HANGRY? Never heard of here. Come get your meals at the caf, on us, YUM!
• University Store Discount amongst other Discount Programs.
• Positive, open, and transparent Work Environment and culture that includes Kudos Program, Casual Fridays and Select Work Weeks, Employee Wellness Activities, Bring your Pet to Campus, along with Summer and Winter Happiness Events.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Telecommuting options based on tenure.
• Employee Training and Development: Essential Skills Modules are scheduled on the job, allowing for learning, working, and implementation.

UAT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that the selection decision be based on job-related factors.

UAT does not sponsor foreign visas. Thank you for your understanding.