General Counsel Position Description

GENERAL COUNSEL POSITION DESCRIPTION

COMPANY:

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) System is located in the Charlotte, North Carolina region and provides academic instruction and supportto more than 133,600 students in kindergarten through 12th grade in 176 schools, making it the 19th largest school district in the United States. CMS is one of the largest employers in Mecklenburg County withapproximately18,500 teachers, support staff and administrators. The Board of Education is comprised of 9 members elected to staggered 4 year terms. The Board ensures that CMS remains focused on its mission to maximize academic achievement by every student in every school, and provides oversight of an annual operating budget that exceeds $1.1 billion.

REPORTS/RELATIONSHIPS:

The General Counsel will report to the Board of Education, with an indirect reporting relationship to its top executive, the Superintendent. The General Counsel will provide direction to subordinate counsel and staff in the provision of legal services and complex legal assignments.

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

·  Provide legal advice, guidance, and wise counsel to the Board of Education.

·  Serve as a member of the CMS Senior Management team and provide wise counsel, particularly with regards to planning, key initiatives and employment matters.

·  With the CFO, minimize risk to the Board of Education.

·  Manage the legal department to high levels of quality and efficiency.

·  Identify, recommend, and manage outside counsel as appropriate.

·  Foster trust among the legal community and community advocacy agencies.

·  Serve as parliamentarian for Board of Education meetings.

REQUIREMENTS:

·  Ten or more years of experience practicing law.

·  Smart; strong intellect.

·  Highest levels of integrity and professionalism.

·  Outstanding listener; understands nuance.

·  Ability to build and maintain close relationships and engender trust.

·  Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

·  Apolitical and unbiased, but with political savvy and polish.

·  Confident, energetic, and always prepared.

·  Good business acumen.

·  Ability to balance long-term vision with attention to details.

·  Organized, pro-active manager of people and projects.

·  Ability to serve as a valuable business partner with internal stakeholders.

·  JD from an accredited law school; preference for Tier One or Tier Two.

·  Strong preference for current license to practice law in North Carolina. Must be licensed within one year of date of initial employment.

COMPENSATION:

Commensurate with experience and includes benefits and limited relocation assistance.

APPLICATION:

To apply, send resume and brief letter of interest by March 31, 2010 to:

Trent Merchant, Chair, General Counsel Search Committee

Chair, General Counsel Search Committee