Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation's best urban public research universities. Home to more than 50,000 students, 11,000 faculty and staff and 340,000 alumni, UC combines a Top 35 public research university with a physical setting The New York Times calls "the most ambitious campus design program in the country."
With the launch of Next Lives Here, the Cincinnati Innovation District, a $100 million JobsOhio investment, nine straight years of record enrollment, worldwide leadership in cooperative education, a dynamic academic health center and entry into the Big 12 Conference, UC's momentum has never been stronger. UC's annual budget tops $1.65 billion and its endowment totals $1.8 billion. The University's overall regional economic impact exceeds $10.6 billion, paving the way for the future of Cincinnati.
Job Overview
Provide legal advice, counsel and advocacy in the strategic creation and implementation of the university's overall risk management program and, in collaboration with the Ohio Attorney General's Office or outside counsel, in the defense of related litigation for the university and, in some instances, its affiliated entities. Position will report primarily to the Directors of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), but also to the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel or his/her designee for the limited purpose of providing advice, counsel and service to the university on risk related matters and also on general legal matters when expressly assigned to do so by the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel and under his/her supervision and review. As a designated Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio, legal services may be done in collaboration with the Ohio Attorney General's Office and must be performed consistently with the expectations of the Directors of ERM, Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel, University stakeholders, and the Ohio Attorney General.
Essential Functions
Assist in the practical and strategic administration and management of the university's risk, claims and loss control management program and related litigation.
Assist with development, administration, and management of overall risk management programs for a major university with an academic medical center, involving insured risks and professional and general liability, and property claims.
Actively identify and logically assess potential legal risks in unique and complex situations.
Provide risk management recommendations to further university objectives, leveraging sound risk assessment information.
Draft necessary legal documents. Effectively deliver difficult messages to diverse stakeholders.
Assist with identification and management of insurable exposures and the analysis of risk/insurance problems.
Represent the university in the management of property, automobile and general liability; operate university insurance programs for medical professional and general liability.
Develop and manage claims and incident information systems. Act as a consultant on claims and insurance questions. Develop and recommend policies and procedures.
Investigate and make recommendations regarding decisions to settle/defend, selection and assignment of outside counsel, negotiation, adjustment of self-insured claims including medical malpractice, litigation management and coordination of insurance involvement, in a manner that prioritizes the University's interests, and in coordination with the Ohio Attorney General as needed.
Work collaboratively in providing advice on a variety of complex legal matters in a fast-paced, high-volume, good-humored environment.
Communicate, cooperate, and interact comfortably with a diverse community and multiple constituencies, including senior administrators, staff, faculty, students, trustees, external professionals and vendors in a manner that demonstrates regard for and commitment to principals of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Work effectively and efficiently in a high-pressure environment and respond quickly and appropriately to emergency situations.
Exercise excellent judgment and attention to detail, act with the highest degree of honesty and integrity, and demonstrate the utmost discretion and confidentiality.
Work independently with minimal supervision and take initiative as and when appropriate.
May provide direct and/or indirect supervision to exempt and non-exempt staff (i.e., hiring/firing, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, approve time off, etc.).
Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.
Required Education J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
Required Trainings/Certifications
License to practice law and in continuous good standing with the State of Ohio
Qualify for appointment as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio
Required Experience
Seven (7) years of experience in litigation and/or risk management
Highest degree of ethical character and compliance with all legal and ethical rules applicable to an attorney licensed and practicing in the State of Ohio
Highest level of legal research, analytical skills and attention to detail
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to multi-task, prioritize, take direction, and collaborate on a team while advising diverse stakeholders in a high-volume environment
Additional Qualifications Considered Relevant experience providing legal services to a hospital, medical center, or higher education institution.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.
Compensation and Benefits UC offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and FTE.
Competitive salary range dependent on the candidate's experience.
Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
Flexible spending accounts and an award-winning employee wellness program, plus an employee assistance program.
Financial security via our life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, annual holidays, and winter season days in addition to paid parental leave.
Tuition remission is available for employees and their eligible dependents.
Enjoy discounts for on and off-campus activities and services.
As a UC employee, and an employee of an Ohio public institution, if hired you will not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. Instead, UC employees have the option to contribute to a state retirement plan (OPERS, STRS) or an alternative retirement plan (ARP).