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General Counsel - 60021529

State of South Carolina
March 03, 2026
Full-time
Hybrid (Richland County, South Carolina, United States)
$92,300 - $175,400 USD yearly
General Counsel / CLO

Job Responsibilities



Are you an experienced professional looking for new opportunities to further your career? The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education is seeking a hardworking and dependable candidate just like you to apply!  This position will offer great benefits with the state, including 15 days of annual and sick leave per year or more depending on applicable state service.  


Responsibilities of the General Counsel

The Attorney IV will serve as the agency's General Counsel (Counsel). The Counsel is responsible for providing legal guidance to the Commission and agency in all matters relating to the operation of the agency. The Counsel is the principal advisor to the CHE President and Executive Director (PED) and senior staff regarding state and vendor contracts, agreements as well as legal guidance on legislative and regulatory issues and priorities. With guidance from the PED, the Counsel reviews regulatory and legislative policy recommendations, and creates and reviews legal contracts and agreements for all CHE offices. The Counsel advises the PED on all legal matters; drafts legal opinions when requested; and assists in formulating and administering policy for the agency. 

Working both independently and with guidance from the CHE's President and Executive Director (PED), reviews contracts and agreements and recommends policy and legislative priorities that support public higher education, and the goals of the agency. Due to Counsel's regular interactions with Executive/Legislative Branch officials/legislative staff, must be able to respond quickly to requests, act independently and with confidentiality and discretion. At times, may be called upon to represent the agency at official functions with the purpose of presenting information to promote services, exchange ideas, receive input, or accomplish objectives of the agency. The employee must be self-sufficient in performing all assigned duties in a timely manner. 

  • Serves as CHE's General Legal Counsel. Manages and prioritizes all legal matters for the agency. Represents the agency in legal matters and proceedings. Works in conjunction with outside counsel when necessary on agency legal matters. Creates and reviews legal contracts and agreements for the agency. Coordinates and prepares agency's response to FOIA requests. 
  • Advises the PED on all legal matters. Drafts and reviews draft legislation. resolutions, and amendments. Collaborates with agency staff on legislative matters. Drafts legal opinions when requested. Reviews work products of the CHE Offices. Coordinates legal or administrative matters with appropriate personnel within the agency. Coordinates and leads formal review of regulations and draft updates as necessary. 
  • Provides legal guidance for state legislative and regulatory issues. May represent the agency at external meetings and coordinate agency representation at legislative or other governmental committees and agency discussions with legislative or other state leaders. 
  • Responds to requests for legal guidance or assistance from governmental agencies, legislative or executive branches, including constituent assistance and fiscal impact statements. Works with Office of the President and Executive Director staff to maintain a central database of external information requests. 
  • Collaborates with other higher education policy and legislative partners on priority issues.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by President and Executive Director, including representing the Agency at meetings and functions as necessary.
  • Supervises one staff member to include preparing performance planning and evaluation documents related to personnel paperwork. Coaches, counsels, and trains employees. Establishes and monitors work processes. Implements management policies and initiatives and promotes teamwork. 

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Given the complexity of the work and clientele, the incumbent must hold a Juris Doctorate or equivalent and be a member of the South Carolina bar.

Additional Requirements:

  • Position may require overnight travel.
  • Position may require employee to work evenings, weekends, and during emergency situations.
  • Position requires essential declaration.

 Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application will be required to bring a copy of college transcript to the interview.  A copy of the transcript may also be uploaded as an attachment to the application, if required by the hiring department or if desired by the applicant.  Please note that some areas of the agency may require an official, certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific timeframe required by that area, after hiring. Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination. 

Preferred Qualifications

At least five years of public administration or other relevant experience is preferred.

Additional Comments

The Commission on Higher Education is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application.  Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment.  Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education.  A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.