Title: ASBSD Director of Policy & Legal Services 

Responsible to:  Executive Director

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Position Summary:  Provides policy, legal services, and direction for the Associated School Boards of South Dakota and the Protective Benefit Trust to avoid adverse situations and ensure compliance with the law.

Qualifications:

Law degree.

Membership in South Dakota State Bar Association.

Admission to practice before all state courts, U. S. District Court, and U.S. Supreme Court.

Experience in education, public policy, adjudication of worker’s compensation claims, public sector labor laws, human relations and health insurance including HIPAA requirements.

Proficient in word and data processing with experience in a Windows environment.

Proficient in establishing and maintaining effective internal and external working relationships.

Essential Functions:

Provides general counsel services to ASBSD.

a.   Provide legal direction for ASBSD staff and board with respect to issues pertaining to job functions and responsibilities.

b.   Review and advise on contracts to which ASBSD is a party.

c.   Monitor litigation handled by outside counsel and direct litigation when outside counsel is not used.

d.   Provide review and advice with respect to legislation, real estate matters and leases, nonprofit corporations, joint powers, human resources and general education law matters.

Provides legal services for the administration of the Protective Benefit Trust to ensure compliance with the law.

Provides legal direction on workers compensation, loss prevention, risk retention, and risk avoidance issues to prevent undue loss.

Provides consultation to claims personnel regarding claim denials.

Handles subrogation matters.

Works with retained counsel to adjust, subrogate and litigate liability claims.

Determines health insurance appeals.

Coordinates with health insurance claims providers for updates and corrections.

Prepares and maintains a loss control manual.

Develops, implements and maintains a program to provide members with current policies.

Writes policies, which reflect legal parameters in addition to efficient and effective operations of school districts.

Develops and maintains a policy subscription service and policy manual.

Integrate policies into an electronic format.

Updates the electronic policy manual with current information.

Works with local school districts to review, update and customize part or all of the district policies.

Responds to questions from member school districts concerning legal requirements and duties in such a manner as to not enter into the practice of school law on the behalf of member school district.

Participates in various seminars to provide members with current information on a specific topic.

a.   Organizes and presents yearly Collective Bargaining Seminars, including preparing and updating presentation materials.

b.   Participates as a presenter, guest speaker and round table participant when requested.

Provides administrative leadership to the South Dakota Council of School Attorneys.

Provides lobbying, testimony and consultation during legislative session to advocate the best interest of the Association and education in South Dakota.

Participates in the yearly budget process to ensure funds are available for needed products and services.

Associated Functions: 

Follows ASBSD policies, procedures and Staff Operating Principles.

Makes good use of Association resources.

Able to work with confidential information.

Able to occasionally lift and/or carry materials or equipment over 40 lbs.

Able to walk up and down stairs while lifting equipment.

Able to drive a vehicle.

Performs other duties as assigned for the efficient and effective operations of the Association.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Able to speak clearly in front of small and large groups.

Able to sit at and operate a computer for extended periods of time.

Able to travel.

Knowledge of ASBSD by-laws, policies and state and federal laws, rules and regulations.

Is a willing and continuous learner.

Excellent written and oral communication skills with attention to detail and public speaking experience.

Excellent proofreading and editing skills.

Works well under deadlines.

Service-oriented with positive attitude.

Terms of Employment:  This employee is an at will employee.

Other:  SBSD reserves the right to change this job description for the efficient and effective operation of ASBSD

Evaluation:  Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with this job description, Association’s accountability process, evaluation policy and Staff Operating Principles.