Custodian of Records/Legal Administrator

Title:
Custodian of Records/Legal Administrator

Department:
Office of the General Counsel

Reports To:
General Counsel & Vice President of Legal Affairs

Position Type:
Staff

Position Summary:
The duties of the Custodian of Records/Legal Administrator are diverse, of a highly responsible and privileged and/or confidential nature. Under the direction of the General Counsel & Vice President of Legal Affairs and the Office of General Counsel (OGC), the Custodian of Records/Legal Administrator shall coordinate NJIT's efforts to comply with the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), attend to records management, fulfill subpoenas, provide litigation support, and otherwise perform duties of a paralegal as necessary. Essential Functions:
- OPRA Custodian of Records: Serves as the University's Custodian of Records, responsible for all of the statutory functions on behalf of the University. Responds to all OPRA requests pursuant to New Jersey statute and GRC guidelines. Determines whether a request is valid under OPRA and if enough information is provided to fulfill the request. Contacts the various departments within NJIT to obtain and review such records. Determine if records or portions thereof fit within any OPRA exemptions. If necessary, redact and/or convert records to the requested medium. Within the time frame provided under OPRA, issue written response to requestor either providing the records requested or denying access setting forth the statutory basis for same. Monthly review of GRC online announcements and advisories and attendance of regular GRC seminars to remain current in OPRA guidelines.

- Paralegal Duties: Performs OGC assignments with a high degree of independence requiring experience, skill and knowledge of New Jersey law, federal and state court rules, and New Jersey Open Public Records Act. Perform the duties of a paralegal when necessary including legal research and analysis, report preparation and other activities related thereto. Must regularly exercise independent judgment and possess the decision-making skills to resolve problems. Perform related duties as to specific assignments or special projects as directed by the OGC attorneys, including:

- Subpoena and Authorization to Release Information Processor: Coordination and handling of production of documents in response to subpoenas and authorizations for the release of information served upon NJIT, including student matters. Serves as the primary point of contact within the University for response to Subpoenas and Authorizations for the Release of Information served on NJIT, ensuring the collection of documents and records are legally responsive, and appearing in court as necessary as the University's legally designated representative. Additional Functions:
Perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel & Vice President of Legal Affairs and/or OGC attorneys.
Prerequisite Qualifications:
- A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education, with an emphasis in political science, and/or a Paralegal degree/certificate from an approved American Bar Association program is required.
- 3-5 years of paralegal experience, preferably in a university in-house law department environment and/or 3-5 years of experience in law office or court environment is required.
- A combination of education and experience differing from, but adjudged by the employer as equivalent or superior to that set out above as prerequisite, will be considered in lieu of these prerequisites.
- At NJIT's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be excepted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of NJIT, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in a public sector higher education legal office or court administrative office practice is strongly preferred.

Bargaining Unit:
Non-Aligned

Range/Band:
11

FLSA:
Exempt
Full-Time