Governance Legal Services Specialist

Apply at www.dentonisd.org

Primary Purpose: 

Provide professional legal, governance, and administrative support to the General Counsel and Superintendent’s Office to ensure efficient department operations and adherence to district, state, and federal requirements. Conduct legal research, prepare legal and governance documents, and support the coordination of compliance processes, public information requests, and board-related activities. Serve as a knowledgeable resource to campuses and departments by providing technical assistance, guidance, and timely communication on governance and legal matters while maintaining strict confidentiality and professionalism.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or paralegal certification
• Notary public commission or ability to obtain upon hire
• Real Estate License (preferred)

Experience

• Two (2) years of advanced administrative or executive support experience, including frequent interaction with senior leaders, public officials, and community stakeholders
• Experience with deadline-based projects
• Prior experience supporting an executive office in a public school district, government agency, or similar professional setting (preferred)

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of school district organization, operations, and administrative policies
• Knowledge of legal terminology, codes, research methods and techniques, and cost accounting
• Knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act
• Knowledge of Texas real estate and contract law (preferred)
• Strong command of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and professional writing conventions
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills, emphasizing clarity and professionalism
• Advanced interpersonal skills to foster positive relationships with staff, community, and other stakeholders
• Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to meet established deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy
• Advanced in utilizing digital devices (computer, laptop, tablet, etc.) and productivity software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), for document creation, data analysis, and database management

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Research, Analysis, and Documentation

• Research and analyze law sources such as state and federal statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, legal codes, and case law.
• Research, draft, and review contracts, agreements, pleadings, motions, and other legal documents for submission to appropriate agencies.
• Organize and summarize case files; coordinate and assemble exhibits, affidavits, and other documents for use in legal proceedings (e.g., grievances, student/parent complaints, due process hearings, appeals).
• Draft agenda items, resolutions, and related documents for Board of Trustees action.
• Prepare and support the development of materials for board meetings.
• Assist with school district election processes.

Public Information, Compliance, and Records Management

• Review and redact documents for Public Information Act request responses.
• Organize and respond to subpoenas for district records within the given deadline.
• Monitor and track districtwide grievances and allegations of illegal or unethical behavior to support compliance reporting and follow-up.
• Maintain organized physical and digital departmental files in accordance with retention schedules and legal requirements.
• Ensure adherence to all policies, operating procedures, and legal requirements related to records management, confidentiality, and compliance.

Department Operations and Administrative Support

• Provide office support to the general counsel.
• Assist with documentation of key department processes and systems.
• Aid in the preparation of training materials and outlines.
• Coordinate travel logistics for the Board of Trustees.
• Coordinate meetings for district administrators, as needed.
• Prepare correspondence and reports.
• Monitor and track the legal expense budget and support related reporting requirements.

Communication and Customer Service

• Respond to phone, email, and in-person inquiries from staff, community members, and external partners in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain effective rapport with the general public and resolve problems or concerns promptly and courteously.
• Communicate and collaborate with campus administrators, department supervisors, and other district personnel to support effective problem-solving and information sharing.
• Represent Denton ISD professionally at meetings, public events, and district activities; maintain professional appearance, demeanor, and work habits.
• Maintain a supportive, positive, courteous, respectful, and professional attitude regarding all aspects of the job responsibilities, administration, and district/campus goals.
• Demonstrate a positive, respectful, and service-oriented attitude in all interactions and in support of district and departmental goals.
• Work collaboratively with governmental agencies such as law enforcement, Department of Family and Protective Services, Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Workforce Commission, to support information requests, compliance needs, and coordinated responses.

Additional Responsibilities

• Adhere to all district policies, procedures, and expectations as outlined in the employee handbook and administrative regulations.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Participate in professional development, faculty/department meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Perform additional duties assigned to support the mission and goals of the district and department.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools and Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional districtwide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

The Superintendent of Schools will recommend the appointment of this position to the Board of Trustees based on the applicant’s training, experience, and expertise. The Board of Trustees must give final approval.

Appointment:

The Superintendent of Schools will approve the appointment of this position based on the applicant’s training, experience, and expertise.