Role Description:
The General Counsel will set the long-term strategic vision, priorities, and budget for the Legal team, ensure that the University and its employees comply with applicable laws and regulations, advise and liaise with the Board of Directors and executive team on strategic initiatives, and handle the most sensitive and important legal matters.
Responsibilities:
The General Counsel will provide legal counsel to the executive team and the Board of Directors, including drafting and revising corporate policies, bylaws, minutes, agendas, and resolutions. This role manages the department’s budget and oversees the organization’s intellectual property portfolios and litigation docket. The General Counsel will advise the HR team on federal, multi-state, and international employment law, and provide guidance to the University on real estate, facilities, environmental issues, and research, including clinical trials and sponsored research. The position will also offer legal support to management and staff on programmatic initiatives, coordinate with IT regarding data privacy, security programs, training, and compliance, and assist in developing compliance and training materials, guidance documents, and employee and contractor training. The General Counsel will also manage the organization’s insurance portfolios and establish and maintain relationships with outside counsel.
Requirements:
The General Counsel should possess a JD from an accredited law school and maintain Bar membership in good standing. The ideal candidate will have a deep knowledge of higher education law, including ADA, FERPA, Title IX, Title VII, OSHA, and accreditation standards. They will also have a strong foundation in contract law, employment law, and issues related to faculty governance, tenure, and academic policies. Expertise in university financing, business structures, and understanding the legal implications of university operations is essential. Additionally, familiarity with intellectual property, technology transfer, and commercialization of university research is important.
Experience with real estate transactions, property management, and university-related acquisitions or sales is required, along with a thorough understanding of research compliance, federal regulations, and ethical standards in university-sponsored research. The General Counsel will also need expertise in risk management, including assessing and mitigating legal and reputational risks to the institution. Knowledge of student affairs and legal compliance, including handling student conduct matters and ensuring compliance with student life policies, is crucial. Previous experience working within a university legal department or an in-house legal department in a public, not-for-profit or private organization is highly valued.
The General Counsel will advise senior leadership, including the board of trustees, on legal matters and ensure alignment of institutional policies with legal requirements and academic goals. The role requires navigating complex governance issues while balancing academic freedom with compliance. Strong communication skills are necessary to convey complex legal issues clearly to non-legal stakeholders. Collaboration with university leadership, faculty, staff, and external legal counsel will be essential to advancing the university’s mission while mitigating legal risks.
Budget: The budgeted salary for the position is between $150,000 to $175,000 annually, with potential consideration for a higher compensation based on experience and qualifications
