As the chief legal officer of Excelsior University, the general counsel (GC) is an integral part of the senior leadership team. The incumbent must be a seasoned attorney with significant experience in the higher education regulatory landscape. As chief legal counsel, the GC identifies regulatory risks and opportunities; actively participates in the development and execution of University strategy and direction; oversees all University legal activities; provides advice and counsel to the President, senior leadership team, Board of Trustees, and staff; supervises other legal team members; procures, coordinates, and manages the provision of legal services by outside counsel; and broadly assists trustees, officers of the institution, and staff in carrying out the mission of the institution. In brief, the GC is both a strategist and practitioner, supporting and protecting the interests of the University and its constituencies
This is a full-time hybrid role with a minimum of three required days at Excelsior's home office of 7 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY, with the remainder of the days worked from home.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:includes the following: Other duties may be assigned.
Serves as a member of the executive team/Cabinet of the University providing strategic legal advice to the President, officers of the institution, Board of Trustees and other staff to advance the mission and interests of the institution through professional, collaborative, and highly competent advocacy consistent with the University’s mission and strategic plan. Anticipates and identifies legal risks and counsels University leaders to develop legal strategies and solutions to minimize risks. Serves as a generalist across legal disciplines providing legal counsel and guidance on all legal matters at the federal, state, and local levels, including federal, labor and employment law; policies, procedures, rules and regulations, and laws pertaining to students, including U.S. Department of Education regulations and guidance; state board matters; real estate transactions; contracts and grants; tax matters; board governance; worker's compensation, liability and insurance matters; intellectual property (IP), and all other relevant laws and regulations. Understands and participates in discussions with the regulatory structures that support higher education, in particular regulations and accreditation requirements involving the online sector and the specialty accreditors of the University; seeks opportunities to advance the University’s interests with federal, state and other higher education-related regulators and accreditors. Actively supports partnership, acquisition and related activities and drafts, reviews, and negotiates the University’s contracts with vendors, consultants, partners, other colleges, etc. Participates in the selection of, coordinates with, and manages the activities of outside counsel, as necessary, for special needs such as litigation, intellectual property law, complex real property, and financial and contractual transactions. Prepares for and attends Board of Trustees meetings, including preparing an annual legal risk assessment. Oversees and manages the Office of General Counsel, including its budget; supervising, training, and evaluating office staff; and designing and maintaining an organizational structure and staffing of the office to effectively accomplish the organization's goals and objectives. Represents or oversees the representation of the institution, and management in judicial and administrative proceedings at the local, state and federal levels. Writes, reviews and updates legal/compliance policies and procedures for the University. Serves on and/or chairs various University councils, task forces etc. and ensures Counsel’s office representation on the University Management Council. Provides training to staff on legal issues through meetings, webinars. or workshops. Provides counsel to the Crisis Planning & Response Group, Bursar, Provost, Registrar, and other regulated offices. Engages in scholarship and professional development to represent the University regionally and nationally. Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association approved law school. Must be an attorney admitted to the New York State Bar (or eligible to apply for New York State Bar membership upon acceptance of position, with registration as in-house counsel under Part 522 of New York State Rules of Court pending full admission). At least 10 years of experience in legal practice. Experience working in a higher education institution or similar experience that provides understanding of the higher education landscape, including the higher education regulatory landscape. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills Ability to effectively interact with constituencies at all levels, both internally and externally, often in challenging, novel, and dynamic situations. Required to work on-site in the main Albany, NY office minimum of Tues-Thurs every week. Willingness to attend overnight travel, as required. Excellent editorial judgment, writing/editing skills, and content development experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in higher education policy and contract law. Some legal experience as in-house counsel or similar experience.
The hiring salary range for this position is $200,000.00 - $250,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting Application Information
If you have problems with online submission, please call 518-608-8238 .
Excelsior University offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, retirement, and excellent health insurance. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, resume, and the names of three professional references. Please submit requested information by clicking the Apply Now button on this page.
Excelsior University is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic.
AA/EOE/ADA
Excelsior University is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
