Framingham State College
Vice President for Legal and Government Affairs / General Counsel
Framingham State College, Framingham, Massachusetts, us, 01704
Vice President for Legal and Government Affairs / General Counsel
Category: Staff Subscribe: New Job Alerts RSS Job Feed Department: Legal and External Affairs Locations: Framingham, MA Posted: Jul 10, 2025 Closes: Open Until Filled Type: Full-time Salary Type: Annually Salary Range: $190,000.00 - $200,000.00 Position ID: 190222 Share
About Framingham State University:
Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - meeting a public need to promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs, and while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve, and FSU right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham, and so much more. FSU is a proudly public and truly transformative institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded, but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.
FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate and professional students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, and professional fields, and enrolls 48% BIPOC students and 54% first-generation college students in our undergraduate programs. We are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of equity and antiracism. This commitment has earned FSU seven Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity and led to our recognition in the 2024 Great Colleges to Work For program. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.
FSU is ideally situated between Boston and Worcester on land originally stewarded by the Nipmuc people for thousands of years. FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.
Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.
Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers .
Job Description:
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
The Vice President for Legal and Government Affairs/General Counsel serves as the Chief Legal Officer for the college, providing expert legal counsel to the President, Board of Trustees, senior leadership, and other college stakeholders. This role is responsible for overseeing all legal aspects of the college's operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, managing legal risks, and representing the college in legal matters. The Vice President and General Counsel plays a critical role in policy development and analysis, governance, and strategic initiatives, and is responsible for overseeing compliance and risk management and managing litigation and agency complaint investigation and response.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
This position is directly supervised by the President and has a functional reporting relationship with the Board of Trustees for the purpose of providing legal counsel to the board.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Executive Assistant and Secretary to the Board of Trustees; Manager of Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Assessment; Director of External Affairs
EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Serves as General Counsel and acts as legal representation on behalf of the University. Reviews University's legal matters, including, among other things, contracts, legal questions/issues arising in student and employee arenas, tort claims, discrimination, and Title IX claims, and referrals to outside counsel. Reviews compliance matters and makes recommendations as appropriate, including reviewing requests for public records as Records Access Officer. Oversees activities related to legal compliance and enterprise risk management on campus. Provides legal counsel to the Board of Trustees. Assists with the development of University policy and procedures. Supports the development of contracts and memoranda of agreement between the University and outside parties. Presents professional development to the University community on relevant topics such as FERPA, risk management, etc. Responsible for managing a wide range of complex and politically sensitive legislative, funding, and issue-oriented interactions as well as campus initiatives designed to advance the mission and priorities of the campus.. In collaboration with campus stakeholders, regularly assess trends in education to identify opportunities or threats to the University's current and future goals and objectives. As a member of the Executive team:
Monitors Commonwealth higher education trends and developments for potential impact on the University as well as the entire state university and public higher education sector. Collaborates in the development of strategy and tactics to enhance state support for the institution. Monitors Commonwealth and federal budget & appropriations activities and communicates updates to the President and senior staff as appropriate to identify opportunities or impacts on University funding. Cultivate relationships with MA legislative and executive branch officials, as well as with MA state institutions of higher education and members of the Executive Office of Education in order to advise and develop relevant education policy to advance support for various programs and initiatives of interest and benefit to the College and the Commonwealth. In collaboration with the President and executive staff members, identifies, creates, and executes the development of strategy and tactics to enhance public (municipal, state, and federal) support for the institution. Serves on and/or leads the Emergency Planning Committee for the University, as assigned. Serves on and/or leads various committees or teams, as assigned. Responsible for reporting to the Equal Opportunity Officer or Title IX Coordinator knowledge or receipt of reports of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and retaliation from students or other members of the university community. Accountable for ensuring that equal opportunity, inclusion, and equity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility. Other duties as assigned. WORKING CONDITIONS:
This role performs work primarily on the Framingham State University campus. Weekend, evening, and early morning presence is required for various meetings and events.
Requirements:
The University seeks candidates who bring the professional experience, competencies, and personal qualities needed to thrive in this role. The qualifications below reflect qualifications that align strongly with the position. However, we recognize that talent and potential can take many forms. If you bring related experience and are excited about the opportunity, we encourage you to apply.
Juris Doctor degree and licensed member of the Massachusetts bar (or qualifications to be admitted to the MA bar). Substantial experience working as an attorney in public higher education, with sophisticated understanding of legal, political, and regulatory issues facing public colleges and universities. Demonstrable strong and effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of administration, as well as outside entities, and sensitively with persons of diverse backgrounds and levels of ability. Demonstrable knowledge of the principles, practices, and culture of higher education. Experience working with university personnel, policies, and procedures. Experience in effectively negotiating procurement contracts and working within collective bargaining agreements.
Additional Information:
This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible, non-unit position. The salary range is $190,000-200,000.
Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.
Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability status, Veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Instructions:
Candidates must apply online by submitting:
Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Equity and Inclusion Statement*, Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application).
*The Equity and Inclusion Statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidate application materials.
For best consideration, please submit application materials by August 17, 2025. The review of applications may continue beyond that date and until the position is filled, at the discretion of the search committee.
Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.
Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu .
Category: Staff Subscribe: New Job Alerts RSS Job Feed Department: Legal and External Affairs Locations: Framingham, MA Posted: Jul 10, 2025 Closes: Open Until Filled Type: Full-time Salary Type: Annually Salary Range: $190,000.00 - $200,000.00 Position ID: 190222 Share
About Framingham State University:
Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - meeting a public need to promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs, and while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve, and FSU right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham, and so much more. FSU is a proudly public and truly transformative institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded, but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.
FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate and professional students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, and professional fields, and enrolls 48% BIPOC students and 54% first-generation college students in our undergraduate programs. We are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of equity and antiracism. This commitment has earned FSU seven Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity and led to our recognition in the 2024 Great Colleges to Work For program. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.
FSU is ideally situated between Boston and Worcester on land originally stewarded by the Nipmuc people for thousands of years. FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.
Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.
Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers .
Job Description:
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
The Vice President for Legal and Government Affairs/General Counsel serves as the Chief Legal Officer for the college, providing expert legal counsel to the President, Board of Trustees, senior leadership, and other college stakeholders. This role is responsible for overseeing all legal aspects of the college's operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, managing legal risks, and representing the college in legal matters. The Vice President and General Counsel plays a critical role in policy development and analysis, governance, and strategic initiatives, and is responsible for overseeing compliance and risk management and managing litigation and agency complaint investigation and response.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
This position is directly supervised by the President and has a functional reporting relationship with the Board of Trustees for the purpose of providing legal counsel to the board.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Executive Assistant and Secretary to the Board of Trustees; Manager of Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Assessment; Director of External Affairs
EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Serves as General Counsel and acts as legal representation on behalf of the University. Reviews University's legal matters, including, among other things, contracts, legal questions/issues arising in student and employee arenas, tort claims, discrimination, and Title IX claims, and referrals to outside counsel. Reviews compliance matters and makes recommendations as appropriate, including reviewing requests for public records as Records Access Officer. Oversees activities related to legal compliance and enterprise risk management on campus. Provides legal counsel to the Board of Trustees. Assists with the development of University policy and procedures. Supports the development of contracts and memoranda of agreement between the University and outside parties. Presents professional development to the University community on relevant topics such as FERPA, risk management, etc. Responsible for managing a wide range of complex and politically sensitive legislative, funding, and issue-oriented interactions as well as campus initiatives designed to advance the mission and priorities of the campus.. In collaboration with campus stakeholders, regularly assess trends in education to identify opportunities or threats to the University's current and future goals and objectives. As a member of the Executive team:
Monitors Commonwealth higher education trends and developments for potential impact on the University as well as the entire state university and public higher education sector. Collaborates in the development of strategy and tactics to enhance state support for the institution. Monitors Commonwealth and federal budget & appropriations activities and communicates updates to the President and senior staff as appropriate to identify opportunities or impacts on University funding. Cultivate relationships with MA legislative and executive branch officials, as well as with MA state institutions of higher education and members of the Executive Office of Education in order to advise and develop relevant education policy to advance support for various programs and initiatives of interest and benefit to the College and the Commonwealth. In collaboration with the President and executive staff members, identifies, creates, and executes the development of strategy and tactics to enhance public (municipal, state, and federal) support for the institution. Serves on and/or leads the Emergency Planning Committee for the University, as assigned. Serves on and/or leads various committees or teams, as assigned. Responsible for reporting to the Equal Opportunity Officer or Title IX Coordinator knowledge or receipt of reports of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and retaliation from students or other members of the university community. Accountable for ensuring that equal opportunity, inclusion, and equity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility. Other duties as assigned. WORKING CONDITIONS:
This role performs work primarily on the Framingham State University campus. Weekend, evening, and early morning presence is required for various meetings and events.
Requirements:
The University seeks candidates who bring the professional experience, competencies, and personal qualities needed to thrive in this role. The qualifications below reflect qualifications that align strongly with the position. However, we recognize that talent and potential can take many forms. If you bring related experience and are excited about the opportunity, we encourage you to apply.
Juris Doctor degree and licensed member of the Massachusetts bar (or qualifications to be admitted to the MA bar). Substantial experience working as an attorney in public higher education, with sophisticated understanding of legal, political, and regulatory issues facing public colleges and universities. Demonstrable strong and effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of administration, as well as outside entities, and sensitively with persons of diverse backgrounds and levels of ability. Demonstrable knowledge of the principles, practices, and culture of higher education. Experience working with university personnel, policies, and procedures. Experience in effectively negotiating procurement contracts and working within collective bargaining agreements.
Additional Information:
This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible, non-unit position. The salary range is $190,000-200,000.
Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.
Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability status, Veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Instructions:
Candidates must apply online by submitting:
Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Equity and Inclusion Statement*, Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application).
*The Equity and Inclusion Statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidate application materials.
For best consideration, please submit application materials by August 17, 2025. The review of applications may continue beyond that date and until the position is filled, at the discretion of the search committee.
Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.
Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu .