Inside Higher Ed
Overview
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. 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. Responsibilities
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. Provides generalist legal counsel across disciplines on matters at federal, state, and local levels, including labor and employment law; policies, procedures, rules and regulations; student-related laws including U.S. Department of Education regulations; state board matters; real estate transactions; contracts and grants; tax matters; board governance; workers\' compensation, liability and insurance matters; intellectual property; and other relevant laws and regulations. Understands and participates in regulatory discussions affecting higher education, particularly online sector regulations and accreditation; seeks opportunities to advance the University\'s interests with regulators and accreditors. Supports partnership, acquisition and related activities; drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts with vendors, consultants, partners, and other colleges. Coordinates with and manages outside counsel for litigation, intellectual property, complex real property, and financial/contractual transactions. Prepares for and attends Board of Trustees meetings, including an annual legal risk assessment. Oversees and manages the Office of General Counsel, including budget, staff supervision and development, and organizational structure. Represents or oversees representation of the institution in judicial and administrative proceedings at local, state, and federal levels. Writes, reviews, and updates legal/compliance policies and procedures for the University. Serves on or chairs various University councils and task forces; 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 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
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 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. Salary range: $200,000.00 - $250,000.00. This range represents the University\'s good faith estimate at the time of posting. Application Information
Excelsior University offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, resume, and the names of three professional references by clicking the Apply Now button on this page. If you have problems with online submission, please call 518-608-8238. 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
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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. 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. Responsibilities
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. Provides generalist legal counsel across disciplines on matters at federal, state, and local levels, including labor and employment law; policies, procedures, rules and regulations; student-related laws including U.S. Department of Education regulations; state board matters; real estate transactions; contracts and grants; tax matters; board governance; workers\' compensation, liability and insurance matters; intellectual property; and other relevant laws and regulations. Understands and participates in regulatory discussions affecting higher education, particularly online sector regulations and accreditation; seeks opportunities to advance the University\'s interests with regulators and accreditors. Supports partnership, acquisition and related activities; drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts with vendors, consultants, partners, and other colleges. Coordinates with and manages outside counsel for litigation, intellectual property, complex real property, and financial/contractual transactions. Prepares for and attends Board of Trustees meetings, including an annual legal risk assessment. Oversees and manages the Office of General Counsel, including budget, staff supervision and development, and organizational structure. Represents or oversees representation of the institution in judicial and administrative proceedings at local, state, and federal levels. Writes, reviews, and updates legal/compliance policies and procedures for the University. Serves on or chairs various University councils and task forces; 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 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
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 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. Salary range: $200,000.00 - $250,000.00. This range represents the University\'s good faith estimate at the time of posting. Application Information
Excelsior University offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, resume, and the names of three professional references by clicking the Apply Now button on this page. If you have problems with online submission, please call 518-608-8238. 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
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