General Counsel (Madison, NJ)

The General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer is a senior leadership position and encompasses responsibility for, and oversight of, all legal affairs and compliance matters for all campuses of the university, while also serving as Secretary of the Board of Trustees. Reporting directly to the President, and working closely with the senior management team, the General Counsel is a partner in implementing the strategic vision and direction of the University. The incumbent serves as counselor and advisor on matters relating to University operations to the Board of Trustees, President and other officers of the University, senior management team, and campus leaders. The General Counsel selects and supervises legal services rendered by outside counsel. General Counsel also reviews and negotiates contracts relating to University operations and represents the University in all legal matters concerning compliance with municipal, state and federal regulations and in labor related issues. General Counsel will also serve as a resource on matters of educational institutional procedures and governance.

As Secretary of the Board of Trustees, the General Counsel is responsible for the smooth operation of Board and committee meetings, offers advice and resources for discharging the Board’s fiduciary duties, serves as a confidante and resource to the board and senior management, provides advice and counsel on board responsibilities and logistics, and ensures the recording of minutes and proper handling of other
corporate documents.

1. Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.

2. Member of the New Jersey Bar and authorization to practice law in NJ, or ability to become a member within one year of employment.

3. A minimum of ten years of legal practice focused primarily on representation of institutions of higher education with increasingly responsible experience at a senior level in a law firm or in-house with an institution of higher education or related organization.

4. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to the University.

5. Excellent problem-solving skills and analytical habits, out-of-the box thinker, innovator.

6. Excellent interpersonal, listening, written and oral communication skills.

7. Excellent judgement, strong critical thinking skills, and unquestioned integrity.

8. Ability to prioritize work strategically and manage multiple competing projects.

9. Calm demeanor, patient, confident in knowledge.

10. Demonstrated excellence in managing, developing and leading teams externally and internally, and delegating responsibilities.

11. Demonstrated ability to advise senior leadership in all legal matters.

12. Demonstrated ability to review and make recommendations to improve, streamline processes, and be in compliance with policies.

13. Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check. Candidates for hire will be required to sign a waiver authorizing the background check and produce a Social Security Card.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

1. 15 or more years of experience in legal practice.

2. Prior experience serving as in-house counsel at an institution of higher education.

3. Experience advising on governance matters within a university or an organization with a similar governance structure including a board of directors or trustees.

4. Significant experience working with business, government, other non-profit institutions as partners, grantors, and contractors.

5. Experience developing and overseeing an institution-wide compliance program.

6. Experience with private institutions of higher education and their distinctions in terms of governance, risks, fund raising, and culture.

7. Experience with university research programs and federal grants including the creation of intellectual property.

8. Experience managing policy initiatives while valuing and understanding shared faculty governance.