Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of 10 years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably within a higher education or public sector environment.
• Must be a member in good standing of the bar, licensed, and eligible to practice law in Pennsylvania.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a university setting or public institution.
• Familiarity with academic governance, research compliance, and intellectual property law.
• Experience with crisis management and emergency response legal issues.

Skills:

• Expertise in higher education law, including compliance, governance, and employment.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to handle complex legal matters and provide sound legal advice.
• Experience in managing legal teams and working with senior leadership.
• High ethical standards and commitment to integrity and confidentiality.

Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate legal challenges and opportunities.
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach to leadership.
• Ability to build strong relationships across diverse university constituencies.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the university.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Strategy & Compliance:

• Develop and implement legal strategies that support the university's mission and strategic goals.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Advise on legal aspects of strategic planning, risk management, and institutional policy.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution:

• Oversee and manage all litigation involving the university, including coordinating with external legal counsel.
• Represent the university in legal proceedings as necessary.
• Resolve disputes in a manner that minimizes risk and liability to the university.

Contracts & Agreements:

• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts and agreements, including those related to research, partnerships, employment, and real estate.
• Ensure that all contracts comply with university policies and applicable laws.

Policy Development:

• Develop and update university policies and procedures, ensuring legal compliance and alignment with best practices.
• Provide training and guidance on university policies and legal issues to faculty, staff, and administrators.

Governance & Compliance:

• Advise the Board of Trustees and university leadership on governance matters, including bylaws and corporate structure.
• Ensure compliance with higher education regulations, including accreditation requirements and reporting obligations.

Risk Management:

• Identify and assess legal risks facing the university.
• Develop strategies to mitigate risks, including implementing effective compliance and risk management programs.

Legal Counsel & Advisory:

• Provide legal advice on a broad range of issues including academic affairs, employment, intellectual property, and student matters.
• Serve as a resource for interpreting laws, regulations, and university policies.

Leadership & Management:

• Lead and manage the Office of the General Counsel including supervising legal staff, managing the department's budget, and management and oversight of external legal counsel.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages professional development and excellence.