General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, and Secretary of the Board of Trustees

General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, and Secretary of the Board of Trustees

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Job Title: General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, and Secretary of the Board of Trustees

Campus: Metropolitan Campus, Teaneck, NJ

Department: General Counsel-Metro

Hiring Manager Title: Chief of Staff, Office of the President

Position Type: Executive

Grade: Executive

FLSA: Exempt

Salary: $295,000 – $325,000

This position provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes: employee tuition grant, health/dental/RX/vision insurance, paid time off, retirement plan contributions, employer paid life insurance and long term disability benefits, as well as various voluntary benefits including but not limited to supplemental life insurance, commuter benefits, long term care, and FSA / HSA.

Status: Full-Time

Months Worked: 12 Month

Job Summary

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.

Principle Duties

1. Serve as primary legal counsel on all matters affecting the University and a key legal advisor to the President, members of the senior leadership team, and members of the Board of Trustees.
2. Serve as an active member of the President’s senior management team and help develop and support the strategic direction of the University.
3. Advise the Board of Trustees in carrying out their duties and obligations while serving in the role of Secretary to the Board, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer.
4. Prepare for, attend, and actively participate in all regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Trustees and appropriate committee meetings.
5. Manage the University’s legal affairs budget and personnel within the Office of the General Counsel.
6. Oversee and coordinate the University’s contract review process to ensure the appropriate delegation of signature authority and review of all contracts and serve as a legal advisor on all business matters.
7. Serve as a partner and resource to administrators, faculty committees, and joint task forces developing University policies, programs, and procedures and offer continuing legal advice in these areas.
8. Proactively engage with the Board of Trustees, President, Officers of the University, and campus leaders at all University locations to ensure they receive legal advice on the regulatory and governmental frameworks in which they are operating, including matters involving employment, employment discrimination, business and real estate transactions, research compliance, immigration, students’ rights and responsibilities, healthcare, athletics, and academic freedom. Provide advice on relevant statutory laws, court decisions, and administrative regulations of the state and federal government necessary for the performance of their responsibilities.
9. With the Senior Vice President for University Advancement, manage the review and development of charitable vehicles including bequests, trusts, and donations of property.
10. Oversee Enterprise Risk Management initiatives.
11. Oversee compliance matters including regulations, policies, laws and contractual obligations in partnership with the University leaders and managers responsible for implementation and activities in affected areas. Oversee an ongoing University-wide compliance program that utilizes and informs the on-going and existing processes and policies that address areas of compliance.
12. Serve as a member of the data security team to ensure the University has appropriate policies, contracts with service providers, and is current on regulatory and legal issues in this area.
13. Retain, oversee and evaluate outside counsel when necessary and coordinate the services rendered by outside counsel.
14. As Secretary to 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 confidant 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.
15. All other matters assigned by the President.

Minimum Qualifications: Required

1. Juris Doctor 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 at a senior level, preferably with at least five years focused primarily on representation of institutions of higher education.
4. Demonstrated expertise in handling complex transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, large procurements, and multi-party collaborations.
5. Demonstrated ability to advise senior leadership in all legal matters.
6. Demonstrated ability to review and make recommendations to improve, streamline processes, and be in compliance with policies.
7. Excellent problem-solving skills and analytical habits, out-of-the box thinker, innovator.
8. Excellent interpersonal, listening, written and oral communication skills.
9. Excellent judgement, strong critical thinking skills, and unquestioned integrity.
10. Ability to prioritize work strategically and manage multiple competing projects.

Minimum Qualifications: Preferred

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 in managing, developing and leading attorneys and staff, and delegating responsibilities.
4. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to the University.
5. Experience operating in a complex regulatory environment and advising on governance matters within a university or an organization with a similar governance structure including a board of directors or trustees.
6. Experience with pre-litigation and litigation, including outside counsel management.
7. Experience with labor and employment law.
8. Experience working with business, government, and other non-profit institutions as partners, grantors, and contractors.
9. Experience with university research programs and federal grants, including the creation of intellectual property.
10. Experience with healthcare matters, including affiliation agreements and new ventures.
11. Experience developing and overseeing an institution-wide compliance program. Experience with international compliance is a plus.
12. 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.

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