Assistant General Counsel

The New School • Lowell, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel will be a transactional generalist with primary responsibility for overseeing the university-wide contract management process. The position will provide strategic legal advice and support on a broad array of legal matters including compliance, risk management, real estate, international programs, intellectual property, privacy, information security, research administration, and university governance. Must have strong experience in one or more areas and be eager to develop expertise in other areas. This is an excellent opportunity for someone committed to becoming, or developing as, a higher education attorney and interested in being part of a dynamic university community. We recognize the potential of diverse legal experiences and encourage candidates who may not fulfill every criterion to apply.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree; law degree from an ABA-accredited institution; current admission to practice law in good standing in the State of New York.
• 5+ years of broad-based contracting agreement experience preferably in a university setting, or a combination of law firm and other in-house experience; experience or interest in one or more of the other practice areas described above.
• Familiarity with a wide range of legal issues, especially those pertaining to commercial contracts, but preferably also including information security, intellectual property, sponsored research and privacy.
• Diverse contract management experience preferably in a higher education setting, or a combination of law firm and other in-house experience; exposure to a range of other legal matters.
• Ability to manage a high volume and array of contractual agreements from routine to complex; adapt quickly to changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with a broad range of legal matters; strong experience in reviewing, drafting, negotiating, and editing commercial contracts.
• A zealous commitment to higher education and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies that universities encounter in the legal realm.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough and detailed legal research and analysis; ability to draft well-written legal memoranda.

Nice To Haves

• experience or interest in one or more of the other practice areas described above
• preferably also including information security, intellectual property, sponsored research and privacy
• preferably in a higher education setting

Responsibilities

• Oversee the university-wide contract management process, including drafting, reviewing, editing, and negotiating a broad spectrum of commercial agreements; continue to refine and improve university contracting procedures and templates.
• Serve as lead counsel and policy architect for the Office of the General Counsel on institutional policy development and compliance oversight; coordinate with university leadership to ensure clear, current, and enforceable institutional policies.
• Advise on legal aspects of international agreements and programs, including institutional MOUs, academic partnerships, and faculty/student mobility arrangements.
• Manage or assist with legal support for real estate transactions, leases, and facilities-related matters.
• Oversee or coordinate legal issues involving grants and sponsored research, including compliance with federal requirements.
• Partner effectively across the University (e.g., Provost’s Office, Finance, Research, Facilities) to empower colleagues to achieve goals while managing risk and acting in the best interests of the university.
• Perform all job responsibilities with accuracy, efficiency, and high quality.
• Conduct legal research and analysis and draft legal memoranda.
• Remain current on higher education legal developments at the federal, state, and local levels.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement plan administered by TIAA
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan
• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)
• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations
• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents
• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior