Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) - General Counsel

Academic Career & Executive Search•Boston, MA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist MassArt in its search for General Counsel. This is a remarkable opportunity to lead and shape the future during a vibrant period of accomplishment at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). The General Counsel joins MassArt at a time of strong institutional momentum, with a dynamic leadership team, a revitalized branding initiative, and the launch of a refreshed Strategic Partnership Plan. Under the guidance of an inspiring President, MassArt continues its trajectory of transformative growth while remaining steadfast in its mission to cultivate artists, designers, educators, and makers from diverse backgrounds who shape communities, economies, and cultures for the common good. MassArt is the nation’s only independent public college of art and design, serving over 2,000 undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students. The General Counsel will serve as the University’s chief legal and compliance officer, providing strategic legal guidance to the President, Board of Trustees, President’s Cabinet, and senior leadership on a broad and complex range of matters. As a collaborative partner, the General Counsel promotes sound decision-making and mitigates institutional risk, ensuring policies and practices align with legal requirements and best practices in higher education. This is a highly engaged role requiring a proactive, solutions-oriented approach and the ability to advise across a wide range of institutional issues, from employment and labor relations to free expression, student matters, and emerging regulatory challenges. The General Counsel oversees the University’s compliance program, centralized policy management system, and Enterprise Risk Management process, while advising on employment matters, governance, contracts, and regulatory compliance, and managing relationships with outside counsel. This role is highly visible across the institution, serving as a trusted and accessible advisor on sensitive and high-profile matters. The General Counsel will be a proactive partner to campus leaders, known for sound judgment, strong communication, and the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance. The General Counsel works closely with Human Resources, Equal Opportunity/Title IX, and other administrative units to support compliance, resolve complex issues, and mitigate risk. The General Counsel brings exceptional judgment, integrity, and discretion, with the ability to navigate complex legal landscapes in support of the University’s mission.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited U.S. law school and current license to practice in the State of Massachusetts, or eligibility to apply for admission at the time of application
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive responsibility in higher education or public-sector law, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge of and familiarity with applicable regulations, laws and statutes governing employment and higher education, including but not limited to Titles IV, VI, VII and IX, as well as ADA, FLSA, and FMLA
Experience operating in a collective bargaining environment
Strong skills in legal research and analysis
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to organize work to meet established deadlines while maintaining attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive and professional relationships with a diverse range of internal and external community members with differing education, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
Proven ability to serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, exercising exceptional judgment and discretion in complex and sensitive matters with significant institutional impact
Maintains required training, licensure and/or certifications

Nice To Haves

Previous work experience with higher education or public sector law with specialization in employment law and contract review
Current or previous experience in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Responsibilities

Provide legal counsel and strategic guidance to the officers of the institution and other senior management on all legal matters relevant to a public higher education institution, including personnel law, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, and laws pertaining to students, purchasing contracts, grants, Memorandums of Understanding, worker compensation, liability and insurance matters, public monies and purchases, affirmative action, and other laws and regulations
Serve as a proactive, solutions-oriented advisor to campus leaders, providing clear, practical guidance on complex and sensitive issues across all areas of the institution
Advise and support the Human Resources team with matters related to employment law issues (Titles VI, VII, and IX, ADA, FLSA, and FMLA), employment policies, benefits administration, matters of compliance with state and federal regulations, and recommendations for corrective actions as needed
Oversee the University’s collective bargaining agreements, providing counsel to the president, senior administrators, and human resources team on personnel actions, discipline, and grievances
Advise and support the Equal Opportunity Office, providing oversight and guidance
Perform legal research and analysis regarding a wide range of legislative, regulatory, and other institutional matters and presents findings to the President, Cabinet, and Board of Trustees
Oversee enterprise risk management and compliance committee to ensure that the University is following federal, state, and local policies, and regulations
Participate in the development, review, and updating of policies and administrative procedures, as needed
Inform the President, Cabinet and staff of changes to legislation, Board Policy, Administrative procedures and other issues impacting operations
Examine, create and maintain draft agreements and legal documents of College’s operations
Maintain confidentiality of privileged information and adhere to applicable privacy laws.
Demonstrate sensitivity, understanding and respect of diverse populations within the workplace
Represent or oversee the representation of the institution and upper management in judicial and administrative proceedings, and in negotiations with other state agencies
Build and maintain strong relationships with state agencies, peer institutions, and external partners to inform legal strategy and leverage available resources
Ensure that the College’s commitment to Justice, Equity and Transformation is incorporated in all College processes and programming

Benefits

Health Insurance: Medical insurance along with life insurance, and long-term disability through the Commonwealth’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC).
MetLife Dental and vision coverage is also offered through MetLife
Retirement Plans: Participation in the Massachusetts State Employees’ Retirement System and additional optional savings plans including 403b and 457b plans
Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare spending account as well as a dependent care assistance program. Both are pre-tax annual use or lose programs
Employee Assistance Program: AllOne Health is our EAP provider offering a variety of free confidential assistance to all our employees
Generous Paid Leave: Vacation, sick, and personal
Other Leaves: FMLA, PFML, and other state or federal programs
Commuter Transit and Parking Benefits: Qualified transportation program allows use of pre-tax dollars to purchase passes, a monthly subsidy for non-drivers, and access to Longwood Medical Area shuttles
Professional Development: Access to training, workshops, and creative resources
Campus Perks: Free admission to the MassArt Art Museum (MAAM), cultural events, and employee discounts at local museums
Work-Life Balance: Wellness programs and flexible scheduling options (where applicable)
Collaborative Culture : Join a mission-driven community committed to equity, innovation, and the arts