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The City University of New York · 1 day ago

Senior University Counsel - Legal Operations

New York, NY

Contract

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$175K/yr - $185K/yr

15+ years exp

The City University of New York is seeking a Senior University Counsel - Legal Operations to provide high-level legal counsel and executive oversight within the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel. The role involves managing complex legal matters, providing strategic leadership, and ensuring operational excellence across the department.

Higher Education

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and representation in diverse subject matter areas relevant to higher education law

Conduct legal research, draft memoranda of law, and prepare correspondence for the Senior Vice Chancellor

Support the Senior Vice Chancellor in addressing high-priority legal matters, ensuring timely and effective resolution

Serve as a primary point of contact between the Senior Vice Chancellor and senior University leadership, stakeholders, and external partners

Act as chief liaison to the University's Campus Counsel, facilitating communication, coordination, and issue resolution across the University's 26 schools and colleges

Identify, prioritize, and manage critical legal and operational issues requiring cross-unit collaboration

Coordinate periodic and monthly meetings between the Senior Vice Chancellor and Campus Counsels

Represent the Senior Vice Chancellor at University committees, meetings, and external events as assigned

Monitor alignment between the University's mission, vision, values, strategy, and organizational structure

Address policy and operational concerns, prioritize time-sensitive matters, and escalate issues appropriately

Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all interactions

Oversee daily operations of the Office of Legal Affairs, including workflow management, scheduling, and administrative processes

Supervise and mentor professional legal staff, set priorities, and ensure timely completion of projects and deliverables

Conduct annual performance evaluations, promote professional development, and maintain high standards of service

Manage the office's budget, monitor expenditures, and identify cost-saving opportunities

Implement and oversee technological and process improvements to enhance efficiency and knowledge sharing

Qualification

Juris Doctor DegreeNew York State Bar membershipLegal researchSupervising attorneysContract draftingPolicy interpretationOperational improvementsNegotiation skillsCritical analysisComputer proficiencyInterpersonal communicationConflict resolutionOrganizational skills

Required

Juris Doctor Degree and 15 years' related experience as a practicing attorney required, including experience in university, law firm, government or non-profit organization

Current New York State Bar membership in good standing required, or admission in another jurisdiction with eligibility for admission to the NYS bar through reciprocity or passing of the NYS bar exam within one year of hire date required

Minimum of a bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience

Preferred

Demonstrated experience interpreting laws and organizational regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines in a complex regulatory environment

Experience supervising several attorneys and attorney support staff

Benefits

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development.

We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off.

Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

Company

The City University of New York

The City University of New York is the nation’s largest urban public university, a transformative engine of social mobility that is a critical component of the lifeblood of New York City.

Founded in 1847

New York, NY, US

10001+ employees