University Deputy Executive General Counsel (Multiple vacancies)

POSITION DETAILS

The Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel ("OGC") at The City University of New York ("CUNY" or "University") seeks an accomplished and dynamic legal professional to serve as Deputy Executive General Counsel. The attorney serving in this executive legal position will provide leadership and expertise on a broad array of issues and will provide timely and accurate legal advice and counsel to the Board of Trustees and the Chancellor and Cabinet, and to University officers and administrators. This position reports directly to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel.

As a senior member of the OGC leadership team, the Deputy Executive General Counsel will serve as an integral part of the OGC Leadership Cabinet, and will advance the mission of the Office by working collaboratively across all OGC units and University and college campus offices to provide legal guidance and develop legal strategies and responses, draft, interpret and implement policies and procedures, and identify potential litigation and policy issues and strategies and other confidential matters.

The Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel at CUNY is a system-wide resource for legal advice and representation. OGC provides legal counsel to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, and the University?s 26 constituent colleges. Its services touch all operational areas of the University and its campuses and supports CUNY?s decision-makers in advancing the University?s educational mission by providing expert, relevant and timely legal advice, guidance, and advocacy. OGC does not represent university administrators, faculty, staff, students, or individuals in personal legal matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a legal advisor and provide expert guidance to the General Counsel, senior university leaders, campus administrators and attorneys, and other stakeholders on complex matters, legal interpretation, policy development, and processing procedures with respect to applicable laws and regulations.
• Supervise a team of attorneys and legal professionals providing counsel on a wide array of matters including, but not limited to labor and employment, contracts, litigation, student affairs, regulatory compliance, governance, academic affairs, real estate, and public procurement.
• Supervise the delivery of legal services, including legal risk assessment and mitigation strategies, and engage with campus administrators and other stakeholders on challenging and/or novel issues.
• Participate in the analysis of the OGC goals and objectives. Advise the General Counsel on improvements to operational policies, structures, and programs to further OGC?s goals and objectives.
• Provide legal oversight for the development and implementation of university policies and procedures consistent with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Manage or support high-profile litigation, investigations, and administrative proceedings.
• Represent the General Counsel in internal and external committees and forums.
• Contribute to institutional decision-making as a member of the executive legal team.
• Promote ethical conduct and accountability in university operations and legal practices.
• Maintain strong working relationships with external legal counsel, regulatory agencies, and other governmental bodies.
• Foster professional development and mentorship within OGC.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

NOTES:

1. Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
2. This position is excluded from union representation in the collective bargaining unit.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:

This position is in CUNY's Executive Compensation Plan. All executive positions require a minimum of a bachelor?s degree and eight years' related experience. Additional qualifications are defined below by the College.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, all applicants for this position must possess the following qualifications :

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school, 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 (1) year of hire date.
• Flexibility to work a hybrid on-site and remote work schedule until further notice, and ability to travel to college campuses and courts, as needed.

Preferred:

• Of the 15 years minimum experience, at least 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience, with extensive experience in higher education, government, or complex public institutions.
• Demonstrated expertise in relevant legal fields including education law, employment law, contracts, litigation management, and regulatory compliance.
• Considerable experience in managing legal teams, mentoring staff, and ability to establish and maintain collegial and productive working relationships with diverse stakeholders, constituents, clients, and colleagues within a diverse environment.
• Significant demonstrated expertise with a broad array of legal issues relating to higher education, particularly in the public sector, including legal expertise in at least several of the following areas:
• Civil litigation FERPA, Title IX, FOIL, and other federal, state, and local laws regulating higher education institutions
• Labor and employment law and relevant federal, state, and local civil rights law Constitutional law, including the First Amendment
• Intellectual property, privacy, copyright, and fair use
• Gifts, trusts, and estates
• Board governance
• Real estate law
• Internal and external investigations
• Exemplary judgment and ethical standards, analytical acumen, superior problem-solving skills, decisiveness, and ability to deliver timely advice.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to establish plans, manage a large workload and multiple assignments, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced office.
• Computer Proficiency using standard office programs (MS Office Suite of products), legal software (Westlaw, Lexis), and document management software (NetDocuments, Salesforce, etc.).
• Commitment to public service, service excellence, inclusion, equity, and professional integrity to manage sensitive work, exercise sound judgment, with the ability to thrive in a demanding, multi-faceted, and time-sensitive office.

CUNY TITLE

University Administrator

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $175,000 - $210,000, commensurate with qualifications, education, and experience.

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.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined.

The direct link to the job opening from external sources is:

https://hrsa.cunyfirst.cuny.edu/psc/erecruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMSCG/c/HRS\HRAM\FL.HRS\CG\SEARCH\FL.GBL?Page=HRS\APP\JBPST\FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=30427&PostingSeq=1

Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using their login credentials. After you login, click the Careers tile on the Employee Self Service Menu page to view job openings.

CLOSING DATE

June 20, 2025.

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Executive

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID

Location

Central Office

About CUNY City University of New York - System

The City University of New York provides high-quality, accessible education for more than 269,000 degree-credit students and 270,000 adult, continuing and professional education students at 25 campuses across New York City. The University is an integrated system of senior and community colleges, graduate and professional schools, research centers, institutes and consortia. From certificate courses to Ph.D. programs, CUNY offers postsecondary learning to students of all backgrounds. It provides the city with graduates trained for high-demand positions in the sciences, technology, mathematics, teaching, nursing and other fields. As CUNY has grown, the University also has strengthened its mission as a premier research institution, building an array of modern facilities and expanding the ranks of its world-class faculty. Throughout its history, the University has been an integral part of the city and state through partnerships with public schools, economic development initiatives, immigration aid and financial advice services and other community outreach programs. Today, CUNY faculty and staff continue to benefit New York City — as well as the entire nation — by serving as policy exper...ts to business and government, advisers to nonprofit institutions, civic organizations and community groups. Students, too, are strongly encouraged to experience the cultural, educational and community-based opportunities of the five boroughs, through a network of internships and fellowships, to embracing the city as their campus.

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