Hofstra University is nationally ranked and recognized as Long Island's largest private university located in Hempstead, New York. When you work at Hofstra, you join a team of talented professionals committed to preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow, in an environment that cultivates learning through the free and open exchange of ideas for the betterment of humankind. The work we do at Hofstra supports the education and well-being of our students, and the workforce of the future. While working towards this mission, employees can take advantage of many enriching experiences on campus. Whether it's a lunchtime lecture, a Division I NCAA athletics game, a musical concert, a theatre performance, or a visit to one of our two accredited museums, there is always something exciting to do at Hofstra. Enjoy the ease of going to the fitness center, taking a swim, or grabbing a bite to eat without having to leave our beautiful campus! Hofstra University is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diverse academic community of students, faculty, staff, and administrators respectful of the contributions and dignity of each of its members. We especially encourage women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
Position Title: Deputy General Counsel
School/Division: Legal Affairs
Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time
Description:
Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel plays a key role in the provision of timely and thoughtful legal advice to the University on the broad range of legal issues currently faced by an institution of higher education, including athletics; labor and employment; litigation; education and nonprofit law; tax; risk, compliance and regulatory; intellectual property; contract review, drafting and negotiation; development, gifts and estates; real estate; research and technology transfer; civil rights laws; student discipline and other student affairs; faculty governance; immigration; and information technology, data security and data privacy.
Providing day-to-day management of the Office of General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel handles the assignment of matters and proactively manages the long-range planning of legal services to include the oversight of the office staff, including three attorneys who are generalists handling a wide variety of legal matters, as well as specialists with focuses in distinct areas of practice.
The incumbent must be able to contribute to the overall work product of a relatively small legal team and requires the ability to work efficiently and proactively on a wide variety of legal matters; to organize, oversee and manage multiple projects and prioritize University needs in a dynamic environment; and to delegate efficiently both internally and externally to balance workloads of the Office and each staff member. The Deputy General Counsel will be an exceptional communicator and team player; will represent the University in an ethical and professional manner; approach work with a commitment to excellence; and inspire confidence with all constituents.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Assists the General Counsel in providing legal counsel and strategic decision-making support to University administrators on all legal matters pertinent to an independent, private higher education institution with a wide array of academic programs.
Advises and provides recommendations regarding policy and procedure changes based on current case law and applicable statutory and regulatory framework, and assists the University in the development, preparation and review of related policies and procedures, with the ability to communicate clearly legal implications of policy and business decisions.
Supervises day-to-day affairs of the Office of General Counsel with agility and in a manner that supports the University's strategic mission and goals effectively, while also sustaining motivation and the unity of the team.
Demonstrates skills of listening, influence, and diplomacy.
Builds, cultivates, and maintains relationships across the various constituent administrative units, schools, their faculties, and academic administration.
Performs exceptional legal research, analysis, and writing; drafts and reviews legal memoranda, litigation documents, contracts, leases, and other legal documents and instruments; oversees office file management.
Displays a solutions-oriented approach to legal problem solving; assists in identifying and monitoring potential legal issues, and in developing solutions that reduce risk.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school required.
License to practice law in New York State.
A minimum of 12 years of experience in a law firm, in house counsel, or higher education setting, with significant experience in counseling and advising multiple constituencies on highly complex legal matters and projects.
Prior supervisory experience.
Excellent communication skills and proven ability to cultivate and maintain relationships of trust with senior management and other stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications:
Higher education experience preferred.
EEO Statement:
Hofstra University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering diversity in its faculty, administrative staff and student body, and encourages applications from the entire spectrum of a diverse community.
Hofstra University is a nationally ranked and recognized private university in Hempstead, N.Y. that is the only school to ever host three consecutive presidential debates (2008, 2012 and 2016). At Hofstra, students get the best of both worlds. Our campus is a leafy oasis just a quick train ride away from New York City and all its cultural, recreational and professional opportunities. We offer small classes and personal attention, with the resources, technology and facilities of a large university. Students can choose from more than 160 undergraduate program options and 165 graduate program options in the liberal arts and sciences, education, health professions and human services, the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs, the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Hofstra University is a dynamic community of more than 11,000 students from around the w...orld who are dedicated to civic engagement, academic excellence and becoming leaders in their communities and their careers.