Senior Vice President For Legal Affairs And General Counsel

About Hofstra:Hofstra University enrolls over 6,000 undergraduate students and nearly 4,000 graduate students in 13 schools, which feature a variety of departments, as well as a number of institutes and centers. Hofstra offers 180 undergraduate programs and approximately 190 graduate programs in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business, Communication, Education, Health Sciences, Engineering and Applied Science, and Honors studies, as well as a School of Law and a School of Medicine.

The student-faculty ratio is 13 to 1 and the average undergraduate class size is 21. Athletics contribute to the vibrance of the Hofstra community, with 21 varsity sports teams that compete at the NCAA Division I level in the Colonial Athletic Association. The new Senior Vice President will join the institution as it ushers in a new era with the appointment of its ninth and first female president, Dr.

Susan Poser, in August 2021, as well as a new provost, Dr. Charlie Riordan, in July 2022. This new leadership is investing heavily in academic programs for students while also growing the scholarly and research enterprise and reputation of the University.

Hofstra is expected to be officially recognized as a Carnegie R2 university within the next 6 months. In addition, Hofstra recently launched an ambitious ten-year strategic plan, Hofstra 100, which reaches out to the University’s centennial in 2035. This plan bridges Hofstra’s century of excellence to the student-centric, technology-forward needs of the next era.

In collaboration with the president, University leadership, and the Board of Trustees, the new senior vice president will serve as a key strategic advisor for the president, supporting a community dedicated to faculty excellence, student success, and organizational agility as it strives to achieve its strategic aspirations. Position Title:Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel Position Number:898018 Position Category:Administration School/Division:Legal Affairs Full-Time or Part-Time:Full-Time Description:The Office of General Counsel at Hofstra University provides a full range of legal services involving many issues, including academic freedom, free speech and expression; athletics; corporate governance; campus security; contract review, drafting and negotiation; fundraising and development; labor and employment; equal opportunity and civil rights; faculty governance; immigration; information requests, investigations and subpoenas; New York State regulatory law such as not-for-profit and education law; intellectual property; policy development and oversight; real estate; scientific research and technology transfer; student discipline; tax; and data privacy and cybersecurity. Reporting directly to the President of the University, the Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel (GC) is the principal legal officer for the University, with overall responsibility for the University’s legal strategy.

As a member of the President’s Cabinet, the GC provides timely and thoughtful legal advice and counsel to the President and senior leadership team on academic, operational, and administrative activities, including matters related to students, faculty, union and administrative employees, alumni, donors, vendors, licensees, and business partners. Serving as counsel to the Board of Trustees, the GC provides strategic legal advice to the Board on governance matters and the complex legal and regulatory issues impacting a university. The GC is responsible for delivering legal counsel and a legal strategy in support of the University’s mission, core values and strategic plan.

The GC leads a team of four attorneys handling a wide variety of legal matters and is also responsible for hiring and managing outside counsel as warranted. Day-to-day management of the office and assignment of matters is handled by the Deputy General Counsel. The GC will be an exceptional communicator, problem solver, and strategic thinker who 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: Provide legal counsel and strategic decision-making support to the President, Board and senior leadership on all legal matters pertinent to an independent, private higher education institution with a wide array of academic programs. Serve as Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees and provide strategic legal counsel and guidance to the Board of Trustees on a wide range of legal matters including corporate governance, executive compensation, tax, not-for-profit law, risk management, and litigation involving the university.

Advise and provide recommendations to senior leadership regarding policy changes based on current case law and applicable statutory and regulatory framework, and assist the University in the development, preparation and review of related policies and procedures, with ability to communicate clearly legal implications of policy and business decisions. Lead the Office of General Counsel with agility and in a manner that supports the University’s strategic plan, mission and core values effectively, while also sustaining motivation and the unity of the team. Negotiate collective bargaining agreements, advise and represent the University in all aspects of labor relations.

Build, cultivate, and maintain relationships with the various constituent administrative units, schools, their faculties and academic administration. Oversee the delivery of exceptional legal research, analysis and writing. Display a solutions-oriented approach to legal problem solving; assist senior leadership in identifying and monitoring potential legal issues, and in developing solutions that reduce risk.

All other responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications: J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school. Licensed to practice law and membership in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction with ability to obtain admission to the New York bar.

A minimum of 15 years of relevant legal experience in a law firm, in house counsel, or higher education setting in roles of increasing scope and responsibility. Experience leading teams and advising senior executives and boards. Excellent communication skills and proven ability to cultivate and maintain relationships of trust with senior management and other stakeholders.

Proven experience in handling complex legal matters, drafting and reviewing contracts, managing litigation, and ensuring legal compliance across all areas of an organization. Demonstrated leadership ability, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. Ability to make complex decisions in a rapidly changing environment.

Preferred Qualifications: Higher education experience, preferably with a Division I athletics program. Current license to practice law in New York.

Deadline:Open Until Filled Date Posted:01/22/2025 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. Salary/Salary Range:$425,000 - $450,000, plus University provided vehicle