General Counsel

Founded in 1879, Curry College is a private, four-year, liberal arts-based institution located on a wooded 135-acre campus in Milton, MA just seven miles from downtown Boston. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), Curry College offers 20 undergraduate majors, as well as four graduate programs.

Curry College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in every aspect of its operations. The College values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds.

Job Description:

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Vice President and CFO, the General Counsel is a member of the College's Senior Staff and is responsible for providing legal representation, and counsel and support to the College on a broad spectrum of issues to help fulfill the College's mission and meet legal obligations. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, advising the College's Senior Management Team on a wide variety of legal issues including: employment and labor relations, student affairs law, contract review, risk management and compliance issues.

Essential Functions:

1. Support Senior and Executive Staff members in matters of faculty/employee relations, grievances and discipline:

Provide guidance to the Provost in matters of employment, discipline, and grievance.

Provide guidance to Executive Team members in matters of employment, discipline and grievances.

Provide guidance and support to the College bargaining team at contract negotiations with both AAUP and ATC participating in bargaining session when necessary.

Review patterns of grievances/conflicts and formulate recommendations for policies or practices that would reduce recurring conflicts.

2. Provide counsel to College administration in areas of contract administration:

Develop and maintain standard contract templates and terms and conditions.

Review contracts, as appropriate, prior to execution.

Negotiate and draft contracts, donor agreements, licenses, releases and other legal documents.

3. Support the Executive and Senior Management Team in areas of compliance:

Respond to state regulatory matters (e.g., Massachusetts Department of Higher Education consumer complaints; Massachusetts General's Office investigation).

Coordinate with Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator on investigative proceedings and related discipline, serve as member of Title IX Steering Committee.

Provide training to faculty and staff as needed in areas of legal significance.

4. Serve as a significant interface between the Senior Management Team and the College's external law firms on college matters:

Initiates and responds to litigation on behalf of the College.

Handle subpoenas and other requests for the College, employee records in compliance with applicable Federal and State laws and requirements.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

A Juris Doctorate is required.

Must be a member in good standing of the Massachusetts State Bar.

Seven to ten years of experience, including extensive experience handling a variety of legal issues, employment law experience, oversight of outside counsel services and providing legal advice to a diverse client base consisting of the provost, vice presidents, deans, administrators and faculty.

Must possess excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

Must possess the ability to work across all levels within an organization.

Must possess strong organizational and analytical skills.

Must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality and sensitivity.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior Higher Education experience is relevant but not determinative.

At the College's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be excepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the College, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Employment in this position is contingent upon the successful completion of all required pre-employment background checks.

Additional Information:

Curry College is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sex identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable state and federal law, including Title IX.