About The State University of New York :
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY's 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the state's only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.3 million students in credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.1 billion in fiscal year 2021, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum.
About the Office of General Counsel
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal services and support to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor and senior officers for the State University of New York (SUNY) at SUNY System Administration at Albany, New York, and the presidents and administrators of the campuses within the System. Under the leadership of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and the General Counsel, the SUNY Office of General Counsel is responsible for providing legal services to the System and the 29 state operated campuses. The OGC consists of more than 45 experienced higher education attorneys, paralegals and support staff located in Albany at the System Administration headquarters and in campus-based offices at the four University Centers, Health Science Centers, and various SUNY colleges.
The legal practice of the OGC involves a substantial array of topics, including public procurement, governance and ethics, legislation, health care, capital construction, public finance, labor grievances and arbitration, litigation oversight (the State's Attorney General defends litigation brought against the University), student affairs, and the use of real property, among others. The OGC represents the State University in interactions with State officials who may regulate the affairs of the State University, including the Attorney General, State Comptroller, the Governor and staff, and members of the State Legislature and staff as well as other state and local agencies and entities.
Job Description:
The Chief Campus Counsel will be the sole attorney at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, responsible for giving legal advice and providing legal services directly to campus leadership and administration on governance, policy matters, compliance, legal, regulatory, and administrative proceedings, real property, commercial leasing, procurement and contracting, and coordinating legal services with the Office of General Counsel.
The Chief Campus Counsel reports to the SUNY Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel through the Assistant Deputy General Counsel with the campus President being the chief client for all legal matters.
Areas of responsibility include acting as counsel for SUNY Poly, advising the executive management team and other SUNY Poly offices on SUNY related legal issues. These matters include, but are not limited to: litigation, lobbying, contracts, compliance, ethics, conflicts of interest, student affairs, Title IX and Clery. Negotiate, draft, and provide legal advice on agreements and other documents required to facilitate SUNY Poly activities; participation in strategic matters, planning and initiatives; assessment and recommendations on various compliance and policy matters, litigation, student and academic matters and any other higher education related matters. Work with external counsels on specific projects. Coordinate and facilitate cooperation between other related entities and other partner entities and SUNY Poly, including but not limited to NYCREATES, and the Research Foundation for SUNY. Other reasonable duties as assigned.
Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited American Bar Association (ABA) law school or internationally recognized accrediting organization, and a strong academic background, AND admission to the New York State Bar in good standing or eligibility for admission to the NYS bar within six (6) months of the start date of employment
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Candidates must address in their application materials the ability to work with culturally diverse populations. A diversity statement is required with the submission of cover letter and resume
- Approximately 10 years of experience in the practice of law in a law firm and/or in-house
- Strong analytical and legal research skills
- Superior written and oral communication
- Legal experience working in-house and/or in higher education and/or government law
- Ability to translate complex problems into practical solutions
- High ethical standards and mature judgment
- Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple and changing priorities and objectives
- Judgment, tact, and diplomacy to partner with senior teams to help them achieve their strategic objectives;
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, logically, and persuasively during interactions and in writing, and utilize active listening skills
- Proven ability to maintain confidentiality with regard to sensitive issues and information and exercise discretion in dealing with sensitive or potentially sensitive topics
- Background working with labor relations
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state of New York laws and regulations related to grants and contracts
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in higher education
- Professional experience in unionized environments
Additional Information:
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications. Excellent Benefit Package which includes; NYS health insurance, free dental and vision, competitive retirement options, tuition assistance and generous vacation, sick and holiday accruals.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis
Management/Confidential appointments work under the leadership of and discretion of the General Counsel. This position is not represented by a union
Offers of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and verification of degree(s) and credentials
Application Instructions:
Interested candidates are invited to apply online. Please submit a cover letter, resume, diversity statement and three professional references when applying. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
State University of New York System Administration is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, or retaliation.
Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@oer.ny.gov.
