Vice President and General Counsel & Chief External Affairs Officer

About Saint Peter’s University

Saint Peter’s is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Established in 1872, the University blends a unique learning experience shaped by rigorous academics, internships that provide real-world experience, community service, and a genuine, caring community that supports alumni long after graduation. Saint Peter’s offers more than 50 undergraduate majors as well as master’s level and doctorate programs.

Position Summary:
The Vice President and General Counsel & Chief External Affairs Officer serves as the University’s chief legal officer and senior executive responsible for overseeing the institution's legal, governmental, and public affairs. This dual-role leader provides strategic guidance, legal counsel, and external relations leadership to support the University’s mission, governance, compliance, and reputation. This position is a key member of the President’s Cabinet and works closely with University leadership, the Board of Trustees, and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Affairs (General Counsel):

• Serve as the University’s chief legal advisor, providing counsel on all legal matters including governance, contracts, compliance, labor and employment, litigation, real estate, intellectual property, and risk management.

• Manage the Office of General Counsel and oversee outside legal counsel as needed.

• Ensure institutional compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

• Advise the Board of Trustees and University leadership on legal risks, liability, and policy matters.

• Draft and review legal documents, contracts, policies, and procedures.

• Lead legal responses to investigations, audits, and litigation involving the University.

• Support the development of institutional policies aligned with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Manage litigation by overseeing use of outside counsel, settlement discussions, and engagement of University leadership and other departments as needed.

• Establish a system for contract control and procedures in coordination with the University’s CFO.

External Affairs:

• Assist the President in leading the University’s external affairs strategy, including government relations, public affairs, and community engagement.

• Develop and maintain relationships with federal, state, and local government officials and agencies.

• Represent the University’s interests in legislative and regulatory matters.

• Serve as a liaison between the University and community, corporate, and civic partners.

• Collaborate with other university leaders to align external strategies with academic, advancement, financial, marketing and communications and enrollment goals.

Leadership & Strategy:

• Serve as a senior advisor to the President and Board of Trustees on legal and external relations strategy.

• Foster a culture of integrity, transparency, and collaboration.

• Lead cross-functional initiatives that support institutional advancement and risk mitigation.

Salary Range: $180,000 - $235,000

Benefits:

Along with a competitive salary, we provide a robust benefits package to support your health and future goals.

Key Benefits Include:

• Paid Time Off: Paid holidays, personal days, vacation, and sick leave

• Health Coverage: Health insurance, dental insurance, and vision discount plan

• Life Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance

• Life & Disability Insurance: Voluntary life and voluntary disability coverage

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer contributions

• Tuition Remission: An attractive tuition remission policy for employees and their dependents

• Additional Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Voluntary Legal plan, FSA and more

The well-being of our employees is a priority for our University, and we are committed to promoting your success and well-being.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the state bar or eligibility to practice law in the State of New Jersey.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience, including experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations.
• Demonstrated leadership in legal and/or external relations roles.
• Deep understanding of legal issues affecting higher education, including Title IX, FERPA,
• Title IV, labor law, contracts, and risk management.
• Proven experience engaging with government officials, community leaders, and media.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment and manage multiple high-stakes responsibilities.

Preferred:

• Experience in a university or nonprofit setting.
• Familiarity with government funding, accreditation, and policy advocacy.
• Experience managing crisis communication and institutional reputation.