Assistant General Counsel

POSITION: Assistant General Counsel

DEPARTMENT: Office of the General Counsel

REPORTS TO: Report to the VP and General Counsel

PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Assistant General Counsel serves as a key member of the university's legal team, providing expert legal advice and support to ensure the institution operates within the bounds of the law and maintains compliance with regulations. This position involves handling a wide range of legal matters, focusing on University contracting. The primary responsibility will be to review, develop, and negotiate all University contracts, including, but not limited to agreements for procurement of goods and services, professional services agreements, affiliation and articulation agreements, software license agreements, non-disclosure agreements, construction and engineering contracts, facility license and lease agreements, sponsorship agreements, and various other contract types. The successful candidate will serve as a valued partner on contract negotiation, enforcement, and termination strategies, including advising on legal and business risks associated with University contracts.

Other responsibilities may include handling of matters involving employment/labor, policy development, intellectual property, student affairs, charitable giving, regulatory compliance, insurance, risk management, and other matters as assigned. The Assistant General Counsel reports to the VP and General Counsel and works closely with university leadership, faculty, staff, and external entities.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Must be a member in good standing of the bar, licensed, and eligible to practice law in Pennsylvania.
• Two or more years of relevant legal experience, preference will be given to candidates with 3 or more years of business/corporate law or transactional experience.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state laws related to higher education.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience using common technology for document creation and management, including Microsoft Office and contract management software.

Responsibilities:

1. Legal Advisory:

• Provide legal advice and counsel to university departments and administrators on a broad spectrum of legal issues.
• Development of contract templates and guidelines for entering into University agreements, including the University's contract administration process.
• Train University business managers and contract owners on contract review.
• Conducts legal research and advises on non-contract related matters, including regulatory compliance, licensing and intellectual property matters, and other miscellaneous legal issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including intellectual property maintenance and training of University employees on legal matters or compliance requirements.

1. Contract Review and Negotiation:

• Review, draft, and negotiate various contracts and agreements, including vendor contracts, licensing agreements and other agreements as required.
• Ensure contracts align with applicable laws and University policies/procedures.
• Works with contract owners to negotiate and modify contractual language and ensure appropriate modifications are incorporated.
  
  

1. Employment and Labor Law:

• Advise on employment-related matters, including hiring, termination, discrimination, and workplace accommodations.
• Address labor disputes and ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations.

1. Policy Development: Skilled in drafting clear, comprehensive policies that align with University goals, legal standards, and best practices; evaluate existing policies for compliance, effectiveness, and operational relevance.