General Counsel at Niagara University in Niagara University, NY, USA

Job description

• Niagara University seeks an experienced, strategic, and collegial attorney to serve as its General Counsel-the institution's chief legal officer and the senior official responsible for overseeing all legal affairs of the university. This is a high-impact leadership position with broad institutional scope, offering the opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor to the Board of Trustees, the President, and senior administrators on the full spectrum of legal, regulatory, and governance matters affecting a dynamic, mission-driven institution.
• Reporting to the Vice President for Government and Community Relations, the General Counsel manages all matters in litigation, supervises outside counsel, serves as liaison to regulatory and legislative bodies, and operates the university's in-house law office. The position also plays a central role in enterprise risk management, institutional governance, policy development, and strategic planning. The ideal candidate will bring sound legal judgment, a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset, outstanding interpersonal skills, and a genuine commitment to the Vincentian tradition of service and community.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Counsel and Leadership Advisory
• Serve as the primary legal advisor to the Board of Trustees, the President, Vice Presidents, Deans, and other senior administrators, providing timely counsel on a comprehensive range of institutional legal matters.
• Provide legal support including formal opinion letters, memoranda, and legal documents that advance the university's mission and strategic objectives.
• Co-chair the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) committee and lead the annual top-risks assessment and revision process.
• Serve as the Board liaison for the Audit Committee, ensuring sound governance and institutional compliance.
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution
• Oversee all matters in litigation and coordinate the university's institutional response to legal claims, commercial disputes, administrative proceedings, and regulatory inquiries.
• Select, retain, and supervise external counsel; manage litigation budgets and strategy.
• Work proactively to identify and mitigate potential legal exposures before they escalate into formal disputes.
• Contracts and Transactions
• Review, draft, and negotiate a wide variety of institutional agreements, including construction and architectural contracts, vendor agreements, leases, multimedia rights agreements, partnership and affiliation agreements, and grant instruments.
• Provide legal guidance on bequests, trust documents, planned giving instruments, and special programs or institutional partnerships.
• Compliance, Policy, and Regulatory Affairs
• Advise on statutory and regulatory compliance across all areas of university operations, including Title IX, Title VII, FERPA, ADA, and other applicable federal and state requirements.
• Manage legal risks associated with internal and external investigations concerning civil rights matters, including oversight of investigation reports and coordination with Human Resources on the engagement of external investigators.
• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive policy review, adoption, and revision framework, including creation of a centralized policy database and substantive revision of existing university policies.
• Provide legal coordination and counsel on immigration and employment-related matters affecting faculty, staff, and international programs.
• Governance and Operations
• Advise on corporate governance matters, including Board structure, fiduciary obligations, and matters arising from the university's tax-exempt status.
• Counsel on academic issues and policies, including intellectual property, domain ownership, licensing, and academic and disciplinary appeals.
• Manage Ontario-based counsel to address the legal needs of Niagara University's Vaughan, Ontario programs and the expansion of international operations.
• Operate and administer the university's in-house law office.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to and good standing with the New York State Bar.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in legal practice, with demonstrated capacity to manage a diverse portfolio of legal matters.
• Outstanding academic credentials and a record of professional distinction.
• Superior oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex legal concepts clearly to diverse non-legal audiences.
• Strong analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries and with individuals at all levels, from Board members to students.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing complex legal issues with sound judgment, discretion, and practical wisdom.
• A genuine commitment to promoting and advancing the Vincentian Mission of Niagara University.
• A record of exemplary personal and professional integrity and the highest ethical standards.
• Ability to provide practical, timely legal guidance in a fast-paced institutional environment.
• Valid New York State driver's license.
• Direct experience in higher education law, whether as in-house counsel at a college or university or through a practice substantially focused on higher education clients.
• Experience with mediation, arbitration, or alternative dispute resolution methods.
• Background in litigation, labor and employment law, and/or complex transactional matters within higher education or other non-profit institutional settings.
• Familiarity with non-profit governance, including board relations, fiduciary duties, and tax-exempt regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with real estate transactions, construction contracts, or facilities-related legal matters.
• Knowledge of international education law or cross-border legal issues, particularly in U.S.–Canada operations.
• Experience advising on intellectual property, technology transfer, or data privacy matters in an academic setting.

Skills

Required

• Valid New York State driver's license

Preferred

• Familiarity with non-profit governance

Benefits

• OUTSTANDING BENEFITS UNLIKE ANY OTHER. Low-cost health benefits, 403b employer contribution, affordable tuition at Niagara University for you and eligible immediate family members, tuition exchange at other designated universities for eligible dependent children, generous holidays (20 days annually), PTO, and ½ day Fridays throughout the summer. Niagara University is also an approved employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Campus life is vibrant and offers free parking, on-site dining options, and fresh coffee at Tim Horton's and Starbucks, all in a beautiful park-like setting. If you'd like to know more, check out all of the NU Facts.
• Niagara University offers a competitive total compensation package designed to attract and retain outstanding professionals. The university is committed to supporting the well-being, professional growth, and financial security of its employees.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, qualifications, and the scope of the position.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• University-sponsored retirement plan with institutional contribution.
• Tuition remission for employees and eligible dependents.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and university holidays.
• Professional development support, including continuing legal education opportunities.
• Life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Employee assistance program.
• Access to university campus facilities, cultural events, and athletic programs.