Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) seeks an accomplished, creative, values-driven leader with a demonstrated track record of success and visionary leadership to serve as the next Vice President and General Counsel. The General Counsel serves as a strategic leader across the university and is a member of the President's cabinet reporting directly to the President of WPI. The General Counsel serves as a confidential advisor to the President, the Board Chair, and the administration on a wide range of legal and policy matters and is responsible for ensuring the highest quality of legal services.
Key responsibilities include:
* Providing guidance on WPI's governance structure, corporation by-laws, and organizational structures.
* Managing litigation and other disputes to which WPI is a party.
* Working to prevent litigation and resolve disputes through informal means or alternative dispute resolutions.
* Providing advice on laws, regulations, and WPI administrative policies, including support on issues relating to internal investigations, academic freedom, and freedom of speech and expression.
* Advising WPI on a broad range of issues relating to student life, including student conduct, Title IX compliance, and policy development.
* Providing legal advice and support in connection with research administration and compliance.
* Engaging and overseeing outside counsel to represent WPI in connection with administrative proceedings before various government agencies.
* Anticipating issues and risks and coordinating risk management activities.
* Assisting clients in understanding privacy laws and WPI's policies and procedures concerning privacy.
The ideal candidate will have:
* A commitment to higher education and an understanding of the legal issues faced by universities.
* Deep knowledge and experience in employment and higher education laws, policies, and governance matters.
* Good understanding of shared governance, risk management, and compliance.
* Experience in providing counsel on student affairs and academic affairs issues.
* Substantial experience as a practicing attorney in a sophisticated environment.
* Proven success in providing legal guidance in complex organizations.
* Ability to work collaboratively with multiple constituencies and communicate effectively.
* Demonstrated commitment and contribution to fostering and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
* Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, trustworthiness, and high ethical standards.
* Exceptional analytical, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills.
Requirements include:
* Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
* Member in good standing with the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers.
* A minimum of 10 years of legal practice with significant leadership experience.
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
#J-18808-Ljbffr