General Counsel

Overview:

Quinnipiac University seeks to hire a General Counsel to work with a dynamic and energetic president and senior management team. The General Counsel will be a key member of the President’s Management Committee, which is the strategic leadership team of the university. The General Counsel will join QU at a critical and exciting moment in the University’s trajectory, with growth and momentum in admissions, fundraising, and capital projects. They will be vital to the implementation of Quinnipiac’s ambitious strategic plan and will serve as a trusted advisor. Reporting to the President, the General Counsel will serve as the chief legal officer of the University, coordinate all of Quinnipiac’s legal affairs, and provide advice and counsel to Quinnipiac’s President, Board of Trustees, executive officers, faculty, and staff. The General Counsel will oversee all outside use of counsel and advise on all legal matters and will be responsible for compliance with federal and local laws governing non-profit institutions of higher learning.

Responsibilities:

• Represents Quinnipiac as its chief legal officer, serving as the legal representative of and a senior advisor to the President, the Board of Trustees, executive officers, faculty, and senior staff.
• Provides comprehensive legal counsel, representation, and oversight on the wide range of legal matters affecting Quinnipiac University.
• Protects Quinnipiac’s institutional integrity, extending to best practices, potential liability, and matters that present substantial institutional risk.
• Manages the operations and workload of the General Counsel office using advanced IT tools and systems.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and rules enforced by U.S. federal, state, and local regulators and appropriate global regulators.
• Leads a service-oriented office of legal affairs, coordinating and managing provision of legal services across Quinnipiac.
• Selects and supervises outside legal counsel, including in transactions, contracting, litigation, and regulatory matters.
• Serves as an ally in advancing innovative university ideas and practices, while addressing any legal concerns.
• Oversees the status of the university as a tax-exempt organization.

Education Requirements:

• The successful candidate should hold a law degree, be a member in good standing of a state bar, and satisfy all applicable requirements for attorneys practicing law in Connecticut.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 10+ years relevant legal experience.
• Experience as a trusted adviser to a CEO/President and governing board.
• Expertise in, and exposure to, legal issues similar to those at Quinnipiac.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Effectiveness in working as a positive contributor to senior management teams.
• Experience managing a broad portfolio of legal issues, litigation, and legal risk assessment.
• Knowledge of IT systems that improve the efficacy of the operations of a General Counsel office.

Critical Competencies for Success:

• Demonstrated legal talent with the ability to focus on and counsel leadership on major issues.
• Expertise in managing complex employment and labor issues.
• Demonstrated sound judgment with a track record of serving as a key contributor to a fast-paced leadership team.
• Ability to engage and manage outside counsel.
• Strategic thinking that moves fluidly between the big picture and details.

Other Personal Characteristics:

• Uncompromising integrity and the highest ethical standards.
• Innovative, forward-thinking, and entrepreneurial.
• Interpersonally sensitive and a good listener.
• A commitment to advancing diverse points of view.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To apply or nominate an individual for this position, please send an email to QUGC@spencerstuart.com; applicants also should include a resume and cover letter.

Quinnipiac University is considering only those applicants who have valid authorization to work in the United States. Quinnipiac University does not sponsor employment-based visas for this position.

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with both experience and achievement.

Advertised: 13 Apr 2024 Eastern Daylight Time