Montclair State University

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.
• The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.
• Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed – the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.
• In the “My Experience” section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the University Counsel, the Senior Associate Counsel plays a pivotal role championing the University's legal interests, and ensuring that the University remains compliant with laws and regulations. This role is integral to the Office of University Counsel and entails working on various legal matters such as transactional and contract work, research, policy drafting and legal analysis with a broad range of academic and administrative offices, including vice presidents, deans, and other university employees acting on behalf of the University. The Senior Associate Counsel contributes to the shaping of the legal landscape of a leading educational institution that offers a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

This is an exciting time to join Montclair as President Jonathan Koppell has laid out an ambitious agenda with the goal of establishing Montclair as the model of a 21st century public-serving research university. This is already taking shape with the acquisition of Bloomfield College, launch of the Next Generation Service Corps, and externally-funded collaborative community projects in nearby communities. The University has been singled out in rankings and news coverage as an emerging star that is worthy of attention and tracking in the years ahead.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend to a wide range of legal matters affecting the University.
• Assist in the development of University policies and procedures that are consistent with the statutory and regulatory environment of higher education, including the development of policies that involve legal issues.
• Represent the University on a broad range of legal proceedings and negotiations.
• Support the interpretation and application of Constitutional, Federal and state laws and regulations in the management of the University.
• Manage legal projects, as assigned and ensure timely completion and adherence to legal standards.
• Prepare correspondence and legal memoranda; formulate responses and defenses in litigation.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide variety of agreements and contracts including, without limitation, purchase agreements, vendor contracts, international and domestic affiliation agreements of all types, research agreements, real estate transactions, licensing agreements, non-disclosure agreements, leases, financing agreements, etc. 
• Engage in student disciplinary procedures to uphold a safe and conducive learning environment.
• Assist in training University administrators, managers and employees in navigating legal matters; provide them with legal guidance/advice, prevent legal issues, and fulfill their responsibilities during legal challenges or litigation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

• J.D. degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• A minimum of seven years of legal practice relevant to directing the legal affairs of a large, complex organization.
• Membership in good standing with the New Jersey bar, or eligibility to practice law in New Jersey as in-house counsel pursuant to N.J.R. 1:27-2.
• Litigation, compliance, and contract experience, including familiarity with labor and employment law.
• Strong knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations as well as legal issues that arise in a large, complex setting.
• Ability to solve problems collaboratively by combining legal considerations with the other institutional goals and objectives. 
• Must be a “generalist” who can work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple and changing priorities and objectives.
• Ability to demonstrate the knowledge, experience, analytic ability and flexibility to provide advice and representation to the University and administrators in a fast-paced environment.

PREFERRED:

• Legal experience working in higher education and/or the public sector.
• Excellent analytical, research, writing and communication skills.
• Strong representational and presentation skills.
• Superb judgment, discretion, and integrity.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions. 

Department

University Counsel

Position Type

Administrative

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email talent@montclair.edu.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Additional information can be found on the website at 

www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities. The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/