General Counsel

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.  Please see Special Instructions for more details.

​Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check relative to prior criminal convictions and pending cases, as well as Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks relative to prior sexual offenses committed as an adult or juvenile will be conducted on the final candidate prior to an offer of employment. MassArt requires specific written authorization to conduct background checks. Failure to provide such authorization shall preclude your application from receiving further consideration.​ Please note that MassArt does not provide employment-based visa sponsorship or non-student exchange visitor visa sponsorship for administrators, managers, technical staff, library staff or support staff. All offers of employment are based on appropriate U.S. work authorization.

Posting Details

Posting Details
Official Title General Counsel
FLSA Status Exempt
Union Non Unit Professional
Pay Rate $115,000 – $125,000 (commensurate with experience)
Department Office of the President
Job Description / Statement of Duties Massachusetts College of Art and Design is a public, independent college of art and design. The college’s academic and co-curricular programs prepare students from diverse backgrounds to participate in the creative economy as artists, designers, and educators, and to engage in the well-being of their society. As a national leader in visual art and design education, the college influences contemporary culture through the creative accomplishments of its students, alumni, faculty and staff.

This is a new position within the President’s Office. The general counsel will respond to a wide range of legal, regulatory, policy, contract, statute, and governance issues that may arise on campus, either by providing advice directly or in consultation with senior management and/or experts or by engaging the services of outside counsel. S/he is the principal contact with legal counsel of other entities and serves as chief legal officer.

1. Advises multiple university constituencies on legal matters. Plays an integral role in providing legal and strategic advice to the president, board of trustees, and other senior administrators.

2. Renders opinions interpreting and advising, on various laws, regulations, court decisions, and provisions applicable to higher education operations and administration. Prepares and approves legal briefs and other legal documents.

3. Works closely with departments on all employee and union matters. Collaborates with Title IX team on adjudication of complaints of sexual harassment and/or sexual misconduct. Help manage and respond to student complaints.

4. Serves as Records Access Officer (RAO) for the Commonwealth’s statewide public record requests. Central repository for subpoenas received on campus with responsibility for gathering and disseminating documents to requestors.

5. Reviews departmental contracts for execution with external vendors/institutions.

6. General compliance officer for all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and laws. Assures that internal policies and procedures are in compliance with federal and state laws and regulators.

7. Develop and offer training programs for senior management, board members and others regarding state or federal laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines. Performs other related duties as assigned.

8. Promote the University’s commitment to diversity, collegiality, and service excellence by:
● Building effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the university by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance when needed.
● Ensuring optimum service to all internal and external partners in response to all requests for service and information.
● maintaining an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.
Required Minimum Qualifications Juris doctor from an accredited institution and licensed to practice law in the state of Massachusetts.

Five (5) years full-time experience, or equivalent part-time, professional experience engaged in the practice of law, preferably in higher education or public service.
Other Considerations ● Expertise in laws impacting higher education such as HIPPA, ERISA, FMLA, FLSA, and OSHA. Analytical, research, writing, advocacy, and problem-solving skills.
● Solid judgment and ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects.
● Experience with technology transfer and matters pertaining to intellectual property.
● Ability to work collaboratively and to communicate effectively with multiple and diverse constituencies such as faculty, staff, students, legislators, corporate partners, community leaders, the public, alumni, donors, and union leaders.
● Knowledge of Massachusetts state government and pubic higher education.
● Solid working knowledge of matters related to employment law or higher education law, such as ADA, VAWS, other discrimination laws, FERPA, Title IX, and the Clery Act.
● Confidence to make difficult decisions given competing priorities and expectations.
● Willingness to interject into longstanding processes to contribute legal perspectives and prevent larger legal problems in the future.
● Flexible, yet highly respectful of time constraints and deadlines.
● Strong commitment to and appreciation of best practices in diversity and inclusion in higher education.
● Highest standard of personal ethics and integrity.
Job Open Date 06/13/2018
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants ​Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check relative to prior criminal convictions and pending cases, as well as Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks relative to prior sexual offenses committed as an adult or juvenile will be conducted on the final candidate prior to an offer of employment. MassArt requires specific written authorization to conduct background checks. Failure to provide such authorization shall preclude your application from receiving further consideration.​

Please note that MassArt does not provide employment-based visa sponsorship or non-student exchange visitor visa sponsorship for administrators, managers, technical staff, library staff or support staff. All offers of employment are based on appropriate U.S. work authorization.
Requisition Number S00198
Quick Link http://careers.massart.edu/postings/713
Eligible Applicants All (Internal and External)
Pay Basis Bi-weekly
Total Weekly Hours Required 37.5
Job Type Full-time

Application Documents

Required Documents

  1. Resume
  2. Letter of Interest

Optional Documents

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
    • Public Job Posting
    • Internal Job Posting
    • Agency Referral
    • Advertisement/Publication
    • Personal Referral
    • HigherEd Jobs
    • Indeed
    • HireCulture
    • Other Websites
    • Other
  2. Please specify referral source. If this question does not apply, please enter N/A.(Open Ended Question)
  3. Do you possess a Juris Doctorate?
    • Yes
    • No
  4. Are you licensed to practice law in the state of Massachusetts?
    • Yes
    • No
  5. Do you have 5 (five) years of full-time experience, or equivalent part-time, professional experience engaged in the practice of law, preferably in higher education or public service?
    • Yes
    • No