"General Counsel"

General Counsel

Posting Number: 72-2024

Department: Office of the President - Dept

Employee Group: Exempt

Status: Full-time

Starting Salary Range: $130,748

Compensation Details: Excellent benefits package. Click here to view our benefits summary.

Position Summary

Purpose: Reporting to the Mott Community College (MCC) President, the General Counsel (GC) plays a vital role as the chief legal strategist and senior advisor on all legal matters impacting MCC. This executive position is responsible for steering MCC through the complex legal landscape of higher education, ensuring compliance, and safeguarding the institution's integrity and reputation.

The GC role demands a collaborative and experienced legal expert who can navigate the myriad legal challenges facing modern educational institutions, ranging from regulatory compliance, labor and employment issues, litigation, contract law, governance, and policy development. As a key member of the President's cabinet, the GC is instrumental in shaping legal and policy decisions that influence MCC's strategic direction and operational effectiveness.

This position requires not only a deep understanding of the law as it applies to higher education but also a keen awareness of how legal decisions can impact the MCC's broader mission, values and resources. The ideal candidate will bring a proactive, forward-thinking approach to the legal function, providing innovative solutions to complex legal issues while fostering a culture of compliance and ethical decision-making across MCC.

Supervisory Responsibility: The GC position holds primary supervisory responsibility for a paralegal/administrative assistant and may oversee the work of work-study students and/or temporary employees involved in legal projects.

Minimum Requirements

1. Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
2. Minimum 15 years of progressive legal experience, with at least 10 years of employment and labor law experience.
3. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan.
4. Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
5. Proven leadership skills in managing complex legal issues, preferably in a dynamic academic environment.
6. Demonstrated legal technology (LegalTech) competencies including knowledge of legal research platforms, e-discover tools, cybersecurity awareness, data analytics, and awareness of AI in legal practice.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

Experience in higher education law or a related field

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

1. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
2. The person in this position needs to move about both inside the office and at other locations where interviews and meetings are conducted.
3. Frequently operates a computer for extended periods of time.
4. Frequently communicates with others over the phone and in person; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
5. Ability to speak clearly and communicate proficiently in English.

Work Schedule Full-time

Additional Information

1. First consideration given to internal candidates.
2. Degree must be conferred by either offer date or close of posting
3. Visa sponsorship is not available.
4. The College is unable to assist with travel and/or relocation expenses.
5. Selected candidates must submit to a drug test and criminal background check.
6. The College reserves the right to cancel the search at any time.

Application Deadline The College reserves the right to close the recruitment process once a sufficient applicant pool has been identified.