Legal Counsel and Labor Relations Director - Legal Affairs Office

POSITION DETAILS

Hunter College invites applications for the position of Legal Counsel. Hunter College, a flagship campus of the City University of New York (CUNY), is a vibrant institution with a diverse and accomplished student body and eminent faculty. With more than 23,000 students, it is CUNY’s most populous senior college campus with a strong commitment to educating those whose access to higher education has historically been limited. Working as an attorney in higher education allows the Associate Counsel to get a wide range of experience and practice in a variety of topics.

The Legal Counsel reports to the General Counsel and works along other attorneys in a fast paced, collaborative, innovative, dynamic, Office of Legal Affairs. Associate Counsel provides legal advice to the College and Hunter College Campus Schools on an assortment of issues including employment and labor law, contracts, non-profit law, governance, ethics, civil rights and immigration law. This generalist attorney position provides legal support to Vice Presidents, Deans, Chairs, faculty, and administrators.

In addition to the CUNY Title Overview, the responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with attorneys in CUNY’s Office of the General Counsel and Office of Labor Relations in connection with litigation and union grievances and arbitrations, including matters relating to students, employees, and third parties.
• Negotiate and draft contracts, donor and gift agreements, license agreements, and CUNY Board of Trustees Resolutions.
• Provide advice with respect to compliance with legal requirements, college and university policies and procedures, and contractual obligations.
• Review and respond to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests, subpoenas, and other requests for college, employee and student records.
• Lead and manage ethics communications and awareness and provide ethics training to faculty and staff in accordance with state requirements.
• Assist with preparation and facilitation of trainings including but not limited to best practices, legal compliance and ethics.
• Provide guidance to Department Chairs, departments, and senior staff.
• Prepare reports, data analysis and reviews of procedures when requested.
• Attend governance, Senate and other official cohort meetings as assigned.
• Prepare, maintain and review immigration materials for faculty and staff, including applications and paperwork, relating to visas. Prepare presentations on immigration issues and procedural protocols.
• Assist the Attorney General’s Office and District Attorney’s Office when required to for cases involving Hunter College.

QUALIFICATIONS

J.D. and at least eight years of related experience. Membership in New York State Bar is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with labor and employment relations law preferred
• Experience with immigration law
• Experience in the CUNY system or higher education preferred
• Strong writing skills
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Exceptional analytical and communication skills and judgment
• Works well as part of a team

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Directs College Labor Relations functions requiring the highest degree of confidentiality, skill, sound judgment and attention to detail.

• Represents the College at grievances and disciplinary proceedings
• Writes labor/legal related briefs and decisions
• Responds to policy and procedural inquiries from a wide variety of College officials, including Vice Presidents, Deans and Department Chairs
• Responds to a variety of requests, such as employment discrimination complaints from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the New York State Division of Human Rights; subpoenas, and document requests
• Provides time-sensitive reports and information to internal and external sources, such as the New York Commission on Public Integrity
• Serves as liaison to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Labor Relations, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Management, and Office of the General Counsel
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: Legal Counsel and Labor Relations Director

CUNY TITLE Higher Education Officer

FLSA Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with education and experience, Salary range: $131,440-$155,388

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world