Massachusetts Community Colleges - General Counsel
$225,000–$275,000 year
On-siteBedford, Massachusetts, United States
Job Summary
Lead the General Counsel's Office for the Massachusetts Community Colleges, serving as chief legal advisor to fifteen college presidents, boards of trustees, and senior administrators on labor, governance, policy, and litigation. Advise on state and federal laws, contracts, accreditation, and institutional risk management while developing strategies to support systemwide mission and priorities. Supervise and mentor a team of seven attorneys and professional staff, overseeing operations, budgeting, strategic planning, and workflow systems to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality legal services. Represent the colleges in litigation, arbitration, and collective bargaining proceedings, and maintain a visible presence across all campuses through regular engagement and responsive counsel. Conduct legal research, prepare opinions and memoranda, and deliver training programs to strengthen compliance and risk awareness. Report to the Chair of the Council of Community College Presidents.
Required Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
- Member of the Massachusetts Bar, or eligible to become a member of the Massachusetts Bar
- Fifteen (15) years of progressive responsibility in higher education or public-sector law, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience or familiarity working in a union environment with labor and/or labor litigation OR experience operating in a collective bargaining environment
- Knowledge of and familiarity with applicable regulations, laws and statutes governing employment and higher education, including but not limited to Titles IV, VI, VII and IX, as well as ADA, FLSA, and FMLA
- Demonstrated experience supervising and developing attorneys or legal professionals within a complex organization
- Exceptional oral, written, research, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated ability to advise executive leaders, exercise sound judgment, manage competing priorities, and address complex, multidisciplinary legal issues
- Ability to build collaborative relationships, identify practical solutions to complex problems, and foster an environment in which a variety of backgrounds and viewpoints are valued
- Living in Bedford and Greater Boston
Desired Qualifications
- Current or previous experience in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Previous work experience with higher education or public sector law with specialization in employment law and contract review
- Demonstrated understanding of the legal issues affecting higher education, including employment and labor law, collective bargaining, governance, student affairs, compliance, and federal higher education policy
- Experience providing simultaneous counsel to multiple clients, departments, or organizations
- Demonstrated experience leading the modernization of legal operations, workflows, and technology to improve efficiency and service delivery
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