New

Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Rutgers University

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Apr 04, 2025

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Legal
Department	General Counsel
Overview	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the Office of General Counsel. The Senior Vice President and General Counsel serves as the Chief Legal Officer for Rutgers the State University of New Jersey. Reporting directly to the President, the General Counsel provides legal advice to the President, the Board of Governors, the Board of Trustees, senior leadership, and administrators across the University. The General Counsel is a trusted advisor and ensuring that the University's interests are effectively represented and protected.leader, responsible for overseeing all legal functions across the University's diverse operations, including its academic, medical, research, athletics, and administrative sectors. The General Counsel leads the Office of General Counsel, which currently comprises a dynamic team of 23 attorneys, 3 legal assistants, and 9 administrative staff across multiple locations. The General Counsel also manages the University's relationships with external legal counsel and plays a pivotal role in shaping and managing the University's approach to risk, compliance, and legal issues. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the General Counsel contributes to strategic decisions and major institutional transactions. Among the key duties of this position are the following: 1. Leadership and Strategic Counsel Serves as the University's chief legal officer, supervising the provision of comprehensive legal services to the University and its controlled entities. Serves as the principal legal advisor to the President, Board of Governors, Board of Trustees, senior leadership team, and administrators across the University, providing legal advice on a wide range of legal, policy, and business matters impacting the University. Serves as a reliable analyst in the management of campus crises and critical incidents. Participates actively in the development and implementation of the University's strategic initiatives by providing advice regarding the legal considerations pertaining to such initiatives. Provides legal advice on matters related to institutional governance, compliance, and risk management, including navigating complex regulatory environments for both academic and healthcare settings. Supports the University's mission by promoting legal best practices in the academic, research, and healthcare sectors. 2. Management of Legal Department Leads and manages the Office of General Counsel, overseeing a team of in-house attorneys (in four practice groups - litigation and general affairs, labor and employment, healthcare, and transactions) and support staff and fostering an environment of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth. Provides guidance and oversight on all legal work conducted by the Office of General Counsel, ensuring quality and efficiency in the provision of legal advice. Promotes a diverse and inclusive culture within the legal department and across the University's legal functions. 3. Oversight of External Counsel Manages and coordinates the use of outside counsel, ensuring effective and cost-efficient representation of the University in litigation and other matters in which external counsel is retained. Oversees the University's spending for the engagement of external counsel. 4. Risk Management and Claims Oversight Plays a key role in the University's risk management strategies, including advising on medical, liability, and other institutional claims. Participates in high-stakes, sensitive claims, helping to navigate the legal implications of various risks faced by the University and its academic medical center. Collaborates with key stakeholders in the management of the University's insurance programs, policies, and claims management. 5. University Governance and Compliance Advises on complex legal issues related to University governance, compliance, and ethical standards, including working with the Board of Governors and Board of Trustees on governance and legal matters. Provides legal advice to the University regarding all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including those related to higher education, medical care, research, intellectual property, athletics, and labor and employment. 6. Medical and Research Operations Provides legal counsel for the University's academic medical center, including compliance with evolving healthcare laws and regulations (e.g., HIPAA, FDA regulations), medical malpractice, patient care, and research-related matters, and provides strategic advice to mitigate legal risks. Works closely with leaders in the medical and research communities to address legal challenges related to clinical trials, intellectual property, bioethics, and other healthcare-related issues. 7. Institutional Advocacy and External Relations Represents the University's interests in dealings with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and external legal entities. Supports University leadership in advocating for policy positions and initiatives that align with the institution's academic and healthcare missions. Provides leadership within regional and national organizations of General Counsels. In no particular order, the next General Counsel will be charged with addressing the following opportunities and challenges: Leads and empowers the Office of General Counsel to achieve even greater success The incoming General Counsel will assume leadership of the Office of General Counsel and continue to enhance the office's track record as a highly regarded business partner. The President, the Board of Governors and the Board of Trustees are fully committed to supporting a well-structured and thoughtful leadership strategy that can effectively address the ever-changing landscape of higher education and healthcare. This approach aims to streamline processes further and promote the growth and professional advancement of the existing legal team. The General Counsel, in their role, will foster a culture of collaboration, working closely with various constituents, including faculty, staff, administrators, and external partners. This collaborative effort is key to ensuring the continued success and positive influence of the Office of General Counsel within the University community. Acts as a dependable advisor to the President, the Board of Governors, the Board of Trustees and other senior leaders As the General Counsel for the University, the individual in this role will play a pivotal part in building and upholding trust with the President, the Board of Governors, the Board of Trustees and other high-ranking administrators and leaders. Their responsibilities will include offering expert advice on the Board's legal and fiduciary obligations and duties. They will also assist the President and Board members in addressing intricate and sensitive matters. Beyond these responsibilities, the General Counsel will have the opportunity to contribute to cultivating a culture rooted in transparency, integrity, and excellence, which is vital for the University's prosperity. Establishes a strong and effective presence at the University Success in this position relies equally on interpersonal relationships as well as on specific expertise and experience. The new leader will need to invest time, energy, and passion in building strong relationships and earning the trust, respect, and credibility of senior leadership, the Boards, administrators and the wider community. The effective General Counsel will be known in the Rutgers community as a strategic thinker who is perceptive, responsive, collaborative, and approachable, with strong follow-through, sound legal advice, and comprehensive counsel based on a thorough understanding of legal issues related to higher education and healthcare.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
FLSA	Exempt
Grade
Position Salary
Annual Minimum Salary	0.000
Annual Mid Range Salary	0.000
Annual Maximum Salary	0.000
Standard Hours	37.50
Union Description	Senior Administrators (ATP)
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	The ideal candidate must have outstanding academic credentials, a law degree from an ABA-accredited law school, be a member in good standing of the New Jersey State Bar, or eligible to become a member of the New Jersey State Bar within one year after being hired. A minimum of 15 years of legal experience with significant experience in higher education law, healthcare law, labor and employment law, including experience in complex institutional matters.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Rutgers is in search of a resourceful and forward-thinking General Counsel with exceptional legal expertise to act as a strategic partner in advancing the University's mission as a nationally recognized public institution committed to providing educational opportunities, driving research, providing high quality clinical care, and enriching the community. Proven leadership experience managing teams of legal professionals in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Deep understanding of the unique legal challenges faced by large academic research institutions and medical centers. Familiarity with the evolving state of intercollegiate athletics. Experience in managing risk and compliance within both educational and healthcare contexts, with a track record of strategic decision-making. Experience working with the stakeholders in Rutgers as the State University of New Jersey, such as the governor, the legislature, the relevant executive departments of state government, alumni, and public employee unions. Outstanding legal acumen and the ability to provide timely and sound legal advice. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage, listen to, and collaborate with constituent, stakeholder, and leadership groups. Proven ability to navigate and manage complex legal and regulatory environments. Experience managing budgets and overseeing external legal resources. Strong commitment to university mission, promoting excellence and addressing societal challenges with a focus on student and community needs. Proven impact in addressing issues of equity and the ability to foster an innovative, inclusive, safe, and affirming community that attracts, retains, and sustains a diverse community of outstanding faculty, students, and staff. Strategic thinker with the ability to balance legal concerns with institutional priorities and goals. Collaborative leader who works effectively across organizational boundaries and fosters an environment of teamwork and inclusion. Demonstrated high level of integrity, ethics, and professionalism, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion. Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment while maintaining a focus on long-term institutional goals. Strong sense of irony/humor. This is New Jersey.
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	25ST0724
Posting Open Date	04/04/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey has engaged the firm of WittKieffer to manage the search process. Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. To be considered applicants must complete the following two-step process: 1. Submit an employment application via the Rutgers career site: Apply via Rutgers' career site using the link on this posting. 2. Provide a curriculum vitae and a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements in the leadership profile using WittKieffer's Candidate Portal. Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by April 30, 2025. For inquiries and additional information please contact the WittKieffer search team, Werner Boel, Zach Smith and Tyler Workman at: RutgersGC@wittkieffer.com
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	College Ave (RU-New Brunswick)
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement