Assistant General Counsel

Join The New School 

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to approximately 8,300 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design and the College of Performing Arts (Mannes, Jazz, and Drama), Lang College and the New School for Social Research, and Parsons Paris. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW

Reporting to the General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel will be a transactional generalist with primary responsibility for overseeing the university-wide contract management process. The position will provide strategic legal advice and support on a broad array of legal matters including compliance, risk management, real estate, international programs, intellectual property, privacy, information security, research administration, and university governance. Must have strong experience in one or more areas and be eager to develop expertise in other areas. This is an excellent opportunity for someone committed to becoming, or developing as, a higher education attorney and interested in being part of a dynamic university community. We recognize the potential of diverse legal experiences and encourage candidates who may not fulfill every criterion to apply.

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the university-wide contract management process, including drafting, reviewing, editing, and negotiating a broad spectrum of commercial agreements; continue to refine and improve university contracting procedures and templates.
• Serve as lead counsel and policy architect for the Office of the General Counsel on institutional policy development and compliance oversight; coordinate with university leadership to ensure clear, current, and enforceable institutional policies.
• Advise on legal aspects of international agreements and programs, including institutional MOUs, academic partnerships, and faculty/student mobility arrangements.
• Manage or assist with legal support for real estate transactions, leases, and facilities-related matters.
• Oversee or coordinate legal issues involving grants and sponsored research, including compliance with federal requirements.
• Partner effectively across the University (e.g., Provost’s Office, Finance, Research, Facilities) to empower colleagues to achieve goals while managing risk and acting in the best interests of the university.
• Perform all job responsibilities with accuracy, efficiency, and high quality.
• Conduct legal research and analysis and draft legal memoranda.
• Remain current on higher education legal developments at the federal, state, and local levels.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree; law degree from an ABA-accredited institution; current admission to practice law in good standing in the State of New York.
• 5+ years of broad-based contracting agreement experience preferably in a university setting, or a combination of law firm and other in-house experience; experience or interest in one or more of the other practice areas described above.
• Familiarity with a wide range of legal issues, especially those pertaining to commercial contracts, but preferably also including information security, intellectual property, sponsored research and privacy.
• Diverse contract management experience preferably in a higher education setting, or a combination of law firm and other in-house experience; exposure to a range of other legal matters.
• Ability to manage a high volume and array of contractual agreements from routine to complex; adapt quickly to changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with a broad range of legal matters; strong experience in reviewing, drafting, negotiating, and editing commercial contracts.
• A zealous commitment to higher education and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies that universities encounter in the legal realm.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough and detailed legal research and analysis; ability to draft well-written legal memoranda.

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement.

Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee. #LI-ONSITE

SALARY

$185,000 per annum

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Wellness 

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations
• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.