Associate General Counsel

JOB TITLE

Associate General Counsel

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Office of the General Counsel

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Associate General Counsel reports directly to the Senior Vice President and General Counsel and maintains a generalist practice, providing a wide range of legal advice to WPI clients on topics including, employment, student affairs, compliance, intellectual property, institutional policies, contracts, sponsored research, conflicts of interest, enterprise risk management, and organizational governance. The Associate General Counsel provides proactive, strategic and collaborative advice and counsel to the president, governing board, and clients throughout the university.

This position offers flexible arrangements for remote or on-site work.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities:

• Provides legal advice and support in connection with research administration and compliance, and matters involving WPIs intellectual property development and licensing. Working in conjunction with The Office of the Vice President for Research and the Office of Technology Commercialization, the OGC helps ensure compliance with laws, WPI policies and guidelines in the performance of academic research. Areas of practice include sponsored research, industry collaboration, material transfer agreements, licenses, export control and conflicts of interest.

• Provides guidance on the governance structure, corporation by-laws, organizational structures and decision making, creating, and updating WPI policies and procedures, the governance responsibilities of members of the WPI community, and the authority of members of the WPI community to take action or represent WPI in particular situations, including signing authority.

• Manages litigation and other disputes to which WPI is a party, including government investigations and enforcement actions, employment disputes, contract and business disputes, and intellectual property disputes. Prevents litigation and resolves disputes before legal proceedings are commenced, whether through informal means or through more formal forms of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation and arbitration. Responds to and facilitates the production of documents or witnesses in response to subpoenas, legal demands, third party requests and other legal processes. Manages and oversees outside counsel with respect to all situations where outside legal representation is necessary or warranted.

• Works closely with WPIs Talent and Inclusion Division and with Deans and Departments Heads to provide advice on laws and regulations and on WPI administrative policies and the Faculty Handbook. This includes support on issues relating to internal investigations, complaints of discrimination, disability accommodation, leaves of absence, employee and faculty conduct, hiring, layoffs, collective bargaining and other union matters, separations, wage and hour matters, retirement, disability, and other benefits and immigration. Helps develop and present educational trainings to supervisors and employees on these subjects.

• Advises WPI clients on a broad range of issues relating to student life, including in the areas of student discipline, Title IX compliance, policy development, residential life, academic affairs, student financial services, admissions, privacy and student activities. Works closely with the Provost, student life and academic deans, Title IX coordinators, and other administrators to solve problems, prevent and resolve disputes and ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations and policies impacting student life at WPI. Serves on committees and task forces charged with addressing student issues.

• Provides advice and counsel on a wide range of topics relating to WPIs contractual agreements and legal relationships with vendors, service providers, and organizations with which WPI has collaborative relationships, both domestic and international. Provides legal advice to faculty, staff and students in conjunction with WPIs educational programs and activities, international engagements and collaborations, facilities use, sponsorship and event agreements, and fee for service activities.

• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.

Requirements:

• J.D.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience

• A demonstrated interest in a wide variety of substantive legal areas

• An ability to work well with others in a team-oriented environment

Diversity Statement:

• WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more. The Institution is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in our competitive global marketplace.

Please include a cover letter with a resume for consideration.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.