Description:
Position Details:The Special Counsel to the President/Labor Designee reports directly to the President and provides legal advice on a broad array of issues, including, but not limited to: litigation, employment and labor law, compliance and contractual agreements, governance, fundraising, and immigration. The Special Counsel serves as hearing officer of disciplinary and grievance proceedings and represents the College at higher levels of the disciplinary and grievance processes. The Special Counsel also serves as the College's liaison to the University's Office of Legal Affairs as well as the campus Ethics Officer and Records Access Officer. The Special Counsel provides legal support to the Vice Presidents, Senior Administrators, Deans, Department Chairpersons and Directors of College programs, units and College faculty, and the Director of Hunter College Campus Schools.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Responsible for the administration and interpretation of the University Bylaws, University and College policies and procedures, College governance charter, and various collective bargaining agreements.
- Handles employee grievances and disciplinary proceedings as well as student disciplinary appeals; advocates the College's position at appeal hearings.
- Works with attorneys in CUNY's Office of the General Counsel and Office of Human Resources Management and acts as the College's representative at arbitration.
- Investigates complaints filed from outside agencies; provides records, files, and documents required at legal inquiries and proceedings; prepares or reviews contracts and affiliation agreements entered into by the College; assists in proceedings before federal and state courts and administrative agencies; and ensures College compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
- Ensures compliance with promotional and tenure standards and multiple position policy promulgated by the City University of New York.
- Provides ongoing legal counsel and advice to College staff in areas related to contract and commercial matters involving College and College-affiliated entities.
- Performs other related duties as assigned by the President.
Qualifications:
This position is in CUNY's Executive Compensation Plan. All executive positions require a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and ten years' related experience.
Other Qualifications:
Candidates must have a JD and be admitted to the N.Y. State Bar. The successful candidate will have excellent communication, interpersonal, conflict resolution, and organizational skills as well as excellent judgment.
