General Counsel

*OUTSTANDING BENEFITS UNLIKE ANY OTHER. Low-cost health benefits, 6% 403b contribution, affordable tuition at Niagara University for you and eligible immediate family members, tuition exchange at other designated universities for eligible dependent children, generous holidays (20 days annually), PTO, and ½ day Fridays throughout the summer. Niagara University is also an approved employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Campus life is vibrant and offers free parking, on-site dining options, and fresh coffee at Tim Horton's and Starbucks, all in a beautiful park-like setting*. *If you'd like to know more, check out all of the* [*NU Facts*](https://www.niagara.edu/about-nu/)*.* **NIAGARA UNIVERSITY** *Founded 1856 • Vincentian Catholic Tradition* **GENERAL COUNSEL** Office of the General Counsel | **Location:** Lewiston, New York | **Employment Type:** Full-Time, Regular | | --- | --- | | **FLSA Status:** Exempt | **Classification:** Administrative | | **Reports To:** Vice President, Government and Community Relations | # About Niagara University Founded in 1856 by the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian Fathers and Brothers), Niagara University is a private Catholic university located in Lewiston, New York, where a beautiful historic campus overlooks the Niagara River gorge just minutes from the world-renowned Niagara Falls. For more than 165 years, the university has been guided by its Vincentian mission-an unwavering commitment to service, respect for the dignity of every person, and a deep engagement with community. Today, Niagara University serves more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students across colleges of arts and sciences, business administration, education, hospitality and tourism management, and nursing. Niagara University is known for its close-knit, supportive environment; its dedication to academic excellence and experiential learning; and its commitment to developing ethical, compassionate leaders prepared to make a meaningful difference in the world. The university actively fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences to join its vibrant campus community. With expanding programs-including international operations in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada-and an engaged Board of Trustees, Niagara University is at an exciting moment in its institutional trajectory and offers a compelling environment for professionals seeking purposeful, mission-driven work. # The Opportunity Niagara University seeks an experienced, strategic, and collegial attorney to serve as its General Counsel-the institution's chief legal officer and the senior official responsible for overseeing all legal affairs of the university. This is a high-impact leadership position with broad institutional scope, offering the opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor to the Board of Trustees, the President, and senior administrators on the full spectrum of legal, regulatory, and governance matters affecting a dynamic, mission-driven institution. Reporting to the Vice President for Government and Community Relations, the General Counsel manages all matters in litigation, supervises outside counsel, serves as liaison to regulatory and legislative bodies, and operates the university's in-house law office. The position also plays a central role in enterprise risk management, institutional governance, policy development, and strategic planning. The ideal candidate will bring sound legal judgment, a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset, outstanding interpersonal skills, and a genuine commitment to the Vincentian tradition of service and community. # Key Responsibilities ## Strategic Counsel and Leadership Advisory - Serve as the primary legal advisor to the Board of Trustees, the President, Vice Presidents, Deans, and other senior administrators, providing timely counsel on a comprehensive range of institutional legal matters. - Provide legal support including fo…