Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), an institutional accreditor, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel.

Middle States Commission on Higher Education: MSCHE, located in Philadelphia, PA, is a voluntary, non-governmental, membership association that defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence across institutions with diverse missions, student populations, and resources. MSCHE is recognized as an institutional accreditor by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel: Under the supervision of the President, the incumbent of this position will support a broad range of legal activities within the organization.  The incumbent in this position will manage and assess legal risks and ensure the appropriate management of complex legal and regulatory matters that arise from the organization and from the business of accrediting colleges and universities. The incumbent in this position will support personnel-related matters and serve as a resource for human resource staff.  The management of subpoenas and other legal notices will be expected of the incumbent, and the review of documents and contracts will be necessary to best support the work of the organization.

The Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel will oversee and manage the Commission’s legal aspects of the complex substantive change process in accordance with federal regulation as well as Commission policy and procedures, which require legal review, more in-depth evaluation, and often reflect changes in legal status, form of control, or ownership.  Working with other staff, proposing appropriate action language, and supporting the breadth of the review will be critical.  The incumbent will also provide counsel to the President on any institutional matter that reflects other high-level risks for the organization.

The Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel is expected to remain knowledgeable of applicable federal and state regulations, Commission policy and procedures, and legal trends that could impact the organization or its accreditation activities.  Participation in policy discussions with staff, the Commission, and through other opportunities at regional or national events as requested by the President will be expected.

The Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel will serve as an organizational leader and provide energetic and positive interactions with staff, Commissioners, member institutions, peer evaluators, and all constituents through exceptional customer service and communication skills. 

This is a full-time exempt, remote teleworking position, but does require onsite presence in Philadelphia, PA, and other locations when necessary to fulfill the work of the Commission.  The incumbent is expected to travel to and represent the Commission at regional, national, and international events and conferences, funding permitting. This position offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits and work environment.

Other Responsibilities include:

• Legal Support and Advice on Organizational Matters;
• Legal Advice on Institutional Matters; and
• Joining the Executive Leadership Team and Cabinet and actively support and participate within the Commission’s activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school;
• A minimum of three years of legal experience;
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or eligible for immediate licensure;
• Broad legal experience across a range of areas, including labor law, contract law, corporate transactions, antitrust compliance, and general non-profit laws and principles;
• Broad-based legal experience and knowledge of higher education and/or with non-profit organizations;
• Demonstrated experience working with a governing board;
• Demonstrated general legal experience in the areas needed to support the position;
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the legal issues confronting colleges and universities, including those from a regulatory perspective;
• Knowledge or experience in international law and/or antitrust law would be beneficial to the position;
• Exceptional verbal, written, and customer service skills, with demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment;
• Demonstrated technology skills needed for the position, with the flexibility to adapt to changing technology as necessary; and
• Exceptional analytical, interpersonal, research, and organizational skills.

For more information on MSCHE and the position, including additional responsibilities and a full list of qualifications, please email employment@msche.org

How to Apply: 

Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be sent to: employment@msche.org.

Applications should include:

1) a detailed letter of interest;

2) a current resume; and

3) a list of five professional references with contact information. References will not be contacted without permission from the candidate.

Please submit applications by October 10, 2021.

Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

MSCHE is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. MSCHE strictly prohibits and does not tolerate unlawful discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons on the basis of protected class membership. For information please visit, https://www.msche.org/about-us/equal-employment-opportunity