Associate or Senior Counsel, Student Affairs

Associate or Senior Counsel, Student Affairs Location: Albany, NY | Category: Professional Positions | Posted On: Fri Nov 7 2025 About the Office of General Counsel The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal services and support to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor and senior officers for the State University of New York (SUNY) at SUNY System Administration at Albany, New York, and the presidents and administrators of the campuses within the System. Under the leadership of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and the General Counsel, the SUNY Office of General Counsel is responsible for providing legal services to the System and the 29 State-operated campuses. The OGC consists of more than 70 experienced higher education attorneys, paralegals and support staff located in Albany at the System Administration headquarters and in campus-based offices at the four University Centers, Health Science Centers, and various SUNY colleges. The legal practice of the OGC involves a substantial array of topics, including public procurement, governance and ethics, legislation, health care, capital construction, public finance, labor grievances and arbitration, litigation oversight (the State's Attorney General defends litigation brought against the University), student affairs, and the use of real property, among others. The OGC represents the State University in interactions with State officials who may regulate the affairs of the State University, including the Attorney General, State Comptroller, the Governor and staff, and members of the State Legislature and staff as well as other state and local agencies and entities. Job Duties and Responsibilities As a staff member of the Office of the General Counsel, the Senior or Associate Counsel - Student Affairs will provide comprehensive legal services and guidance to the State University and its State-operated campuses on issues related to student conduct, student safety and health/wellness, student-focused federal and state regulatory compliance, including FERPA, Title IV, Title VI, Title IX, Article 129-B, Clery Act compliance, residential life, Americans with Disability Act and Section 504 compliance, and student activities; assist in policy development and institutional compliance with related SUNY policies and procedures; and perform other duties as assigned. The Senior or Associate Counsel - Student Affairs will also provide guidance to the SUNY Student Conduct Institute and work closely with the Student Conduct Institute and other attorneys to provide compliance training to SUNY and non-SUNY colleges and universities within the Student Conduct Institute membership on Title IX and student conduct related issues. This position has no direct reports. Job Requirements Required Qualifications Juris Doctor degree from an accredited ABA law school (or foreign equivalent). Admission to the New York State Bar in good standing (or eligibility for admission within six months) and a strong academic background. Minimum of 3-5 years of legal practice or relevant experience for Associate Counsel; minimum of 5+ years for Senior Counsel. Preferred Qualifications Experience presenting complex legal concepts to diverse, non-legal professionals. Experience developing presentation and training content related to Title IX, Title VI, conduct, and student affairs matters for diverse, non-legal professionals. Legal experience in an academic setting or government law office. Superior written and oral communication and interpersonal skills. Strong analytical and legal research skills. Additional Information Salary is dependent on factors including experience, education, training, and certifications; range as Associate Counsel is $105,000 - $135,000; as Senior Counsel $112,000 - $145,000. Excellent Benefit Package includes NYS health insurance, free dental and vision coverage, competitive retirement options, tuition assistance, parental leave at full pay, and generous vacation, sick, and holiday time: 13 paid holidays per year; 21 days vacation and 21 days sick time accrued annually. Offer of employment contingent upon successful background check and verification of credentials. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; VISA sponsorship not available; valid driver's license preferred. Management/Confidential appointments work under appointing authority discretion and are not represented by a union. Position located in Albany, New York; limited telecommuting may be available; some travel may be required. Seniority level: Mid-Senior level | Employment type: Full-time | Job function: Legal | Industries: Higher Education #J-18808-Ljbffr