Legal Advisor

Department:

Legal Affairs

Salary/Hourly

$85,000.00 Annual

Union/Position Status:

SES

Posting Closing Date:

January 24, 2026

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM the evening before the posting closing date .

Please note that the posting will close at midnight (12:00 AM) on the posting closing date.

JOB DESCRIPTION

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The Legal Advisor reports to the Executive Vice President of Legal Affairs and serves as a key member of the College's Senior Executive Staff. Providing expert legal counsel to ensure the College operates within applicable laws, regulations, and policies. This role supports informed decision-making by senior leadership, interprets and applies legal principles to institutional practices, and helps manage legal risk in academic, administrative, and employment contexts. The Legal Advisor works collaboratively across departments and with external partners to uphold legal and ethical standards that advance the College's mission and strategic priorities.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Advise the President, Executive Vice Presidents, and senior administrators on legal matters affecting the College, including compliance, contracts, governance, employment, academic policy, and student issues.

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, memorandum of understanding, leases, and other legal instruments to protect the College's interests and ensure compliance with SUNY, state, and federal regulations.

• Conduct legal research and prepare written analyses, opinions, and recommendations on complex legal and regulatory issues.

• Provide legal support for collective bargaining and labor relations, including contract interpretation, grievance review, and representation in negotiations or mediations. Assist in the interpretation and application of SUNY Board of Trustees policies, New York State Education Law, and other relevant statutes and regulations.

• Review and advise on College policies, handbooks, and procedures to ensure alignment with legal requirements and best practices in higher education.

• Coordinate with external counsel, state agencies, and SUNY legal representatives on pending legal matters and institutional compliance issues.

• Support the College in responding to subpoenas, Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests, and other legal inquiries or investigations.

• Participate in risk management initiatives, identifying potential areas of exposure and recommending proactive solutions to mitigate institutional risk.

• Develop and deliver training for College leadership, supervisors, and staff on compliance topics such as Title IX, ADA, employment law, records retention, and ethical conduct.

• Maintain confidential records, prepare reports, and ensure documentation complies with institutional and statutory requirements.

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of institutional goals and priorities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting public higher education institutions, including labor, employment, contract, and administrative law. Strong legal research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and integrity. Capacity to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and provide sound legal judgment in a fast-paced environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Law, Political Science, or a related field.

• Completion of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible legal experience, preferably in higher education, public administration, or employment/labor law.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Admission to practice law and current good standing with the New York State Bar.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Official transcripts and verification of bar membership will be required for successful candidates within 30 days of hire.

Contact Human Resources at (716) 851-1840 with any questions.

Our mission to offer quality education includes exposing our students to a diverse range of cultures, experiences and expertise. At SUNY Erie Community College, we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

SUNY Erie Community College does not discriminate in admission, employment, or in the administration of any of its policies and programs on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, familial status, military status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, veteran status, criminal conviction, or any other characteristics protected by law. This applies to all students, applicants or other members of the College community (including, but not limited to, vendors and visitors). Grievance procedures are available to interested persons by contacting the Civil Rights Compliance Officer listed below. Retaliation against a person who files a complaint, serves as a witness, or assists or participates in the investigation of a complaint in any manner is strictly prohibited.

The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College's non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights Compliance Officer

Human Resource Department

North Campus

Williamsville, NY 14221

(716) 270-5735

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, please contact:

New York Office

United States Department of Education

Office for Civil Rights, 32 Old Slip 26th Floor,

New York, N.Y., 10005-25010;

Tel (646) 428-3800; Email: [email protected] .

SUNY Erie Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employment / Affirmative Action employer, dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment at all three of our Western New York campuses. Ideal employees will be committed to facilitating the College's student-first experience and career-focused education; and will embrace its mission to enrich its host communities through skill, service and partnership. Excellent health and benefits packages are comparable to offerings through similar county and New York State positions. Employees can take advantage of the College's expansive Health & Wellness initiatives; and tuition-free college courses are available for both employees and their families.

SUNY Erie Fast Fact Sheet ( fact\ sheet?e=1821823/57671708)