General Counsel

About MassArt:

Founded in 1873, having celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), is the nation's first and only independent, free-standing public college of art and design in the country. MassArt is an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, makers, educators, innovators and leaders striving to shape the future through art and design. We've spent 150 years demonstrating the truly amazing things that happen when a world-class art and design education is an option for every deserving student. Located in Boston's hub of arts and culture along the Avenue of the Arts, MassArt enrolls 2,000 students and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in 18 disciplines, as well as continuing education and youth programs.

MassArt strives to be a model of diversity and inclusion; the campus community reflects the layers of cultural and self-identity that proudly make up our region, nation, and world. We build effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the College by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance to all and maintain an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.

Job Description:

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist MassArt in its search for General Counsel.

For full consideration, please apply by June 8, 2026.

This is a remarkable opportunity to lead and shape the future during a vibrant period of accomplishment at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). The General Counsel joins MassArt at a time of strong institutional momentum, with a dynamic leadership team, a revitalized branding initiative, and the launch of a refreshed Strategic Partnership Plan. Under the guidance of an inspiring President, MassArt continues its trajectory of transformative growth while remaining steadfast in its mission to cultivate artists, designers, educators, and makers from diverse backgrounds who shape communities, economies, and cultures for the common good. MassArt is the nation's only independent public college of art and design, serving over 2,000 undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students.

The General Counsel will serve as the University's chief legal and compliance officer, providing strategic legal guidance to the President, Board of Trustees, President's Cabinet, and senior leadership on a broad and complex range of matters. As a collaborative partner, the General Counsel promotes sound decision-making and mitigates institutional risk, ensuring policies and practices align with legal requirements and best practices in higher education. This is a highly engaged role requiring a proactive, solutions- oriented approach and the ability to advise across a wide range of institutional issues, from employment and labor relations to free expression, student matters, and emerging regulatory challenges. The General Counsel oversees the University's compliance program, centralized policy management system, and Enterprise Risk Management process, while advising on employment matters, governance, contracts, and regulatory compliance, and managing relationships with outside counsel.

This role is highly visible across the institution, serving as a trusted and accessible advisor on sensitive and high-profile matters. The General Counsel will be a proactive partner to campus leaders, known for sound judgment, strong communication, and the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance. The General Counsel works closely with Human Resources, Equal Opportunity/Title IX, and other administrative units to support compliance, resolve complex issues, and mitigate risk. The General Counsel brings exceptional judgment, integrity, and discretion, with the ability to navigate complex legal landscapes in support of the University's mission.

This position reports to the President and supervises the Executive Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, as well as co-supervision of the Administrative and Special Projects Coordinator.

This is a fully on-site position and offers a generous benefits package.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide legal counsel and strategic guidance to the officers of the institution and other senior management on all legal matters relevant to a public higher education institution, including personnel law, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, and laws pertaining to students, purchasing contracts, grants, Memorandums of Understanding, worker compensation, liability and insurance matters, public monies and purchases, affirmative action, and other laws and regulations
• Serve as a proactive, solutions-oriented advisor to campus leaders, providing clear, practical guidance on complex and sensitive issues across all areas of the institution
• Advise and support the Human Resources team with matters related to employment law issues (Titles VI, VII, and IX, ADA, FLSA, and FMLA), employment policies, benefits administration, matters of compliance with state and federal regulations, and recommendations for corrective actions as needed
• Oversee the University's collective bargaining agreements, providing counsel to the president, senior administrators, and human resources team on personnel actions, discipline, and grievances
• Advise and support the Equal Opportunity Office, providing oversight and guidance
• Perform legal research and analysis regarding a wide range of legislative, regulatory, and other institutional matters and presents findings to the President, Cabinet, and Board of Trustees
• Oversee enterprise risk management and compliance committee to ensure that the University is following federal, state, and local policies, and regulations
• Participate in the development, review, and updating of policies and administrative procedures, as needed
• Inform the President, Cabinet and staff of changes to legislation, Board Policy, Administrative procedures and other issues impacting operations
• Examine, create and maintain draft agreements and legal documents of College's operations
• Maintain confidentiality of privileged information and adhere to applicable privacy laws.
• Demonstrate sensitivity, understanding and respect of diverse populations within the workplace
• Represent or oversee the representation of the institution and upper management in judicial and administrative proceedings, and in negotiations with other state agencies
• Build and maintain strong relationships with state agencies, peer institutions, and external partners to inform legal strategy and leverage available resources
• Ensure that the College's commitment to Justice, Equity and Transformation is incorporated in all College processes and programming

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment
• Ability to provide sound legal advice and counsel to senior university officials on a wide range of legal and policy issues
• Knowledge of the range of applicable laws and regulations which impact on all facets of university policy and operations
• Ability to analyze and interpret issues and to prepare legal opinions
• Ability to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government