General Counsel

Overview and Responsibilities

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is seeking candidates who are eager to contribute to its Lasallian Catholic mission of awakening, nurturing, and empowering learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. We invite individuals to help transform lives through education, inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition’s quest to understand the human experience through faith and reason and its embrace of all who are dedicated to learning from one another through authentic conversations in search of the truth. We are especially interested in and give preference to candidates who demonstrate a vision to create and nurture initiatives that will advance our mission within the scope of their duties and who will foster a culture of dialogue that, with respect for all people, supports the search for meaning and purpose in pursuit of excellence.

 

Job Summary

 

As the University's chief legal officer, the General Counsel provides strategic legal counsel and guidance to the President, Board of Trustees, President's Cabinet, and senior leadership across a diverse range of complex legal, regulatory, governance, and institutional matters. This highly visible executive leader serves as a trusted advisor and collaborative partner dedicated to advancing the University's mission while minimizing legal and reputational risk.

The General Counsel functions as a proactive, solutions-oriented leader who bridges the University's strategic goals and legal obligations, fostering a culture of informed, ethical decision-making and institutional accountability. The General Counsel advises across a broad spectrum of issues affecting higher education, including employment matters, student affairs, governance, compliance, contracts, litigation, risk management, Title IX, regulatory developments, and emerging legal challenges. The General Counsel also assists in the selection, retention, and oversight of experienced outside counsel engaged to support specialized legal matters.

As a member of the President's Cabinet, the General Counsel works closely with institutional leadership to navigate complex legal landscapes, support sound governance practices, and provide practical guidance that advances organizational objectives while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation requirements. The General Counsel serves as a trusted and accessible resource to leadership and collaborates extensively with Human Resources, Student Affairs, Title IX, Campus Safety, Academic Affairs, Finance, Athletics, and other administrative units.

The General Counsel is expected to exercise exceptional judgment, integrity, discretion, diplomacy, and political acumen while managing sensitive and high-profile matters affecting the University community. This position reports directly to the President.

 

Salary Range: $160,000 - $190,000

Main Duties & Responsibilities

 

Strategic Leadership and Legal Counsel

• Serve as the University's chief legal advisor on all legal, regulatory, governance, compliance, and risk management matters.
• Provide strategic legal counsel and practical guidance to the President, Board of Trustees, President's Cabinet, and senior leadership.
• Anticipate legal issues, assess institutional risks, and develop proactive strategies to protect the University's interests and mission.
• Translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable recommendations for both legal and non-legal audiences.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and collaborative partner to campus leaders in addressing complex and sensitive institutional matters.
• Inform leadership regarding legislative, regulatory, and legal developments that may impact university operations.
• Support strategic initiatives, institutional partnerships, affiliations, acquisitions, and other significant organizational transactions.

Governance and Board Relations

• Serve as legal advisor to the Board of Trustees on governance, fiduciary responsibilities, bylaws, policies, and legal obligations.
• Support effective university governance and ensure compliance with governance requirements and best practices.
• Review and draft Board resolutions, governance documents, policies, and related materials.
• Advise trustees and senior leadership regarding emerging legal and governance issues.
• Serves as a resource person for the University Nominations and Governance Committee.
• Manage all legal affairs involving the University and Board of Trustees.

Employment, Labor, and Human Resources Matters

• Advise and support Human Resources regarding employment law matters, including compliance with Titles VI, VII, and IX, the Americans wit